DAY SEVEN - HALFWAY!!

 DAY SEVEN…..HALF WAY MARK

A slight drizzle as we set out for our seventh day of hiking from the village of Reeth.  Our destination today, Keld will be the half way point for the coast to coast.  Most of today’s hike follows the river Swale through more of Swale Dale climbing up into tiny hamlets like Blades, Gunnerside, Ivelet and Mukker, all tiny sheep farming hamlets.  On our way, we watched a a sheep farmer and 2 border collies herd an entire field of scattered sheep through a narrow opening into another field.  It was absolutely amazing to watch these dogs in action.  It took them less than 5 minutes with no sheep left behind.

After a tea and scones stop in Gunnerside, we made our way along the Swale and eventually to a steep climb up to Keld and our accommodations for the night at Keld Lodge.  Jonny and Leslie were with us again for the walk today so we had 7 for dinner (8 including their dog Barney).  Stats for today; 12 miles walking, 1850 feet total ascent, 29,000 steps.  Early to bed tonight as tomorrow will be a tough climbing day through the wet bogs and a little further in distance.

The village of Reeth as we were departing in the morning 

Continuing our hike through Swale Dale, one of the most beautiful of the Yorkshire Dales 






We followed the river Swale for most of the day except for a few climbs into the hills above it.



Don, pounding it uphill 

One of the many old stone farm hamlets we would see today 

Dark skies in the Swale Dale but no rain today!!





A Jewish school class of boys braving the cold stream for a dip. They invited us to jump in but we took a pass.

With all the sheep shit on our boots, I think they could grow flowers too!

Our destination for tonight, Keld Lodge in the tiny village of Keld.  It is well known on the coast to coast walk as the half way point. 


THE END 😀 . . . for today 

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