(Pete Ellis writes)
I have just returned from a trip to check and update all the Pennine Way route cards.

Crumbling dry stone walls in Calderdale, above Hebden Bridge

I had my doubts about starting the Pennine Way on the 1st April, but my misgivings over the date proved unfounded. 16 days walking in largely dry conditions, surrounded by the sights and sounds of spring, have been a pure joy. Spring is such a wonderful time to be out in the hills: the lapwings have been doing their tumbling display flight, the snipe have been drumming, the Golden Plovers have been making their plaintive calls, and I heard my first cuckoo of the year.

An Emperor Hawkmoth

All the fresh green growth has given the countryside a wonderful new look after the drabness of the winter. Other sights have included lots of young lambs, spring flowers, frog spawn, and a few less-often seen animals such as an Emperor Hawkmoth and a large Grass snake.

In Baldersdale

And I was not alone on the trail, even at this time of year. Three others started on the same day as me and I met a number of people doing the route in smaller chunks. To the regulars that I kept meeting: thanks for your conversation, friendship and camaraderie. You really help to ‘make’ a trip like this.

High Cup, the magnificent sight before reaching Dufton

I’m pleased to report that Alpine Exploratory’s routecards were mostly accurate for 2011, but a few areas needed updating. If you previously struggled with the Alston to Middleton section, then you were not alone! But all should be plain and simple now.

Low Force on the River Tees... High Force comes later on

So what’s my next appointment with Alpine Exploratory? Leading the West Highland Way in 2 weeks’ time. I can’t wait!

Nearing The Cheviot, the major hill on the last stage

Pennine Way
West Highland Way