Since we were staying in Tebay which is off the Coast to Coast route, we were given a ride back to the route by our host at the School House Inn. We met their two charming young sons who were helping with breakfast. One of them told me he was the Toast Meister. He earned that title well, as the toast he brought to us was perfect.
Tony on Knott Lane leaving Orton
We stopped in the field off of Knot Lane to walk around the Stone Circle. No other information was available about its history. I find these circles inspiring.
Stone circle
Doorway of ruined building
We then walked through pasture after pasture climbing stiles through each one. One pasture had a warning sign that there was a bull in the field. We walked through anyway. Glad I did not wear my red cape.
Peahens by the path
There were some more signs now for the Coast to Coast, but often there were a few different tracks of tamped down grass to chose from. It required careful checking of maps and still you could find yourself off track.
Tony on bridge
We had a bit a navigating to find our accommodations, but it was worth the extra walking.
The Manor House
Black Bull
After we cleaned up we had a good dinner at the Black Bull.
Getting along. This Trek highlights the fact that you must get along with your partner. I suspect most people share in duties, split in whatever way; a division of labor. In this venture, working in small spaces (tiny British B & B rooms, tinier showers, etc., require a real give and take. Unless one of the couple dominates the relationship, you have to share and share equally.
Especially blame. We share the map reading now, stopping frequently to check signage and to give the other an equal voice. Part of the ability to do this, I think, at least in my case, is that there is now no anxiety that we can actually DO the day’s hike, so there is no need to rush…other than my natural tendency to rush in, to go where no man has, or should, go before. But with that anxiety gone, it is easier not only to take the time to check the map, but to backtrack as (not if) necessary.
Today’s jaunt was the proscribed length, nothing too arduous. Mary is coming down with the cold I had for the last week and am all but over. This is unfortunate, since we have the Pennines tomorrow and the bogs for which they are so famous, and a sixteen mile leg to boot.
The weather will be sunny and dry, however, and we will take it as it comes. Until I take us on the wrong track…Mark’s comment about me knowing the City of London by pub notwithstanding. It was he, after all, who so often misdirected me of an evening…
Interesting insights, Tony. Thanks again to you both for another evening’s resting chair entertainment. Man, those long rock walls are amazing! What back breaking work! I try to imagine how rocky those fields were before they hauled the rocks over to build the fences. (I think they just left the big ones ’cause the couldn’t move them! 😉 ) Mary, I do hope your cold doesn’t make Tuesday’s hike even more difficult.
PS- I was charmed by sweet Thomas’ thoughtful Honesty Box.
Dear Both,
I am so inspired by the two of you taking this trip and appreciative to boot. At this stage of my game I’d probalby be unable to walk the required 14 plus miles each day. However, through your words and picutres I can see and enjoy the countryside here at home, hot and sweaty but without blisters! Those long rock walls do so remind me of Maine, but the wonderful pathways beside them are defnintely NOT Maine.. carry on old beans and pip pip. Love, Mikes
Well, mikes, you can break this up into easier stages. Some people we have met just do each park at a time and complete the course in a much easier stages with a week for each park and a rest day in the middle. Quite civilized. Glad you are enjoying our adventures. tony is a great walking companion. We are footsore, but having fun. Love, Mary