Day 6 - Shap to Kirkby Stephen 91 miles done

We set off early, in light rain, on what is our longest day so far. Last nights B&B was run by the most delightful lady, Margaret, who could not do enough for us. Brookfield house is the most welcoming place and we would recommend it to anyone. 

Margaret not only made us welcome she treated us like her own family. For our packed lunches she made us sandwiches, home made almond tarts and home made fruit cake that were  delicious along with a drink and crisps each. When we asked how much she said "Whatever you think it is worth put in  to our charity fund"  so we added 20 pound then we met two Americans in the hallway who donated another 20.

The start of todays walk was quit a shock after walking 5 days in total peace and virtual isolation we then meet the M6. we crossed on the footbridge.

We then walked alongside it for a short while by the cement works yuk!!!

The difference from yesterday when we had a beauiful climb in the hills  could not be more pronounced,

We had distance views of the Lakes and Kidsty Pike, where we were yesterday but this soon disappeared as it began to rain very heavy. After leaving the motorway we soon saw the change in geology with the limestone pavement.

With the weather now very wet we walked across many walled fields and over Tarn Moor. we did not take many photo's as it was too wet to get the camera out.

This shows you how wet,  Still nothing compared to what we know others have had and it looks like we will get more tomorrow. Still  Kirsty keeps us amused  with her humour like climbing stiles that are no longer there.

After hiding behind a wall for lunch  we set off on a long trudge in the rain to Smarldale where we traverse the bridge.

A little further on we spotted the Smardale viaduct.

Here it stopped raining just in time to bolster our spirits to finish todays long section. we moved on over the crest of Smardale fell where, the village of Kirkby could just be seen  and in the distance tomorrrows target the Nine Standards could be seen.

We finish the walk passing under an old railway and onto the centre of Kirkby 

We are now tired and arriving at Kirkby Stephen - the second biggest settlement on the  walk and our main objective is getting or boots off. We look forward to tomorrows trip  uo to Nine standards Rigg and on to Swaledale.

Sorry for the lack of pics but the rain stopped us taking many and no one aound to take a family picture.

Thanks for your comments!