Day 1, Ilkley to Burnsall. 14.8 miles, 2.04 miles/hour (all stats are with breaks and stops). We weren’t expecting the unseasonably hot weather, with nearly 20 degrees F above the forecasts when we left Denver. The humidity levels were in the high 80s and 90s% too! The first day we followed the River Wharfe. The trail was populated, but not overly so. We met many people that we would bump into later in the week.
We’re ready!!! Sign post at the beginning of the trail. It now says 82 miles (it said 73 miles in 1997).
It’s almost like this little gal, was welcoming us. We’ll see many sheep and many kissing gates along the way.
St. Peter’s Church in Addingham was built in the 18th century. Part of it dates to the 15th century, with some burial sites and a cross dating to Anglo-Saxon period (~867AD).
I took a picture of this barn in 1997; it’s one of the only visuals I remembered (aside from the viaducts).
Dogs are allowed on the Dales Way— we saw many of them along with reminders to be respectful of the land and animals.
The Strid, where the River Wharfe narrows. This is along a section of the trail called Strid Wood, a nice forested path.
The Craven Arms in Appletreewick. It’s about 2 miles to go for the day, but we couldn’t pass up a pint at this classic 16th century pub.
Day 1 lodging at The Red Lion in Burnsall.