After a sheltered night in the barn, we woke feeling grateful of the protection it was still providing, as, not only was the wind still going for it, the rain had returned. Wed also got the two chairs and table from the filed last night, so enjoyed some breakfast watching the weather safely from inside, before smugly packing away our dry tent.
We didnt stay dry for long though, stepping out straight into the rain&wind and walking across long wet grass and bog; Insta wet. Of course the weather didnt stop us, normal and sane people, from diverting a little to head back to the trail via a ‘large ancient stone circle, (because weve never seen one from Devon and Dartmoor) or from taking pictures of cows just because they were in a house (old disused building).
The trail continued meandering through farmers fields today, through many gates and over many styles, up onto a couple of fells and followed many long dry stone walls. It also dipped and crossed a river at one point, where we were fortunate enough for the sun to make a brief appearance - long enough for us to have some lunch
and attempt to air the wet feet & shoes. Apart from that very brief appearance though, the sun remained out of sight, with the drizzling grey rain clouds continuously testing our waterproofs out all day, driven quickly and sometimes fiercely by the winds.
Despite this, we actually enjoyed the day, and found it easier just wearing waterproofs all day, then the constant changes in weather. And before we knew it, just as someone decided to switch the light on and the tap off, we had made the 20km to Kirkby Stephen. Of course cake & tea was a must, before heading to Penine View campsite, which with backpackers discount is a bargain of a site; nice level soft ground, amazing toilets and showers, laundry facilities, a campers cooking room and an bar with different catering each night.
The perfect site for a rest day, which was good as thats what we had planned. Cue a couple of hot showers, laundry being done, a sunny stroll along the river, cooked breakfast in a cafe with a large coffee menu (happy Paul), few touristy bits, supplies shop including dried camping meals and fuel top up, and some of
the best pizza around (so weve been told) from tonight local caterers on site. Lets hope its as tasty as they say, up for the trail again tomorrow.
Fellow walker update: Mr bubble hat and his dad had caught up with the family and made up. We saw them to say bye in Kirkby as they planned to continue on with no rest day. We did the same with the two Australians too. There was also a young guy here walking John o groats to lands end for charity who was nice, but up and off early today. And, green pack girl, who wed see a couple of times but she didnt seem keen to talk, finally chatted to us here in Kirkby (cornered her in the campers cook room) and, as shes also had a rest day, well probably catch her again sometime soon!
