Coast to Coast Day 10: Keld to Reeth

Team Sloth was at full strength again today. The young ‘uns were ready for the high route, with us oldies opting for the low one, which was a bit more middle at times. It certainly felt that way as we approached Reeth after 7 hours and a little over 13 miles.

We were treated to a scrumptious breakfast and were sad to leave Frith Lodge so soon. Spending about 15 hours total at each stop leaves one with a strange feeling of constant movement. If we do longer trips, we’ll need to find a way to moderate that feeling. We walked together down the Pennine Way back to the C2C path, but fairly soon Bailey and Samuel headed off on the high route. The guidebook reported the distance and time to be the same as the low route, but the difference in elevation profile hinted at the increased difficulty. While the kids enjoyed the walk through mining history, had no difficulty, and arrived at Reeth 3 hours before us, they were asleep in bed when we arrived at 5 pm! We all were still suffering from the hard day over/through the bog…

The low trail started as a pleasant track following the Swale. We considered visiting Muker, but our priority was completing today with the least effort. Unfortunately, in choosing not to take the track to Muker, I inadvertently took a higher path than the designated one that took us up to Ramps Holme. After 1-2 miles of climb, jealously admiring a couple of ladies walking a fine path beside the river below us, we took a trail down from Calvert Houses. We then started traversing meadows of freshly cut grass being prepared for hay, which was common throughout the day. The downside was squeezing through very narrow gaps in the dry stone walls, designed to be too narrow for sheep which did not leave much room for us! We stopped in Gunnerside for lunch, sitting in its beautifully decorated square and happily using their public facilities before heading on. After Gunnerside, the official low route went high, like we had done in the first half. I could find paths on the OS map that kept us closer to the river which was flatter, which we preferred. One exception was a 1/2 mile walk along the top of a wall, which was an official footpath! While the scenery along the river was beautiful, the day dragged on. We were very glad to arrive in Reeth, summon the kids out of bed for the day’s finishers photo, and spend the rest of the day and evening relaxing in our pub. What little we saw of Reeth looked quaint, but our interest in such things was very low.

I am hopeful that tomorrow’s 10-mile day will prove easier, and then we have a rest day. Today’s weather was kind, and while tomorrow’s day looks warmer at 70degF/21degC, that might be too hot! at least it should be dry, so all of us will be in our trainers, with more than just Bailey showing off their Hokas!

Check out the short overview of today’s adventure at https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvxn98D9B6

This page is linked to from my England’s Coast to Coast home page.

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