Sunday 11 May 2014

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.



The magnificent seven.....
 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.
Only 108 miles to go!!
 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   

34 comments:

  1. All good things must come to an end, but you have this chronicle to cherish forever! I enjoyed walking along with you, too. Lovely journey! May you have many more. :-)

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  2. Sorry to see the merry band breaking up. But, yes, many, many good times to cherish.

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  3. What a great walk! I've so enjoyed your recap.

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  4. What a magnificent time you all had, such beautiful countryside too. I would love to do something like this one day.....

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  5. Wow---I'm so impressed with your endeavor. As you know, Hubby and I love to hike --but we never EVER hike those distances. WOW--you did great, and what a gorgeous area where you were. Meeting very special new friends was special also I'm sure. I'm sure you are sorry it's over....

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  6. Fantastic journey! Your photo reflect the fun you all had. We'll done!

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  7. This looks great. I'll have to wait until the kids are a little bigger and then challenge them to do this!
    Well, maybe!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  8. A pity you had to stop here with the group. I enjoyed your journal very much.

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  9. I've enjoyed reading another of your walks. Thanks.

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  10. good times...good photos

    Glad I got to visit with you.

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  11. I'm sad your walk is over! I have really enjoyed your photos and account. I hope you will get to walk with these friends again.

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  12. wow another nice photos of England. Thanks.

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  13. What a great adventure and such fun with good friends!! Thanks for sharing!! Beautiful place!!

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  14. Every ending is a beginning ~ What wonderful memories you will have and gorgeous photos of such a lovely holiday ~ and great friends ~ Wonderful post for OWT ~ xoxo

    artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

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  15. I'm glad you had such a wonderful time, and great photo's to preserve such precious memories.

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  16. Looks & sounds like you had a blast (a very good time! And, you did it for a good cause too.

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  17. What a fun hike. You were with a great bunch of friends too. Funny story about the Pooh sticks, I remember that from reading to my son.. He loved Winnie the Pooh. Gorgeous scenery and photos.. Great post.

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  18. What an amazing walk and experience. I've driven America coast-to-coast (although not at one time), and that's quite an experience too.

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  19. What a cool trip. Nice pictures of the countryside. It's weird to see you guys all bundled up still.

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  20. What a great walk - love those shots of the countryside.

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  21. What a lovely trip that must have been. The countryside is beautiful and I love your photo,s

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  22. Must have been wonderful holidays hiking through these beautiful landscapes !

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  23. Another great day of walking. It must have been sad to say goodbye. It is a great cause of Paul's too.Looking forward to your next adventure.

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  24. it sounds and looks like you had a great walking holiday. I would love to do this through the UK one of these days....thanks for taking us along.

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  25. I love this wonderful experience.

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  26. Sounds like so much fun. The landscapes are beautiful and great to walk and explore with friends.

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  27. Congrats on the success so far! I couldn't walk with a group because I would take too many pictures and slow everybody down!

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  28. What a wonderful journey you had! I hope you remain friends with your co-walkers and perhaps do another walk with them in the future. The scenery was beautiful!

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  29. How wonderful to have such a fun hike with lots of memories♡♡♡ Great countryside with huge green, look so soothing♬♬♬

    Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

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  30. I've enjoyed this trip so much. What a fantastic adventure. Makes me wonder if there are any hikes over on this side of the pond that are similar to this (with beds at night).

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  31. Looks you had a wonderful walk! How lovely to enjoy hiking with your friends. I like that old stone bridge.
    Greeting from Japan, Tomoko.
    Have a good weekend!

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  32. Thanks so much for writing about your walk. Loved it.

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