Diggle to Hebden Bridge

9 June 2022. We spent a comfortable night at the Diggle Hotel run by Sue and Billy. We were fortunate to get the last room. All the B&Bs I phoned were booked up. I thought for the time of year it would be easy to get accommodation a day or so in advance. Talking to other walkers, most booked accommodation way in advance. I had reckoned on camping 50% of the nights, but it will be more than that!

We have met other walkers, but they are staying in different accommodation, doing a section over a few days, or taking different times. Getting to know a few names however: Phil, Tom, Ian, Rita, Robin & Kate.

A full English breakfast delayed the customary early start and we were planning to get the bus from Diggle back up the hill to the trail. However Sue offered us a welcome lift so we were walking at 0830. It was and easier day than yesterday with a good path and gentle gradients over Standedge (451m), White Hill (466m) across the M63 motorway ((by bridge) and down Bkackstone Edge (472m) to the White House pub on the A58. Arriving there at 1130, the only problem was that they didn’t open until 1200. As we were making good time, a pub lunch was worth the wait. Back walking at 1245.

The afternoon took us by a series of reservoirs to Stoodley Pike Monument and then a descent into Hebden Bridge. I had managed to book a quadruple room at the Birchcliffe Centre Hostel for the two of us with en-suite shower. Just the job at £62. We arrived at 1600, 26 km. As it was Stefan’s last night we had a very pleasant evening at the Italian restaurant, Ill Mulino, in the town centre. He flies back to the Netherlands tomorrow, so I will be walking on my own.