Today was Kirkby Stephen to Keld.
And yet another day where the predominant weather was endless light rain, perhaps with even more mist. Although of course the rain stopped once agin just a few minutes before arriving.
So I’m back in Keld Lodge, which looks like it’s bursting with Coasters tonight, most of whom I’d not met before.
I was expecting today to be boggy, and it duly delivered. I took the ‘approved’ Green Route over Nine Standards – as did all others I’ve met today, and in fact that part of today’s walk wasn’t too bad. The real wet stuff started after the three routes converged, and the area around Ravenseat was also a real mud-bath.
Only 1 enroute photo today, again due to the rain – it’s the falls on the way into Keld.
I started today by getting confused which ‘Bradbury’ TV series I was following – for some reason I ended up doing a ‘Railway Walk’. I had some suspicions that thing’s weren’t quite matching the guidebook for a good few mins – finally confirmed by the compass saying I was heading West! Oops, and a straight reversal was required.
Tonight I said goodbye to the Brothers – Derek and Paul. They seem to be inspiring everyone who comes across them – not least because they’re camping. Here they are:
Tomorrow, fingers crossed, will be a landmark day – if I get past Reeth (and I’m headed beyond there to Richmond), then I’ll have got further than ever before. I also hope to have a friend joing me for the day – I’ll say more about that tomorrow.
Todays stats were 14 miles (includes the detour) in 5.5 hrs. And I’m on my 3rd pint of Theakstons Black Sheep (3.8%) – I haven’t had a bad pint yet anywhere.
I’m feeling so inspired by the talk of beer I’m off to the pub, I’ve just had a lovely hour cutting the large box hedge in front of our house whilst listening to blackbirds singing. Keep going you’ll do it this time.
Hi Neil
All go here, look out for me at Keld…
If not catch you at Reeth between 12-1..
Can’t wait
Rich
Great to hear you’re going well Neil.
I’ve been following Jim and James (brothers-in-law) who are close to your schedule – they had a torrid time on Nine Standards and one is now injured considering an end Richmond!
Keld to Reeth is probably my favourite section of the walk – are you going the high route or along the Swale?
I’m off to Scotland tomorrow morning (Saturday) to start the Southern Upland Way on Sunday.
I will be following your progress though if I can get a WiFi signal
I think that Julia Bradbury and the BBC should be supporting a more sustainable approach to long-distance walking, what with all this footpath erosion you describe! I am in great admiration for the two gentlemen who are camping. I can’t believe there can be any enjoyment in that (or am I missing the point)? I hope you are taking the high road through Swaledale, otherwise that would be cheating! Remember what Julia said about the Vale of York section! Did you have any paranormal experiences at KS? Keep up the beer drinking! Local community pubs need you! PS I am enjoying your blog…..it is inspiring me for my mid-life challenge!
I think that Julia Bradbury and the BBC should be supporting a more sustainable approach to long-distance walking, what with all this footpath erosion you describe! I am in great admiration for the two gentlemen who are camping. I can’t believe there can be any enjoyment in that (or am I missing the point)? I hope you are taking the high road through Swaledale, otherwise that would be cheating! Remember what Julia said about the Vale of York section! Did you have any paranormal experiences at KS? Keep up the beer drinking! Local community pubs need you! PS I am enjoying your blog…..it is inspiring me for my mid-life challenge!
Whoops……got carried away and posted that twice……touch screens, who’d ‘av ’em!
Hi Neil
Thoroughly enjoyed today- although tiredness has most definately
set in sometime ago, I believe it was well worth it.
Stunning scenery, good weather all in all and some good crack….
The best of luck to you for the rest of the walk.
Look forward to catching up soon
Regards
Rich,Jane and the boys