Thankfully the hot & humid recent heatwave was replaced with a much cloudier & cooler day making for perfect walking conditions . Five trotted off from Rylstone making good progress to reach picturesque Linton . Across fields , through Thorpe & meadowland to the first stop at Burnsall Bridge ; being midweek pleasantly quiet & devoid of the tourists that can crowd here at weekends .

A brief stretch on the Dales Way then upwards as views unfolded to finally drop into Trollers Gill , a spectacular & peaceful limestone gorge which was carefully negotiated as the underfoot conditions were slippery & uneven . Via the entrance to Parcevall Hall & High Skyreholme preceding a long ,steep ascent to the trig on Simon's Seat admiring long distance views off the summit across a large part of the Yorkshire Dales . Here Anne performed her customary party piece by clambering ungainfully on to the trig for a photo call !

A second stop then descending to leave the track about two thirds of the way down to follow an unmarked access path by the side of a plantation ,emerging with stunning views of the onwards route & beyond , continuing the descent to cross the Wharf & reach the Strid cafe . No need to waste time buying anything here so we crossed the road & ascended across rough field paths to take a final stop by a wall at the top of the climb , admiring views across to Simon's Seat & Barden Tower .

Tearing ourselves away from this vantage point we motored across moorland tracks , ascending then descending to the sound of larks , lapwings & curlews to finally reach the duck pond in Rylstone at 1610 . Excellent progress was made by all who entered into the spirit of this brisk paced walk with minimal dwell time between the refreshment stops ,ensuring an early finish with the 25 miles & 3600 ft of ascent polished off in 7hrs & 40 mins with three stops . Thanks to South Pennine newbies Alf & Kevin plus regular stalwarts Paul & Anne .

Ian