Keld sits at the head of Swaledales where the Coast to Coast dissects the longer, northbound Pennines Way. Today it's a tiny hillside village and more about water than lead these days. Lead had been mined here since the 1200's and was very active during the 1800's boasting a smelting flue that was 2 miles long. At its peak the village had a population of around 6,000 - it is now less than 50.
Michael woke early to get the race results to see how the horse he owns with a couple of others had run in NSW (trained by the late Bart Cummings). Happy as finished second after drawing widest barrier and running 3 wide all the way.
Leaving Keld we decided to take the recommended low route along the Swaledales. We made a detour into Muker for coffee and scones and visited the delights of this village including Swaledales Woolens Ltd. Muker is a dear little village and one of James Herriot's favourites(all Creatures Great and Small). As we left Muker there were many sightings of pheasants along the River Swale with the Pennines on either side. We wound our way through scenic riverside pastures to Reeth. It was a pleasant 7 hour walk and one of the prettiest on the C2C route thus far. We were told to look out for otters but none to be seen. Passed an elderly couple who have not seen one for 50 years?
Stopped for a pint in the village of Gunnerside and to check our feet.
Compulsory drinks at The Buck pub on our arrival in Reeth.
Setting off from Keld on our 10th day of walking.
Laithes (stone barns for housing hay and livestock) are seen everywhere dotted about the pastures.
Leaving Keld.
A bit of a climb but amazingly much easier now than when we first started.
These cattle are grazing on such a steep incline.
Poor sheep are being rounded up for market.
These young lads are doing their gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Over the Muker Bridge.
Walking into Muker for our morning tea.
The best scones and clotted cream we have ever tasted. I'm starting to look like a woolly bear, needing a hair cut.
Ang sporting her new cap.
A fascinating gallery in Muker. Very tempted to make a purchase of one of these dogs.
Walking along narrow tracks keeping the River Swale to our right.
Negotiating narrow stone stiles barely a leg wide and often embellished with a tiny sprung gate.
Coming into Gunnerside.
Enjoying a beer at the Kings Head as we passed through the village of Gunnerside.
Spotting our English friends who have been staying in many of the same villages as us - Ros and Gordon having tea. Don't think they can believe how much we (I) drink?!
More laithes and rows of dry-stone walls. They get this name as they were built without mortar and it is said that during the C2C walk, you pass hundreds of Britains walls which are estimated to run ifor in excess of 125,000 miles in total.
Note the narrow paths to follow.
And high stone walls to walk along.
Peepo.
This log we eyed off to sit on for a rest then we heard galloping noises of the Shetland pony who raced down the hill to greet us. The horse then also wanted to join us and share our afternoon tea.
Arrived in Reeth for the obligatory beer at the Buck hotel.
Cherry sussing out the menu for dinner.
Cambridge House where we stayed.
Our rooms all faced south with views over Reeth. The Pennines in the background.
Stuck out the back of The Buck for our evening meal.
