Day 43 Hawes to Keld ( a day of 'halfs')

 

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, I drove on a very picturesque route to Keld, stopping off at a couple of viewpoints.

Around half way up Shunner Fell, Garry met a vibrant group of women from 'Women & Wild', who were on a hike to a waterfall to do some wild swimming. They were a friendly bunch who were very interested in our end to End journey, which Garry found motivational to spur him on to the top of Shunner Fell.

During lunchtime at the top of Shunner Fell, Garry met four young fell runners and had his lunch on some helpfully placed seats.

 

Whilst on the top, there were some light showers, which were well received by Garry as it cooled everything down a little. Passing a small tarn, he walked down a well marked track with a long downhill section , heading towards Thwaite.

Meanwhile, me and Alfie had driven over to Keld, where we wandered into the village to the old school, now turned into a museum/ exhibition.

Once Garry arrived in Thwaite, he chose the road to walk towards Keld, where we met and had end of the day refreshments in Keld Green cafe.

Driving back to the Airbnb, we had a brief stop off at Wain Wath Waterfalls, very busy with a number of swimmers. I'm sure the river is usually much fuller!

Over 11 miles walked for Garry with quite a climb today. 

I've walked 4.5 miles today and even read a bit on my Kindle. 

Tomorrow's plan is to walk form Keld to Bowes, just over 12 miles with a little less ascent.