Last night’s introduction to the Bronte family had piqued the interest of the group, and this morning we set off eagerly to walk down into Haworth. Our day began in the cemetery beside the isolated Parsonage where the famous sisters lived out most of their lives. We were fortunate to meet a local historian tending the graves, who told us stories of the families buried there. We arrived at the entrance of the Parsonage museum for 10am, and began a tour of the house which included a display of costumes worn in the most recent film about the Brontes, and the actual writing desks and tables used by the sisters, as well as their manuscripts, letters, and first editions of their books. We were also extremely lucky to get to take part in a special literary project taking place as part of the bi-centennial celebrations of the birth of Emily Bronte: the creation of a hand-written version of Wuthering Heights. Ten thousand people will contribute to the manuscript, each writing one line. Our campers added a line each, recorded their contribution in a special book, and left the museum with their special edition souvenir pencil. Once complete, the book will be displayed in the museum for future visitors to enjoy.
From the Parsonage, we followed the public footpath up onto the moors. It was a gorgeous day – blustery enough to appreciate the bleakness of the landscape that inspired the Brontes, but warm and sunny enough to make for pleasant hiking. We’ve attempted the walk up to Top Withens – the supposed inspiration for Wuthering Heights – with several groups over the past two decades, but never made it the whole way, due to unpredictable weather. We made it to the pretty Bronte waterfalls 90 minutes after setting out, and paused for lunch. There, we asked everyone what they wanted to do – it was a further mile and a half, all uphill, to Top Withens – did they want to attempt it? Everyone did, and so we continued, climbing up to a broad and breathtaking sweep of moorland bristling with purple heather. In a county known for gorgeous scenery, this was the most scenic location so far.
At Top Withens, we enjoyed the view and celebrated making it up there, then began the long walk down into the valley. We arrived back in Haworth by late afternoon, wind swept and tired, but exhilarated by our achievement. In total, we walked nineteen kilometers today, through some of the most spectacular and wild scenery in England – an experience not to be forgotten. Haworth is a great place for souvenir-hunting as every shop is unique, so campers ended the day with free time to explore the village and buy dinner from one of the many cafes.
Back at the hostel, we met for ‘roses and thorns’ as we always do, then relaxed. This is the end of the first portion of our trip – the Yorkshire part. Tomorrow, we move on to explore a very different literary landscape, as we travel down to the Midlands, and our hostel near Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Julie Hartley
Director
Centauri Arts