Finally back on a good computer at Richmond library. We have a few days catch up to do as we have been off the grid for a bit.
So here goes:
Friday – Patterdale to Shap
Least said about this day the better, but here are a few keywords to give you an idea about the experience:
11 hour hike
17.5 miles
3000 feet climb
Non -stop rain and hail
White out conditions – navigation by compass only..
As you might guess – no photos for this day!!
7pm arrival at B&B at 1% spirit level….
Saturday – Recovery day. Change of plan as Friday was so horrendous. We took the bus to Kendal and then went on to Kirkby Stephen from there.
St. Hedda Church in Kirkby Stephen (dating back to 1600s)
Temperance Hall - Kirkby Stephen
It took a whole day to get our spirits back up to recharge. We were just thankful to be safe, blister-free and dry!!
Franks Bridge in Kirkby Stephen - an example of the incredible stonework everywhere in England
Sunday: Dead Bunny Day! Took hike from Kirby Stephen to Low Row, via Keld. Hiked via road through Moors, crossing line over from Cumbria into Yorkshire, entering the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
We waved goodbye to Cumbria
...and said hello to Yorkshire Dales National Park
Keld was the official half way mark and felt like it!. At about 2pm we recharged on sandwiches at the Keld Lodge and then tackled another 6 miles down the River Swale to Low Row.
waterfall in Keld at disused mine
A view of the River Swale - beautiful backdrop for our hike to Low Row
Total of 18 miles for the day. Weather not bad. Leg muscles good..but shattered! (PS. Lots of dead bunnies squigged in road. Also bunny bits, dead hedgehogs, dead birds, dead mice … you get the picture! This is one of the disadvantages of road walking.
Monday – Hiked from Low Row to Richmond – 17 miles, 7.5 hours, weather pretty good. Took road down to Reeth. In Reeth, some may recognize locations used in ~All Creatures Great and Small~. Beautiful village green, little teas rooms, stone cottages and a museum.
view of the Reeth Village Green
We stopped at the post office/general store to restock before taking the balance of the hike (10 miles on to Richmond). Loads and loads of stiles through hay fields and meadows.
caroline standing beside a cairn from Applegarth Scar - overlooking Marske
Lots of cows and sheep (different breeds)
3 of the thousands of our new friends - sheeep!
…more stiles… gaps in stone walls with little fence doors….very sore calves (that’s the calves on our legs – not the baby cows)!!
First glimpse of Richmond Castle from the trail
yah! We finally reached Richmond!
We are taking the day off tomorrow to relax and enjoy Richmond’s charms.. There’s a castle, museum and possible somewhere to catch the new Harry Potter movie? Need to work on that one! Will try and post again tomorrow.
Wright Outta Nowhere 
Well done Girls – I had heard that the weather was going to be terrible, glad it was just the one day! Have a great day in Richmond.
Best wishes,
Susan
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Kick ass girls, now those are some miles & some hiking! Zero days are fine, enjoy, you will back to USA-Insanity soon enough. Guess this is going to cost me a $500 donation after all.
GREAT JOB…..have FUN!!!
Del Q
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I’m sorry to hear you guys ran into such terrible weather! At least it was just one day. You gals are going to absolutely CRASH when you get home!
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You’re doing awesome, girls! I love reading and looking at the pictures. What an adventure! Stay well and keep on movin’! Hugs, Laura
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Carla & Carolyn
You Ladies are awesome, Glad to hear no Blisters. The North Sea is just around the next corner. Thanks for the updates and Pictures.See you at the beach enjoy the last few days.
Dad & Rose
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Pingback: Creating Positive Buzz: Two Women. 190 miles. : Innovate Services
If only I had a quarter for every time I came here.. Superb post.
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Just a note: You incorrctlty dedicate the church at Kirkby Stephen to St Hedda, not your fault, Stedmans C to C book gives this information which is incorrect of which they are now aware. Kirkby Stephen’s church is not dedicated to any saint but does get referred to as the ‘Cathedral of the Dales’ quite appropriately I think. Sorry if this sounds picky but information soon spreads on the internet both true and false, glad you enjoyed the walk.
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