Day 8. Kirkby Stephen to Thwaite

It was bittersweet as the five of us sans Sawsan and Firoz left our comfortable cottage in Kirkby Stephen to  walk 14 miles to Thwaite. 

We started out on the road and then transitioned to a natural path uphill to the Nine Standards.

Depending on the time of year that you are hiking this area there are different paths to follow. This helps preserve the paths as well as your boots since it can be quite wet and muddy. 

As you can see we have had incredible weather- no rain and unseasonably warm, high 70’s and even 80 degrees.

As you are hiking towards the Nine Standards you catch glimpses and lose sight of them like a mirage. It seemed like a real life Far Side comic. The sheep 🐑 make pyramids and as you get closer they disperse. 

 

 The Nine Standards is row of nine cairns of different sizes. It is not known who built them or why. They have been there a long time in some shape or form for at least 500 years and probably much longer than that.

This was a bit longer and tedious than it looks. It can be quite muddy and spongy with unexpected holes as one of our group discovered twice. Luckily, no scrapes or bruises. Bill still hasn’t been able to use his emergency kit tourniquet or sewing kit for stitches.

As we arrived at Ravenseat Farm (The site of a British reality show which seems to be the topic of gossip in the tabloids- google it.) we picked up two friends for about a mile and a half of our hike. No, not the horses above but this cute girl and a friend.

Once we got out of the hills and fields we headed along the road towards Keld and the Keld Lodge.  The Lodge claims the half way point for the Coast to Coast Path.

 

It also has a great pub and was a welcome stopping spot for a selfie and a pint or two.  

We continued down along the road 2.6 miles to Thwaite.  Not only are there lovely well-tended gardens and cottages to admire as you walk but great local art!

We arrive at our hotel for the evening. We are the only customers.

The town has a population of 36. It is self-confessed inbred. That was not a comment by me but the owner of the hotel. 

The big news in town was that two families with children moved into town, and it is the first time in years that there have been any children in town. The town is composed of mostly second homes so the influx of permanent residents with new DNA was a reason for excitement.

And you can walk the entire town in one minute. A few of us went out to walk in the evening and we unknowingly came across the Witch of Thwaite (married to Billy the Liar) walking her dog. She seemed so friendly and lovely but we were told that she would be talking behind our backs.  

We felt like international celebrities. Next thing you know we will be followed around by paparazzi!

The quietest evening and deepest sleep 😴 ever! Onto Reeth tomorrow.