From the base of the Lakes to the edge of the Pennines.
Distance: 20 miles
Elapsed time: 8 1/2 hours
Calories: 1,650
Magnificent walk in unexpectedly glorious weather.
From the ancient walled village of Oddendale, to desolate Ravonstonedale Moor, and Smardale Bridge and Fell, today's leg is a constant delight.
Fiona Lightweight Ware bails out near Orton, seduced by the attractions of the chocolate factory and a lift from her sister Ali.
The whole walk is remote, rural and timeless England in all its glory.
Highlight of the day: Smardale - a disused railway and viaduct, a beautiful stone bridge and a plunging valley down to the beck.
As we crest the top of Smardale Fell, the 9 Standards on the Pennines and then Kirkby Stephen, hove into view. Gill and I devour tea and Victoria sponge back at the B&B, while Simon heads to Gunnerside.
Excellent curry in Kirkby Stephen...normal bodily functions almost resumed.
Roll call - Fi made a remarkable recovery after deciding to bail out; Simon's knees held out, thanks to Ibuprofen and Gill's hip flask; I've picked up some worrying blisters, probably caused by still damp boots and different socks;
Gill hit the wall a bit back at the B&B, possibly from too much sun (incredible, I know)
Thought for the day: I came to a fork in the road, and took the road less travelled (Robert Frost)
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DeleteThinki Fi getting some bad press here! Choc, taxi, very understanable, well done! Well done for finding only sun in uk, during wettest drought in history. Am off to breadmmaking class this morning, staturday. Will make you a crusty bun. Thought for the day: No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We oulselves walkmthe path. Buddha ttfn xx
ReplyDeleteTHE BRAVE TREK ON:
ReplyDeletePleased you had good sunshine yesterday,poor weather ahead I fear.Suggest R& R unstead of work when you return. The aged not so Dynamic Duo are proud of your determination to finish.