Day 7 – Shap to Kirkby Stephen – 13th August 2013

Oh yeah pant time!

Today apparently we walked 20.19 miles, gained 5008′ in height, took us 7 hours and fifty minutes and earned 3357 beer and pie points.

Today was a long long day. After yesterday’s walk, probably the last thing we needed was a 20 mile trek. The breakfast at Margaret’s was superb. I had fruit salad and smoked haddock with a poached egg which made a nice change. Kieran had another full English and said it was probably the best yet. The pack up was also fantastic, it’ll probably last for days.

The day didn’t start too well though. We needed an early start but I had to make a call to work and then Sherpa turned up for the bags before I’d finished packing and in the rush, forgot my cheque book was in the bag so couldn’t pay Margaret. She said I could send it on.

We got off at about 9.45 and crossed the first 2 north/south communication routes, the West Coast Railway and the M6. We waved to a motorist who kindly waved back.

The route took us over moorland, round Odendale towards Orton. We passed the Geordie couple who were walking to Orton and the 4 American ladies who really struggled yesterday but were only walking to Orton so they should be ok and looking forward to Kennedy’s tea room and chocolate shop. They did say that they got the steam boat yesterday down Ulswater to Pooley Bridge and walked from there. I reckon that’s a cheat.

Anyway, we pressed on. Passed a tea opportunity at a farm as I had no cash and had lunch a bit further on. We passed loads of sheep, cows and horses which was nice. By the time we reached Sunbiggin Tarn we were starting to flag and the trek across the moorland was a bit of a drag. We had a Mars Bar stop on the road where me and Dale broke off last time to Newbiggin on Lune. From there it was a case of just getting through it. We reached Smardale Bridge and took the only photos of the day and we continued the up and down trek.

As we reached the bit where me and Dale went off route on the old disused railway, we knew we were nearly there. A short time later we entered Kirkby Stephen and our digs, Fletcher House where tea and cake welcomed us.

Looks like Chinese tonight which will make a change from pub food. Tomorrow we cross the border into Yorkshire so Kieran says he’ll wear his Yorkshire CC shirt for the Yorkshire moment on the top of Nine Standards. Also will see Janine and Sadie the dog in Keld tomorrow although the forecast for Thursday is a bit poo.

Also, coming into Kirkby Stephen, there’s a sign post with the distance in furlongs. Not many of those left. 8 furlongs in a mile for you youngsters.

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