Day 8 - Kirkby Stephen to Keld, Half Way Across England

Having had a couple of beers last night to make sure sleep was had by
all we got up early to put the youth hostel experience to memories of
history. We will laugh about it tonight over a glass of red wine no
doubt. It is worth noting that the yha at Kirkby is not an official
yha but is privately run - one that needs a bit of investment.

We had brekfast in a great cafe who opened especially for us at 8 and
started off on our climb up to 9 standard rigg a climb of some 1800
ft. We were accompanied on our way by our drinking buddies ' the
Geordies ' (picture of john and Kate above) and soon cracked the
summitt and headed off towards keld. The scenerary changed from
highland peak bogs to rolling dale hills quickly and we soon had the
12 miles cracked to the bunk barn.

A big mention must be made to the brilliant farmers wife at Ravenseat
farm at the head of winnerdale gill. A cup ot tea and a scone with
cream and jam for £2 was a bargain. With a warm welcome for everyone
despit having given birth to her fifth child just days before!! By
eck they make em tough in Yorkshire !!

Our arrival to the bunk barn was a nervy event. After our experience
the night before what would our cheapest accommodation be like?? The
answer..... Is wonderful.

Big, new clean bunk rooms set in a converted warm barn next to the
falls of the upper Swale all for £15 a night!! When I say next to the
falls I mean the wall of the barn is the side of the falls!! The owner
heather, met us with a warm smile a large bowl of hot beef curry and a
bottle of red wine. Bacon sarnies in the morning at 7.30 before we
leave. This place is excellent and should be a definately stop for
anyone considering a coast to coast. However it only sleeps 9 so it
is booked up for most of the year!!

Walking swaledale tomorrow over to gunnerside gill. Jay - I will try
and find that path again up the waterfall - I'm sure it's there
somewhere!!