Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com
The journey along the Coast-to-Coast Trail in England continues, showcasing both a remarkable landscape and a series of personal insights from hikers.
EL: The charm of English pubs is undeniable. For instance, there’s one located on the desolate Yorkshire Moors, which stretches out ambiguously for miles. I have vivid memories of traversing through this stark terrain for hours, when finally, I reached the Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge, the fourth-highest pub in the UK. The welcoming atmosphere of that pub, whether for a refreshing pint or a warm cup of tea, was a delightful contrast to the harshness outside. Yet, soon after, it was back to the moors for more hours of trekking.
LA: The moors have a rich literary history, haven’t they?
EL: Absolutely. They inspired the Brontë sisters in crafting their novels.
LA: Right, like Wuthering Heights and its dark themes of Heathcliff.
EL: Precisely. The moors present a stark contrast to places like the Lake District. Personally, I lean towards the mountains and lakes for their excitement—scrambling up slopes is far more engaging than the seemingly endless bleakness of the moors.
The Lake District offers a multitude of ups and downs, but as I ventured into Yorkshire, the landscape changed to flatter ground. This area features more agriculture and livestock, particularly cows, which I’ve come to regard with a bit of trepidation.
LA: Were cows always a concern for you on these hikes?
EL: Yes, indeed. It seems odd considering hiking is my passion, yet I dread walking through fields filled with cows.
LA: I can imagine you’ve hiked in various locations. For instance, didn’t you climb Kilimanjaro? I presume they don’t have many cows there.
EL: That’s right—Kilimanjaro is mostly populated by people, and I was supported by a large team that helped ensure our safety from wildlife.
Typically, my most entertaining hiking tales stem from moments of chaos, often intertwined with a hint of fear.
LA: Do share your stories, I’m eager to hear them!
EL: They often involve cows. While on the Coast-to-Coast Trail, I frequently found myself leaping over walls just to avoid them.
LA: I had an interesting experience hiking in the Himalayas over Christmas, where I got completely lost and inadvertently wandered onto private farmland. It was quite alarming when a dog chased us off.
EL: [inaudible]
LA: That sounds unfortunate! Have you ever felt like you ventured into uncharted territory, perhaps taking a wrong turn?
EL: Yes, once I attempted a significant detour to dodge some cows. It culminated in a precarious decision: I could either run across a train track—which is certainly dangerous—or traverse through the field of cows. I opted for the latter.
Source
www.cntraveler.com