The Pennines
Team
VFH was off recently for a three day trip to the walled city of York as part of
our family visit to England. We started our English adventure in the little
town of Nantwich where we had greeted 2016 in the town square to the chimes of
the medieval church St. Mary’s. We then spent a day in the even smaller town of
Newton-le-Willows where the kids live.
The day
before we left for York, Tuesday, was a day of chores like doctor appointments
and prescription refills with a stop in for a drink at a chain pub called J.D.
Wetherspoon. The local name for this pub is the Nine Arches, named for the
nearby Sankey Railway viaduct and located in a former pet store that was once a
Methodist church.
 |
| The Sankey Railway Viaduct |
Known
for converting old buildings into unconventional pubs, the chain is known for a
great beer list and cheap prices for food and beer. There are nearly 1,000 of
them throughout the UK. I bought a round of drinks, including a Chimay Blue and
a child’s portion meal for Patrick for under £14.
“Oh the Places you’ll go…” – Dr. Seuss
Given
the opportunity to make a left or a right on our travels to York, I might never
have reached the 2,000 year old walled city. Thankfully the tiny Vauxhall Astra
was brimming and the 18 month old Patrick demanded we travel the 90 miles
between the cities as efficiently as possible. I had to be satisfied with the
spacious views of the Pennines the M62 afforded us.
 |
| The Pennine Way |
Colin
had mentioned the Pennines to me on our drive through the midlands the other
day, but I didn’t quite understand the beauty that awaited me. Called the “Backbone
of England” this mountain range runs north / south from the northern midlands
to the Cheviot Hills that border with Scotland. Although the highest peaks are
less than 3,000 feet, the Pennines are considered some of the most scenic areas
of England.
As we
barreled through the area it looked like raw untouched land, but there is a
very well used trail called the Pennine Way that runs 270 miles from the Peak
District in the northern midlands, past Hadrian ’s Wall, the Cheviot Hills and
ending just inside the border with Scotland. It is estimated 250,000 day hikers
and over 10,000 long hikers enjoy the Pennine Way yearly. The trail is
accessible at several points and also serviced by mass transit and it passes
through several small towns.
Though
I oohed and pointed Adam would not stop the car and the Pennines will have to patiently
wait for another visit from Team VFH. If you have the time and the inclination
to hike all or part of the trail here is a great place to get valuable
information.
No comments:
Post a Comment