...in which we journey east to the Cumbrian Dales and the softly-spoken valley of Dentdale to meet Dales Way creator Colin Speakman to celebrate the Way's 50th birthday. As we walk, past wildflower meadows, Tudor cottages and the Dent Brewery, Colin discusses Cowgill's link to royalty, the valley's infamous ('terrible') knitters, the satisfaction of establishing a classic walk – one of the UK's most popular – and local hero Adam Sedgwick.
Lovely Dent (town!)
Mark and Colin.
Dave and Colin makes their way down into Dentdale.
Mark and Colin with Keith George and Lauren from Dent Brewery.
Colin Speakman - Father of the Dales Way.
The walk ends in front of Adam Sedgwick's Shap granite memorial in Dent.
A fitting end to a fine walk: in the George and Dragon pub.
Colin with "co-conspirator" - and Dales Way co-founder - Tom Wilcock in 1980.
Archive map from the Yorkshire Evening Post which drew the crowds (128) to the first Dales Way walk on 23 March, 1969.
Our route.