Diary Day Seventeen

We had a restless night being very hot with aching feet and legs after the descent down the Corpse Road. This and the descent from Pen-y-Ghent have been the worst sections of the walk so far.

Today being shorter with little climbing we delayed our start until 9am. The paths were kinder underfoot as we left Garrigill and headed for Bleagate and Alston down the South Tyne Valley. The meadow fields were beautiful and Mo kept close through the cattle fields the sound of the river never far away. We went into Alston for a coffee & cake and replenished our supplies at the Co-op then down to the South Tyne Dale Railway to see the midday train depart and yes another coffee. Well we had loads of time today so why not enjoy it.

We then decided to follow the South Tyne Trail to Slaggyford and were pleased we had having read negative reports regarding this section of the Pennine Way route and the trail navigating a parallel course anyway. It was a delight the children on the train waved as they passed us by and the valley floor was glorious. Arriving at Slaggyford early we chatted awhile to a couple out for a days cycling but still arrived early at our accommodation where our host had left us a flask of tea and cakes together with a note welcoming us.

Boots and socks off we rested in the garden until her return and the promise of a home cooked meal tonight. It smells good anyway, Colin is drooling so had better finish now.

Ta-ra for now Mo, Dave & Colin.

Mo in another meadow

Time for coffee

South Tyne valley