Day 8 Hawes to Tan Hill Inn 16 miles
After the last few days of hot, humid weather I wasn't really looking forward to todays walk, a 16 mile trek with ascent of just over 1,000 metres (3,300ft), and to top it off I found out that breakfast wouldn't be served until 8-30. If it was going to be hot and sunny again I wanted an early start, so last night I shopped for a couple of muffins, I was prepared to have these as soon as I woke and get off early. It worked out fine, I was on the road at 7-00, cool temperature and cloudy, ideal conditions for me.
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| Sound of water as I leave Hawes |
I soon reached the village of Hardraw where quite a few of the folk I've met were staying, one guy was taking an early stroll before their breakfast at 8-00, bit surprised to see me, but he understood my reasons.
It was then the usual uphill slog, this time to eventualy reach the heights of Great Shunner Fell, I was actually feeling good, there was a bit of rain but it didn't bother me at all. It was reminding me a lot like the Peak District, I felt at home, and before reaching the summit there was a scattering of peat hags and groughs, then I noticed there was a fair bit of cotton grass growing, I really felt at home.
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| Feeling at home |
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| Well built cairn on Great Shunner Fell |
I stopped on top and had my second muffin, couldn't wait to set off.
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| Great Shunner Fell summit |
I started eating the miles away, and as there was a fair bit of mist around in the dales there was no need to stop and admire the views.
I arrived in a quiet little village called Thwaite where I caught sight of Kearton tea rooms, ideal time for a short break, so I popped in for a pot of tea and spent about 20 minutes relaxing. When I left it was a short climb onto Kisdon Hill, not to the top but a great walk around halfway up. This went for about 3 miles and was the highlight of my day, again I felt at home, I was feeling great. The views although a bit too misty to take good clear photos were excellant, along the beautiful Swalesdale, very pretty indeed.
As you finally drop down the hillside you cross the River Swale, and by the river side is a fine waterfall, I stopped here to take photos and have my lunch.
After this, all that was left was go to the pub, and thats what I did but it was a 3 to 4 mile walk to it, Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in the country. A short steep climb to get on the moors and then it was a matter of getting to Tan Hill, and that I did, getting there at 3-10, just over 8 hours including stops.
Yes, today I found a lot, lot easier than I expected, I'm ready for the off in the morning, a 17 mile walk to Middleton in Teesdale, only half the height gain of today. A pint or two of Black Sheep down in the bar tonight and a good hearty meal, what more could a guy ask for after a good days walk.
