Hebden Bridge

I was a little concerned this morning when I woke up and tried to move to find that my hurty bits were still hurting quite a lot. I guess the Pennine Way over the Peaks had really done a number on me over the last few days?

Fortunately, today was a rest day so I didn’t have to rush up. In fact, much like other rest days I didn’t even bother getting up for breakfast, knowing that if I did then that would be it – up, awake and then trying to find things to fill the hours with. I didn’t want that as I truly needed a proper rest day today. I suppose eventually getting out of bed at midday classes as a good way to start a rest day?

I wasn’t sat in bed doing nothing. I still had yesterday’s post to write and, even after a reasonable night’s sleep, I still struggled to concentrate on it this morning. I got there in the end though but it certainly took a while to do. It’s not like I had anything else to be rushing around for now though was it?
Beginning to get a bit hungry, having survived the morning on some chocolate I had in my pack, I got myself up and dressed and headed out into the sunshine. I was glad I wasn’t walking as it was reasonably hot this afternoon but I hear the next few days are supposed to be the same…joy. Not worth worrying about that now though.

I had a quick stroll round and found somewhere to buy a sandwich and a drink and then went and sat by the river in the sun to eat my lunch. There was a rather eccentric looking guy busking, playing everything from a sitar to an accordion while singing his songs. It was really nice just sitting there and soaking up the atmosphere with the busker’s songs floating through the air. After I’d finished my lunch I took his picture and put some money in his case as a thank you for making my lunch that much more enjoyable.

Feeling a bit better for some food I took a bit more of a stroll round, well, as far as my still aching legs and feet would take me that is. Hebden Bridge is, from what I could see, a very nice little place with the river, canal, nice parks and buildings all doing a very good job of making it a pleasure to walk around. I guess the only bad thing I found on my limited walk round was the main road through Hebden which was busy for most of the day. Other than that though it seemed very nice indeed.

I’m sure there was a lot more I could have looked at if I’d had the energy – there seemed to be an abundance of brown signs pointing to various points of interest – but as my legs were still aching I didn’t venture too far knowing that I’d be walking again tomorrow.

One thing I did see though was the old bridge that gave Hebden Bridge its name. The bridge was erected around 1510 replacing an old medieval timber bridge. It was a lovely spot, which is where I sat to have my lunch.

Walk done I went to a few shops to get some supplies in for the coming days and then treated myself to a couple of pints in the Railway pub. I don’t like to drink too much in the evening when I’ve got to walk the next day but I thought a couple in the afternoon wouldn’t hurt too much, plus it gave me a chance to sit down for a bit more and rest my legs and feet. Any excuse eh?

After that I headed back to my room to try and sort out my accommodation for the next few days, something I struggled with a bit which surprised me. I managed to sort out the next couple of days but Friday was impossible. I’m supposed to be in Horton in Ribblesdale that night but after trying pretty much every number I could find, the final lady I spoke to said there were only forty beds in the village and they normally see a few hundred people come through over a weekend. Bugger!

In the end I gave up trying to find somewhere and phoned Russ to change our plans for the weekend. Originally he was going to come and pick me up on Saturday so that I can stay at their place for a couple of days, but after the troubles trying to find a room for Friday he’s now going to meet me in Horton in Ribblesdale and I’ll spend the weekend at their place starting Friday night. Problem solved. Thanks Russ and Rachel, very much appreciated!

I started on the phone the to the girls tonight as Sarah hadn’t picked up my text about me having wifi here for a video call, but before starting the video call Sarah told me that Elisa had been to the doctors today to have her ears checked out. It looks as though she’s got glue ear, a condition where the middle ear fills with glue-like fluid instead of air which causes dulled hearing. It’s hoped that it’ll clear without any treatment but if not then they’ll have to try and do something about it. Bless her.

The video call with the girls was lovely – they always put a smile on my face. They both looked a bit tired and were already ready for bed, but we had a really nice chat.

Beginning to feel hungry again I took myself out for dinner: fish and chips! If there’s one thing I’ve learnt since Russ and Rachel moved to Yorkshire it’s that the fish and chips here are fantastic. What else could I have for dinner? I’d already spotted AJ’s fish and chip restaurant earlier in the day so I went straight there and had a great piece of haddock with chips and mushy peas…yummy! I had a beer to wash it all down and, feeling a little on the full side, I waddled my way back to my room to chill out and watch some football before tomorrow’s walking.

All in all it’s been a really nice day in Hebden today. I think it’s somewhere I’d definitely visit again, whether that be staying here or just popping in for the day to see what else it had to offer.
I’m walking past Bradford and Leeds tomorrow on my way to the Yorkshire Dales, somewhere I’ve been looking forward to walking. Fingers crossed I’ll be there in a couple of days.

Photos

I f you want to find out more about this day you can see the photos I took.