Tuesday began well after a delightful stay in Reeth. A timeless place which seems to still be in the 20th century if it were not for the habits of 21st century drivers. Our short, – only 10 miles today, walk brought to high ground above Richmond. In the distance tomorrow’s challenge the marathon to the Hambleton Hills and our last National Park the North York Moors.
In the distance Richmond Read More »
So how do you mark reaching the halfway point. Simple, call in to the next tea room and partake of an English tradition. The tea room in question is in Gunnerside and called Ghyllfoot, simply heaven on earth.
Coast to Coast walkers and the world in general may pass this point with a thought but for our expedition this is exactly halfway – 96 miles.
Taken Sunday morning as we set out from Tan Hill Inn. What a difference 14 hours makes. Our stay at Tan Hill can only be described as an experience, its not many pubs & resturants you find sheep and ducks at your feet. The journey was mainly downhill today apart from a few scrambles to avoid the path of the Swale from its source.
One of the things that makes this an enjoyable walk is Sherpa Vans. Each day we leave our luggage behind us when we set off and Sherpa Vans come along and transport it to our next destination. We have about forty kilos of stuff between us they move – we could never make our schedule and carry that load.
Every other day when we have arrived at the hotel/b&b the cases have been there – today we actually saw Jeff deliver them.
The photo was a quick snap I took just before the wind and rain came along. Today at 12 miles we thought it would be causual stroll in the country – with our ultimate destination Tann Hill Inn the highest pub in England – a bit of a rest after the lakes and 20 miles yesterday.
Then the mid summer weather added 75 mph wind and horizontal heavy rain. RP was blown off his feet – at points I could not take a step into the wind it just stopped me and took my breath away.
Everything in the back pack got wet, I did not carry my camera. The Aqua Pack I have for my handheld and GPS unit did its job perfectly, I was able to use the navigation software (Memory Map for Windows Mobile) without worry in the worst of the weather and kept on track. My Blackberry and iPod (in its neoprene wallet) was in an inside pocket in my Rohan Expedition Vest and my waterproof jacket over that meant they only got a little damp. Valuables in my pack are stored in zip lock bags.
The weather was so bad that the paths were flooding so keeping the water out of my boots was impossible but that made it very easy to ford the swelling streams – I just walked straight through (they could not get any wetter). The boots were still very comfortable even when the socks and boots were soaked – and my feet are still fine, no sore spots or blisters
No lunch stop today just an SIS energy bar, chocolate bought last night (thanks to the Co Op) and the SIS electrolyte drink.
When the pub appeared as I came off the footpath it was a really welcome sight.
More posts out of sequence probably – now we have phone services expect more posts.
Sorry the pre-occupation with the weather but it is a significant thing to us…
Sunday – a bit windy Read More »
