Day 6 – After Dinner
We were joined by John and Bob at Keld Bunkhouse who are also walking C2C, and a bit later by “Bomber” who was going from Land's End to John O' Groats. Bomber had started on April 7th and was 600 miles through a 1150 mile journey.
After a smashing beef stew provided by our hostess, Heather we all went up to Keld Lodge. A quick drink turned into a late night and we rolled in at just before midnight! One of the more interesting topics of conversation was Steve's (until then he had been referred to as “wierdy beard”) beard. Photos have been provided.
Accommodation Report – Keld Bunkhouse, Keld
Comfort – 4 Stars (out of 5)
Hospitality – 5 Stars
Food – 4 Stars
Facilities – 4 stars
Overall – 4 and a bit Stars
A very warm welcome – good facilities including a small galley kitchen. Comfortable bunk beds. Heather provided an evening meal of beef stew and baguettes.
Day 7 – Keld to Reeth
Number of steps 29,154
Distance walked 11.9 miles
Highest Point – 2030 ft
Stiles, Gates – 22
Total Walking Time – 3 hrs 30 mins
Day 7 Walk
A late start of 9 pm meant most other walkers were ahead of us. We had decided to go high and walk amongst the lead mine ruins in the moors above the Swale. Quite demanding because of the climbs and descents, thankfully it was a relatively short distance into Keld and we arrived just after 2 pm.
The constrast between the managed moorland and dry walled fields of the valley was noticeable. Again we are struggling with a signal in Reeth. The water in the river and gills remains very low and our hostess says there has been very little rain recently. We must put that down to luck on our side.
A parcel was waiting for us on arrival at the guesthouse, a lovely surprise of biscuits, cakes and goodies supplied by Rachy and Bryn. A perfect time to receive a pick me up.
Legs are aching and feet are beginning to show the strain with more blisters on Ross's heels. Graham has a pulled calf muscle to add to his knee injury earlier in the week. Some tender loving care in the form of deep muscle massage (not painful at all) was needed.
We have now been walking for 7 days, and covered over 100 miles. Another short distance walk tomorrow then into a punishing schedule of 18+ mile days to the end.
