Tuesday, July 12th: here we go - first stage, Edale to Crowden (16 miles).

Well that was eventful! It was strenuous but stunning getting up to Kinder Scout and High Peak. Amazing vistas - and good weather, too. With only a few miles to go though, I went down the wrong side of a river and, trying to cross, slithered down the bank and in. Got a reet soaking' and no mistake. It wasn't much fun climbing up the opposite bank (nearly vertical, 15 feet, with just heather to hang on to). A lovely chap called Phill hauled me up the last bit and we walked together down to Crowden. Luckily, the campsite had a great drying room...

Wednesday, July 13th: Crowden to Standedge (11 miles)

Up, up and more up, all the way to Black Hill. It was great walking along the precipitous ridge starting at Laddow Rocks. Then it was down up and down again until I took a decision to divert to Marsden and take a day off to sort a few things out. I've learned a lot from other walkers and one chap told me about a baggage transfer service I could use instead of lugging my heavy pack around complete with tent, sleeping mat and fleece. He also said I shouldn't be wearing jeans, but lightweight walking trousers.

Thursday, July 14th: So I booked in at this nice hotel for two nights. Today I walked to the station along the canal - how beautifully elegant in design and construction are those locks, bridges and spillways - and took a train to Huddersfield, where I bought the walking trousers and some foot cream. Back at the hotel, I've booked ahead at a mixture of Airbnb, youth hostels (hah!) and hotels and contacted the transfer service.

I'm glad I've had a day off, not least because I now have aches in places where I don't even have places...

Off again tomorrow!

Friday, July 15th: Started out OK in mild but cloudy weather, using a bridleway to rejoin the Pennine Way north of Standedge. All went well until the M62, when the rain started. It didn't really stop after that until I got close to Hebden! It wasn't heavy, but driven by side winds, so I got fairly comprehensively soaked. I didn't mind too much, but what was disappointing was not being able to see the views for the mist. The route went past a chain of reservoirs and over Blackstone Edge, which looked pretty dramatic.

Saturday, July 16th: Hebden Bridge to Ponden (11 miles)

I'm afraid the previous day's soaking had taken its toll ago I dipped out after a couple of miles and took the bus to Hawarth, then a taxi to Ponden. No miles claimed! The Ponden Guest House is quite one of the nicest places I've ever stayed.  Brenda, the owner, is delightful and laid out a breakfast fit for for a king. The house is lovely and overlooks Ponden reservoir. 

Sunday, July 17th: Ponden to Earby (10 miles)a pub and 

Quite the best day so far - beautiful weather, rolling hills and dales, and a pleasant little youth hostel at the end.

Monday, July 18th: Earby to Malham (12.5 miles)

Another lovely walk. At Gargrave, four miles from Malham, I was joined by my friend Ian, who used to live near me but now lives in Ripon. We met at a pub and had a pint of the local bitter before going on to Malham youth hostel - a terrific place, really well run and great value. Malham itself is delightful. We ate out at one of the excellent hotels.



The Marsha Phoenix Memorial Trust (http://marshaphoenix.org/) has been doing sterling work with young homeless women for many years, but recently, thanks to government 'austerity' cuts, the funding that enabled them to provide food was reduced, making it difficult for them to cater for their clients as well as they would like to.

Although I was planning to walk the Way regardless, it occurred to me that fundraising might be a way to give it more meaning and be of practical use to people's lives. Marsha Phoenix is very close to where I live, so it's an ideal choice.

Rest assured that anything you donate will be put to good use looking after vulnerable young women and helping them improve their lives.