Today marked the day that we completed half the planned days of walking (43/86). A total of 565 miles walked which is around half of what we expect the final total to be. Also, today's destination was at the Keld Lodge, which is situated half way on the Coast to coast walk and we reckon about half way up the UK. The three of us walked through a bustling Hawes, with a trail of sports cars and motorbikes driving through the village. We walked along a pleasant valley to a tea shop / campsite, in Hardraw where we stopped for a coffee (and Alfie a fresh stream drink). Garry continued along the Pennine Way heading towards Great Shunner Fell. After I left Garry, I walked down a pathway by an old railway bridge in Hawes. I found a large building with a bike repair shop and cafe, with very friendly young staff. As it looked like rain was on its way, I got a take away coffee and headed back to the refuge of the car. Once it had brightened up a little...
Once Garry was dropped at Gearstones, it was a long haul up the Dales Way for a mile and a half. As Garry went over the top of the track it opened out to the views of two pretty dales, with great views for miles. As Garry looked back he saw the viaduct that we saw on the way to the drop off point and a number of military helicopters flying over. The Pennine Way contoured its way around the hillside and then dropped consistently into the valley where Gayle and Hawes are nestled. Garry's lunch spot today was the best one he'd have, sitting on a grassy bank leaning against a large rock, looking at an old Roman Road heading east. Unfortunately, he only has the picture in his head, not on camera!! Whilst Garry was walking, Alfie and I drove to Hawes, parked up and wandered round the village. It's a pretty village with a number of interesting shops and a small waterfall in the centre of the village. Once the wander was complete, we walked out...