Last day for me: Orton to Kirkby Stephen

With our luggage packed and waiting to be picked up , it was with  heavy hearts that we left the Barn House.

Today was our last walk together, as three of  us were leaving the walk to return home tomorrow.

One last group hug and one final group photo before starting out on the 13 miles walk to Kirkby Stephen.

Last night, Fiona, a friend of Tina's joined us for the evening meal and was walking for a couple of hours with us this morning.

It was very pleasant walking country, mainly farmland with rolling hills and numerous gates and stiles to negotiate.

Not so pleasant was crossing  the newly sprayed field!

It seemed all too soon before Fiona had to leave us to return to Barn House where she had left her car.

We found out later that she didn't walk back but hitched a ride on the 'Packhorse' van that was collecting our luggage. Full marks for ingenuity.

The first cowslips we had seen on the trip.

Tina and Paul seem to be getting to grips with the navigation now.

Lots more signs to guide you on the way, as long as you know which direction you want to go.

Just one last 'selfie'

The views were now dominated by the Pennine chain.

We stopped for lunch overlooking the river and close to a disused rail line.

At first I couldn't work out what the boys were up to, walking from one side of the bridge to the other.

Then I realised - they were playing 'Pooh sticks'!

Just beyond the bridge we caught sight of the Smardale railway Viaduct.

Not too far to go now.

Underneath the railway line

You're looking in the wrong
 direction Steve!







A last meal and drink together. I was sorry to be saying goodbye as we had all become close friends in such a short time. Enjoying many laughs along the way, we would not be forgetting this trip in a hurry.

 In the morning we had our last group photo. You may notice that another member had joined the group today. Jane, a friend of Tina's, was taking my place on the walk.

 I must say the three remaining members of the group don't look as though they are totally sure of where they are going.

This sign post might help, although it's the only one I've ever seen with the distance written in furlongs.

 We walked with them to the edge of the village just to make sure they started on the right path. This was where we said our goodbyes or so we thought!  Thirty minutes later we were looking for them in the next village to return Paul's cheque book and papers which he had left at the B and B. We also needed to then go back to the B and B to give Steve's room key back that he still had in his pocket.




Throughout this walk Paul has been raising money for a small charity:
Little Hearts Matter is a national charity offering support and information to anyone affected by the devastating diagnosis of a single ventricle heart condition, children born with half a working heart. It works to raise awareness of the needs of these children and their families.

So far he has raised £3,700 . Well done Paul