I start my stage at 08:24 in Hadfield, where I left it yesterday. I had a good dinner last night, I have slept very well, and I am energized, but not over-enthousiastic about continuing my hike today, after yesterday’s complaints. The trail leaves the village immediately, uphill. Near the first big water reservoir the trail goes steep up the hill, until a former railroad track (another one) is reached. From there the trail goes gently uphill, just going straight. Again, there are many people outside; walking, running, cycling, etc. I am able to maintain a reasonable pace without any difficulty, but I am hesitant and try to hear any signal from my body. After the first reservoir the second and third are passed; again without too many nice views due to the bushes and tress that are grown on the side of the tracks. On the other side of the reservoirs there the very busy road that crosses the Penines and gives a continuous hush in the background. You cannot hear it on the photos but it disturbs the sound of silence. The third and upper reservoir is almost empty, which gives a bit of a desolated impression.

the upper reservoir after a dry summer

Shortly after, at 11,5km the railway tracks come to an end where the former railway tunnel is reached (closed for public).

end of the railway at the tunnel

There the trail goes steep up the hill, after you had the opportunity to cross the very busy road. After the steep, but short, section the trail continuous eastbound, gently downhill. Also here there some people, and there are many sheep.

Penine sheep

After crossing the busy road two times the trail follows the asphalt road to the north/northeast village of Dunford Bridge. It is the first Yorkshire village along the trail. From there the trail follows again . . . a former railway track to the east. The road is in excellent condition, it is flat and straight. Also here there are many people enjoying being outside in the lovely summer weather. After following this section passing Penistone for 11km, very easy but a bit boring, the trail goes to the north, up the hills to Silkstone Common. The small village is situated on the same railway as Penistone, and I call it a day. I did not get any of the physical complaints that I experienced yesterday, which is a big relieve to me. I hope to be able to continue my trip as planned, although the weather forecast for the next days predicts high temperatures.