Orton to Kirkby Stephen – Walking in the Rain

Thank you the Ronettes.

What a pleasant place to stay, The George in Orton. Nice couple, good food and great rooms. For next to nowt. And breakfast followed in the tradition of excellence. Unfortunately when I set off my map reading was less than excellent. I went out of the village on the wrong road, mostly because I have these narrow, linear maps of the route. It cost me over a mile. And it was raining, which pissisted most of the day.

But what a gem of a shelter I came across.

It turned out to be a tiny school from the late 1700’s, set up by a local benefactor. I took shelter from the rain.

I felt very warm and at home in that small space, which had taught the children of the locality for over 120 years. I spoke to any spirits of children or staff that may be remaining there, but had a positive feeling that all had happily moved on. So I did too. Into darkness at the break of noon. Thanks again Bob.

It rained almost continuously but I was prepared, and it wasn’t cold. Now I had the route back I made good time on tiny country roads, from which I had to tip off to head south on paths again. Seeing no other walkers now for two days. Nobody.

Because of my navigation error today would be 13 miles again. Oh well. I was meeting up with my sister, who would have a tent put up at Kirkby Stephen , waiting for me. How good is that?

This was a ‘rolling Cumbrian hills’ route, with no massive energy sapping climbs. And the rain occasionally shared it’s space with sunshine.

The route dropped down into a valley that I think was Smardale, with a dismantled railway running through a limestone valley cum gorge. Great views.

And then a long climb to arrive above Kirkby Stephen.

My sis would be waiting there with black olives for aperitif. She’s so sophisticated.

She’s cooking spaghetti bol for main and she just loves those black, seedless grapes of the Tesco Finest range, the Sable variety, to pluck at as a pleasant dessert.

She let me taste them first. How lucky am I to have such a sister?

I bought some superglue at a shop in the village. My boots might last the distance!

And up above the campsite is the Tan Hill Inn, somewhere up there, that me and my mate Chip struggled to get up to one soggy July day five years ago. Fair play to my friend, despite his difficulties, he made it. I love him.

Night night.