Come for a summer walk they said!

Bring your factor 50 just in case they said!

This year’s summer fundraiser took place on July 5th … on one of the wettest days of the year. The task in hand…to ascend the largest peak in the Yorkshire Dales, come down the other side…and then drink a pint.

Mission: Accomplished.

The Wingmen hardcore met up at The Station pub next to the wonderful Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales on Saturday morning. The signpost indicating 4.5 miles to the summit of Whernside seemed friendly enough. A 9 mile round trip…not too bad.

If you’ve ever done this walk, you’ll know the route. Underneath the viaduct, along the side of the river…eventually crossing it and starting the gradual climb.

The first 3 or so miles are pretty straightforward, and on the day the weather held out until this point. However, as the route took a more aggressive incline, the rain started. We could see it sheeting down ahead of us, and visibility also took a turn for the worst.

The trail was busy, with everyone suitably attired having checked the forecast before setting off.

We reached the summit after around 2 hours, and I’d love to report breathtaking views across Yorkshire. Unfortunately, visibility was less than 10m. There was nothing to see!

By this point, soaking wet and rather cold, we crouched behind the dry (wet) stone wall at the peak to try and get some shelter, chugged down some sodden sandwiches and waited for the group to coalesce.

The descent was tricky at first – steep stone flags, wet grass and a threatening looking drop to one side – but it relaxed after about half an hour. Emerging from the low hanging clouds, we could get a sense of where we were, and where the end of the walk was.

Despite the inclement conditions, everyone was in great fettle, and there were smiles from the start to the finish.

We regrouped back at the pub after around 3.5 hours. No records were being broken on this day; thankfully no bones either.

And yes, it was one of the best pints of the year – sat in front of the log fire in The Station pub, sharing thoughts and photos. 

The overall feeling was one of pride. Pride in having completed the walk, but more so, pride in supporting Wingmen, the cause that we’re so driven to help.

All that remains is a huge thank you to everyone who donated, and sent messages of well-wishing before and after the event. We are on track to raise more than £600, which is truly humbling.

Wingmen relies 100% on our wonderful contributors and patrons. Without them, we couldn’t continue to offer our listening line.

Hope you enjoy the photos…please drop us a line if you would like to find out how you can support us.