Day 19 - Sunday 26 May 2019
Garsdale Head to Sedbergh (12.1 miles)
We have been to The Moorcock Inn a few times and always wondered what it would be like to stay here - now we knew. Very pleasant, good food, basic accommodation and we felt we got value for money. As we breakfasted, we could both see & hear the rain pelting down at some speed and discussed our options once more. What didn't help was that the wind was blowing fiercely and there was very little visibility.
Once outside the rain and wind abated therefore we headed up the road to where the path turns off to begin the long moorland stretch. Half way up the road it started to rain heavily and I began to have the nagging doubt that walking on the original route would turn out to be an unenjoyable boggy schlep. I have always thought that if you think a situation is going to be dodgy then 9 times out of 10 it probably will be. Therefore I said to Angie we would be better off running the gauntlet of walking along the A684 therefore regretfully we turned around. Having had a look at the alternative route yesterday, yes it was a fair bit of road walking but I took into account that it was a Sunday plus there would be occasions when we could turn off the A road and utilise quiet roads & tracks.
As it turned out the alternative route was a decision well founded as for the majority of the day it absolutely belted it down with rain. At the church in Garsdale we took shelter in the church foyer and had a bit of lunch and the remainder of the walk passed without incident apart from a weird chat with a woman outside the Caravan Site just short of Sedbergh - nothing she said made the slightest sense and she just kept yapping and wouldn't let us go.
Sedbergh was really quiet for a Sunday and all the Cafes were closed when we reached there just before 1430. It didn't make sense - closed that early on a Bank Holiday Weekend?? We were checked in at The Black Bull by Amy who informed us our room wasn't quite ready therefore we had a drink and a piece of cake in the Bar. The Black Bull has had a complete makeover since we last stayed here in 2014 when quite honestly it was a bit of a dump. It is now very 'chic' and our room was lovely - massive double shower and even a bowl, bed & towel for Fudge. Having looked at the Menu, nothing grabbed us therefore we headed down to the Spar to buy a carpet picnic and subsequently had a quiet night in sorting out kit and admin.
Once outside the rain and wind abated therefore we headed up the road to where the path turns off to begin the long moorland stretch. Half way up the road it started to rain heavily and I began to have the nagging doubt that walking on the original route would turn out to be an unenjoyable boggy schlep. I have always thought that if you think a situation is going to be dodgy then 9 times out of 10 it probably will be. Therefore I said to Angie we would be better off running the gauntlet of walking along the A684 therefore regretfully we turned around. Having had a look at the alternative route yesterday, yes it was a fair bit of road walking but I took into account that it was a Sunday plus there would be occasions when we could turn off the A road and utilise quiet roads & tracks.
As it turned out the alternative route was a decision well founded as for the majority of the day it absolutely belted it down with rain. At the church in Garsdale we took shelter in the church foyer and had a bit of lunch and the remainder of the walk passed without incident apart from a weird chat with a woman outside the Caravan Site just short of Sedbergh - nothing she said made the slightest sense and she just kept yapping and wouldn't let us go.
Sedbergh was really quiet for a Sunday and all the Cafes were closed when we reached there just before 1430. It didn't make sense - closed that early on a Bank Holiday Weekend?? We were checked in at The Black Bull by Amy who informed us our room wasn't quite ready therefore we had a drink and a piece of cake in the Bar. The Black Bull has had a complete makeover since we last stayed here in 2014 when quite honestly it was a bit of a dump. It is now very 'chic' and our room was lovely - massive double shower and even a bowl, bed & towel for Fudge. Having looked at the Menu, nothing grabbed us therefore we headed down to the Spar to buy a carpet picnic and subsequently had a quiet night in sorting out kit and admin.
Leaving Garsdale Head on an absolutely awful weather day. Fudge is clearly not feeling the love
Dandry Mire Viaduct at Garsdale Head
We took any opportunity we could in order to avoid walking along the A684 - this diversion took us above the main road
Even though it was lumping it down it is important to keep ones sense of humour
Arriving in the village of Garsdale - and yes it is still raining
5 miles in and 7 to go
When trudging along a main road you have to find ways of amusing yourself...........................
........ enough said
A lunch respite in the entrance to St John the Baptist Church in Garsdale - thankfully there was no service this morning
Sulking because he is wet and has already scoffed down his lunch (and wants more)
Our first view of the Howgills as the weather starts to improve
Almost there love - soon be having a hot shower and be able to dry out
It was open but we couldn't be arsed to walk off route for 300 yards
New Bridge, Sedbergh over the River Rawthay
Arriving in Sedbergh - with dry foul weather gear
Come on Dad - get your kit off!
St Andrews Church in Sedbergh
Day 19 Data
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
12.1 miles
231.7 miles
4hrs 50mins
583ft (178m)
231.7 miles
4hrs 50mins
583ft (178m)