We left Kirkby Stephen’s hostel 9.30 after I had a much needed sleep in. The walk today was actually flat, about 24km . We had found St James church in Great Ormside on Google and decided it would make a good home for the night.
We had a day with all seasons, rain, sun, and wind but we arrived dry which is always the aim.
I saw a red squirrel today, which shows that the conservation attemps in this area are working. The bigger grey squirrels have taken over in England, so there has been a conservative effort to bring back the red squirrels. I was lucky to see it but not fast enough to get a photo.
We also went through a rabbit city. Rabbits are obviously not under threat.
The signage wasn’t very good today, with many other walking trails criss crossing ours. So Kay was on her phone all day trying to keep us on track. It did make for an easier day after the last 2 that had us head down and marching all day to get out of the rain and wind.
We stopped for lunch at another medieval castle that Lady Anne saved from ruin after a major fire. Back in the 11th century, it had been the site of a Roman Fort.
Today we met a lovely farmer on one of the narrow roads and had a good discussion about his farming vs. NZ farming. He just stopped his truck in the middle of the narrow lane and chatted for ages with us.
We often walk right through farm yards and look into the barns where the animals are housed when it gets cold. They are full of poop and not very nice at all. Kay says that anyone housing animals like that in NZ would be prosecuted.
The dairy farms are small herds of only about 50 compared to our 1,000s in NZ.
St James church is completely surrounded by a privately owned farm. One of the owners told us it is the only landlocked church in England.
We found it to be a very peaceful place to stay the night.
Fabulous photos of where you’ve been , I love it. And, Karen your story telling is a pleasure to read