Henrikdoc

A good day to NOT start walking at 8:30 am

We bid goodbye to some of our fellow walkers who set off in the gusts and rain – some whom we would not see again as they were not having rest days (Stephen and Melissa from Queensland – ref the python in the Mango tree story), others (Colin, Wanda, Susan and Susan) with whom we would cross paths with again further on as their rest day was in Richmond.

Today was definitely a much better day to SIT, READ, LOOK OUTSIDE and RELAX

THE FARMHOUSE AT FRITH LODGE

Completely renovated in 2014 after lying empty for 100 years the building main frame is around 300 years old.

Opened as a BnB in 2016 and run by Karen and Joe whose story of how they came about buying, renovating and ‘doing this’ can be read in “Coast to Coast and Halfway Between, Karen Skeel, publ Authors and Co. 2026.

Their idea of “… We didn’t want to offer just another place to stay. We wanted to give walkers an experience that felt different/ something truly special”, is undoubtedly what they have achieved.

Karen writes about Keld and the C2C in the Yorkshire Dalesman , July2026; “It is easy to think of the Coast to Coast in terms of its beginning and its end… but somewhere between those fixed points lies a place where the journey subtly changes character…the point where the walk, and the walker, begin to move in quiet agreement”.

Wainwright wrote about Keld, “… a sundial records the hours but time is measured in centuries at Keld”. (P82 A coast to coast walk, publ Frances Lincoln)

2 pm and the rain had eased but still gusty wind – decided to not walk down to Keld, instead to continue supping tea and eating biscuits 👍

Spent the day just browsing some magazines, photo books on the extensive book shelf in the lounge until today’s walkers arrived. A couple from North Carolina walking in the Dales but not doing any particular Trail, and a lady from Canada doing the Pennine Way- all in one go over 20 days.

A lot of conversation about predators in USA and Canada that you meet on walks (Bob cats, Bears, more Bears, Kayote etc). Glad we have only a few deer and foxes here🤣.

Washing has been done today as well so all ready for tomorrow’s off for next phase of the C2C.

Dinner with a whole new set of hikers and a lot of interesting chats about gun laws, Reserved in Canada and USA, Healthcare / Obamacare etc etc

(Yellow man not mentioned at all!)

Just had have a whisky this evening with cheese and fruit loaf. A Cardhu Gold, of course. No crumble or STP today 😢

Onward and down Swaledale tomorrow

Zzzz