Henrikdoc

“This stage is replete with prehistoric sites though it’s fair to say that none of them will make your jaw drop in amazement “(ref Stedman and Butler)

We have already missed 2 of them – a 6000 yr old stone circle just off the path and as mentioned yesterday “Robin Hood’s Grave”(not quite prehistoric I grant you ).

This morning looks cloudy, chilly and weather radar app says “rain to come and breezy”.

Have downloaded C2C path app that Peter showed me yesterday- fabulous, free, and lets you know when off route- a bit like All Trails .

Should have had it in the Lakes really, on top of Kidsty P. 🤣

Also have found the radar weather app really useful over the years. Tracks clouds and rain front movements so can help make decision when to leave or when to wait (was very useful on West Highland Way walk as, on a shorter day, left an hour later than usual and missed the downpour completely)

Educational start to the day

No cooked breakfast on offer (thank goodness- still sausaged out and crumbled out from yesterday 🤭)- exceptional ‘continental’ though with melon and all sorts.

Beautiful start to day

Early morning activity all round as the countryside got going (had probably actually been going for a few hours at least since it was 9am by this stage)

and it looks like a day of ‘skies’

. and wide open spaces across the fells.

Plenty of sights to keep us intrigued too

We clearly missed all the ancient circles and relics as the countryside passed us by on our wandering 🤣

…

More skies

Every now and then the local wildlife looked at us bemused

Sort of didn’t really pay any attention to Wainwright’s book today and just took in the stunning scenery – beautiful in its own and wonderful way.

“…and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31)

Wide open spaces

The Fell farmers are absolutely supportive of the walkers as evidenced by

…met one of them on the way (no photo but their dogs really really wanted to play !)

…and a bit later…

…Hamza Yassin wannabe 🤪

… must be time for lunch soon…

Oh, here is the ‘Bridge’- Smardale Bridge – Perfect

Getting quite partial to cheese and pickle sandwiches – proper pickle…

And a few snacks in the bag just in case #neverknowinglyshortofsnacks!

Amazing view of viaduct and stormy clouds gathering over the Pennines

Quick let’s keep going before we get drenched

.. and on into the outskirts of Kirby Stephens

Before arriving at our BnB way too early (Lockholme BNB – the best and friendliest! ) … beat the bags again…so were able leave our rucksacks and head into town (in the drizzle that had started) for a coffee and cake

Off for supper at the Engine Shed (highly recommended!)

Another full and beautiful day .