Shap to Kirby Stephen.

Many of the books call this a 'recovery day' even if it is posted as being 20+ miles taking seven hours. Fortunately there are no steep gradients, but there were still a good many paces to be trod. We got back to Shap via the use of a taxi from KS and were ready for the off at 8.45. The first objective was

the bridge over the M6 - for some reason this was a landmark. We then made good time via Hardendale quarry and Oddendale before skirting Crosby Ravensworth Fell. The weather was excellent, a little overcast, no direct sunlight, dry with a little wind. Just right for walking.


It was an easy walk, uninteresting underfoot, but excellent for views of the retreating fells and the appearing Howgills. The smell of sheep was constantly in the air. Then it happened, round one of the many corners was Jen's friend - and we saw him and his adopted family several times during the day (and we beat them back into KS).
We had lunch near Sunbiggin Tarn before crossing Ravenstonedale Moor - which must be a bleak and inhospitable place when the wind and rain blow. We saw some lovely places, one of which was the bridge and setting of Scandal Beck. All in all the mileage to be covered detracted somewhat from our enjoyment of the scenery about us.

Following - strange things you see on a walk. How often do you see this? four all at one time in synchrony.