We awoke to heavy winds, but fortunately no rain, as Cam Houses is the most exposed section of the Way. Rather than slog through a section of muddy forestry track, we followed the advice of our B&B proprietors and accessed Cam High Road (built by the Romans in the first century for military purposes) by way of their track. It is a steep climb to begin the day, but a worthwhile trade for  time consuming walking over wet marshland. The views from Cam High Road are outstanding, with Ingleborough directly ahead in the west and the remaining "Three Peaks," Whernside and Pen-y-ghent, also visible. Although we experienced somewhat misty conditions, visibility was still very good. As we descended into Dentdale near the Dent Head Viaduct, the weather improved and became calmer and warmer, though still overcast. We enjoyed a picnic at a lovely spot next to the River Dee by the youth hostel, then walked on into Dent village. As happened when we walked the Way in 2000, we were again stymied by poor waymarking at Laithbank; walkers are advised to follow the guidebook instructions carefully in this section to be sure not to miss a turning right (north) onto a track leading to Laithbank cottages. (There is a fingerpost at this junction, but no waymark for the Dales Way.) We were met by our friends Sheila and George Gooch outside Dent, and enjoyed catching up as we walked together into the village.  Visiting Dent requires a very minor diversion from the route, but should not be missed as it is a charming spot with cobblestone streets, whitewashed cottages, and the excellent Sun Inn (home of the Dent Brewery). There is a granite memorial to Adam Sedgwick, a pioneering geologist born in Dent in 1785, in the village center.

View south from Cam High Road

Misty view of Ingleborough

Shirley, Anne, Dorothy and Mary (aka "The Girls")

Dorothy took this photo at our stop for "elevenses" near Ribblehead

Dent Head Viaduct

Old stone bridge in Dentdale

A perfect picnic spot, complete with polite geese!

Stone cottage en route to Dent

Interesting rock pools along the River Dee

George & Sheila Gooch (we highly recommend their B&B, "Pengarth"--see below for details)

Posing in front of the village shop and our B&B, Garda View

             
Views of Dent (the first from our bedroom window at Garda View)

Enjoying great beer, food and most of all company at the Sun Inn

Note: Sheila & George Gooch, above, operate a lovely bed & breakfast in the North Yorkshire Dales village of Austwick. Their enthusiasm for and knowledge of the Dales will ensure guests a wonderful stay in Yorkshire, as they can advise on walks, sightseeing, atmospheric pubs, and other eating establishments. To book rooms at "Pengarth," contact the Gooch's by phone at (015242) 51073,  email (pengarth@austwick-nyorks.fsnet.co.uk), or post ("Pengarth," Austwick, North Yorkshire, LA2 8BD).

On to Day Five

Write to us:  (gowalk@pacbell.net)