Saturday, 8 July 2017

Friday 7th July 2017Shap (250M) to Kirkby Stephen (180M). Distance 20 miles - Long moderate - Height Gain 150m/490ft - 8.5 hours

The Lake District Mountains are left behind and the gradients ease to cross the rolling farmland and hills in Eden Valley. We follow the footpaths across the limestone plateau passing the secluded hamlet of Oddendale and the granite boulders deposited by ice age glaciers. Orton lies a mile to the south of the route. We continue over rolling farmland and across the moors passing Sunbiggin, the hidden remains of several ancient settlements, and Smardale Bridge to the market town Kirkby Stephen.

• Close to today’s path is the ancient cairn Robin Hood's Grave.

• Marked on the map near Smardale Bridge are 'Giants Graves', or ancient 'pillow mounds'.

• In Kirkby Stephen there are banks, shops, pubs and cafes.

• There is an outdoor equipment/clothing shop.

• 08:30 start from Shap.

• Arrive Kirkby Stephen approx 17:00

Mild day long but through different terrain - enjoyable.

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