Day 15 - Wednesday 22 May 2019
Alston to Kirkland (15.1 miles)
Awoke from our slumber to a very beautiful day, thankfully with a welcome light breeze. We had an average stay at Lowbyer where the present owners have not been there that long - we felt that they had not decided what it is they actually wanted their business to be and that they were very much in between sorting this out. We wished them luck and headed out of the town to the south.
The route to Garrigill leaves the main road at the bottom of town and heads over very pleasant farmland although there is a high concentration of stone stiles to negotiate. After passing a couple of Pennine Way walkers coming the other way we were out on our own again and saw nobody until we arrived in Garrigill. In the village we headed for the green and took our boots and socks off and grabbed some snacks from the Post Office cum Shop. We noticed that the village pub, The George & Dragon was once more closed for custom until further notice – a real shame.
Leaving Garrigill the route leaves the road through the village and now begins the long transit to Greg’s Hut on a stony farm track. By now it was extremely warm but thankfully we were walking into a fairly strong but welcome headwind. Whilst for some this section along the Yellow Brick Road may appear mundane, the views are exceptional and wide ranging – particularly with the visibility we had today. We passed a few walkers who we thought may be walking the Pennine Way and we noticed that each and every one looked pretty miserable. Finally arriving at Greg’s Hut we sat in the sunshine and had another snack, remembering to sign the Visitor’s Book inside the bothy.
It was our intention to break off the Pennine Journey route and climb up to Cross Fell, regaining our original route just before High Cap. At the junction of paths we decided that we had done more than enough today therefore carried straight on towards Kirkland. About half an hour prior to arriving in the village we called Anne at Bongate House in Appleby to advise her of our ETA – due to the non-availability of accommodation in Dufton we were having 2 nights in Appleby and had arranged car transfers. This meant that we could split the Alston to Appleby section at Kirkland.
Anne arrived bang on time, picked us up and drove us to Appleby where we were pleased to find that we had exactly the same large & spacious room from our stay here in 2015. Resisting the urge to wander down the hill to The Royal Oak, we had a few sandwiches and relaxed in our room whilst Anne very kindly put on a washing load for us. Another superb days walking.
The route to Garrigill leaves the main road at the bottom of town and heads over very pleasant farmland although there is a high concentration of stone stiles to negotiate. After passing a couple of Pennine Way walkers coming the other way we were out on our own again and saw nobody until we arrived in Garrigill. In the village we headed for the green and took our boots and socks off and grabbed some snacks from the Post Office cum Shop. We noticed that the village pub, The George & Dragon was once more closed for custom until further notice – a real shame.
Leaving Garrigill the route leaves the road through the village and now begins the long transit to Greg’s Hut on a stony farm track. By now it was extremely warm but thankfully we were walking into a fairly strong but welcome headwind. Whilst for some this section along the Yellow Brick Road may appear mundane, the views are exceptional and wide ranging – particularly with the visibility we had today. We passed a few walkers who we thought may be walking the Pennine Way and we noticed that each and every one looked pretty miserable. Finally arriving at Greg’s Hut we sat in the sunshine and had another snack, remembering to sign the Visitor’s Book inside the bothy.
It was our intention to break off the Pennine Journey route and climb up to Cross Fell, regaining our original route just before High Cap. At the junction of paths we decided that we had done more than enough today therefore carried straight on towards Kirkland. About half an hour prior to arriving in the village we called Anne at Bongate House in Appleby to advise her of our ETA – due to the non-availability of accommodation in Dufton we were having 2 nights in Appleby and had arranged car transfers. This meant that we could split the Alston to Appleby section at Kirkland.
Anne arrived bang on time, picked us up and drove us to Appleby where we were pleased to find that we had exactly the same large & spacious room from our stay here in 2015. Resisting the urge to wander down the hill to The Royal Oak, we had a few sandwiches and relaxed in our room whilst Anne very kindly put on a washing load for us. Another superb days walking.
Heading out of Alston via The Pennine Way
We were once more acquainted with these which were a real test when we were last here in 2015.
There are quite a few of them on the section between Alston & Garrigill..........................
There are quite a few of them on the section between Alston & Garrigill..........................
........... however, as usual Fudge took them all in his stride
In much the same state as when we passed through here in 2015
Nothing to see here - just a Goat sunbathing
Four miles in and we arrive in Garrigill
Garrigill
The village pub continues its open/shut existence. It is now closed indefinitely but was open last time we passed through.
The village pub continues its open/shut existence. It is now closed indefinitely but was open last time we passed through.
An airing of the feet on the village green in Garrigill - Fudge steers well clear of my socks.
St John's Church, Garrigill
Looking back to Garrigill from the track leaving the village
Time to follow the yellow brick road
This small tarn is to the right of the path near Pikeman Hill
On we go - Cross Fell is ahead in the distance
Left to right - Great Dun Fell, Little Dun Fell & Cross Fell
Whilst the terrain was hard on the feet it was still pleasant walking on a day like today
Looking back on our route from near Long Man Hill.
The bridleway to the right leads back to the Pennine Way to the South East of Cross Fell
The bridleway to the right leads back to the Pennine Way to the South East of Cross Fell
The old mine workings at Black Gut
Greg's Hut just didn't seem to be getting any nearer - around every corner we were expecting it to appear.
The Civil Aviation Authority's Air Traffic Control Radar on Great Dun Fell
Ah there it is - Greg's Hut finally came into view
Greg's Hut is an old lead-mining Blacksmith's Shop which is now used as a Mountain Bothy
The bothy was named in honour of John Gregory who was sadly killed in a tragic accident in the Alps
We signed the Visitor's Book before we made our way to Kirkland
There is always one idiot - this was affixed to the wall in Greg's Hut. Take your politics somewhere else thank you.
Greg's Hut with Garrigill way, way in the distance
Time to leave the Pennine Way - turning left here takes walkers up on to Cross Fell however we were carrying straight on to Kirkland
The wonderfully named Man at Edge
Sod that - no engine
Looking down on our ascent into Kirkland - our path can be seen swinging to the left
A bit closer in to the Man at Edge - we would head sharp left here and make the long descent into Kirkland
Looking back to High Cap
Zzzzzzzzzzz - n'night peeps
Day 15 Data
|
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage Time Total Ascent |
15.1 miles
177.5 miles 7hrs 10mins 2185ft (666m) |