Day 1 - Ilkley to Kettlewell

Set out to Ilkley to start the walk bright and early this morning for a 9:00am kick off. All started on schedule in perfect spring weather and started the long trudge up the river Wharfe towards Bolton Abbey. Sadly got lost after 500 yards when a friendly dog walker pointed us in the right direction - not the most convincing start :o)
Had good company in Andy, Neil, Martin and Tom to make the journey pass quicker, then after 6 miles met Jo at the Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey taking our party to 6. Jo joined us for 7 miles up to Burnsall when we made our first well deserved pub stop and sat outside the Red Lion in the sunshine.
Parted company with Jo again at this point and headed up the river once more. An idyllic riverside walk in this section which took us on to Grassington at which point we got a welcome break from the river and walked through the village stopping at another pub, then headed off into the hills for a change of scenery through limestone scars and many dry stone walls - definitely Yorkshire Dales country.
The hills soon took their toll on our weary legs and the pace dropped a little. Got lost again briefly only to find that both available paths (neither of which were on the map) ended up at the same place. Tom then saved the day by going off to read a footpath sign before we headed off in the wrong direction down a steep ravine.
The final 4 miles seemed to last a very long time as our pace dropped off and we trudged wearily closer and closer to Kettlewell. Then did a radio interview with BBC Radio York whilst slightly out of breath and one handedly crossing stiles with the phone in my other hand - which as it turns out is quite tricky.
Last final push and we arrived at a very welcoming Kettlewell village and got our seriously well earned pints (the best kind). Then met with my wife Rach and kids Eliza, Finlay and Angus which was great at the end of a long trek.
Then (again) well earned pub grub with family and friends to top off a great day out.
Sadly no bath in my room to soak my aching muscles but nice King sized bed to sprawl out in tonight.
Feeling good now - no blisters yet and looking forward to another day out in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales tomorrow...
Miles walked today: 23
Walking time taken: 6h 57mins