Day 10 Kirkby Stephen to Keld (21Km, total ascent 920 m)

Day 10 Kirkby Stephen to Keld (21Km, total ascent 920 m)

This was a day we faced with some trepidation as we donned our boots and gaiters.  Anyone who has read about the Coast to Coast will be aware that the route over Nine Standards Rigg is reputed to be the boggiest section of the walk.  In her TV series, Julia Bradbury says "your gaiters won't help you here". We think ours did.

The walk up to Nine Standards Rigg (the summit of Hartley Fell) starts following a road up the hill before heading up a track and rocky path.  There are many theories as to the origin of the cairns that form the Nine Standards.  Apparently referred to as early as 1800s, some suggest they were built to trick the Scots into thinking an English army was camped on the hill.  Others say they marked the boundary between Swaledale and Westmoorland.

Frank's Bridge (named after a local brewer)

Gary at a signpost, 108 miles to go.

Helpful rocks block us from heading the wrong way.

Stone Bridge at Hartley.

Looking back down to Kirkby Stephen.

Elaine contemplates a sign.

Nine Standards in the distance, they are stationary but as we climb up they don't seem to get any closer.

A fairly worn sign

A boggy path with a few boards to help.

A derelict building in the landscape.

More sheep - "no more sheep photos" says Elaine

Another view.

The track gets boggy.

Nearing the top.

Finally we approach the Nine Standards

Gary at Nine Standards.

Elaine at Nine Standards 

Nine Standards.

Crossing the bogs we look back to Nine Standards.

Can you tell me what that notice says? I don't want to go there.

Elaine goes ankle deep in the bog

Squelch

Beware the green mossy plant it looks like solid ground, but hides the water and bog beneath.

We reach Pillar, the marker we have been aiming for .

We see Ravenseat Farm in the distance. They do tea and scones there...

sometimes.  Sadly, no chance of scones and cream today.

A waterfall on the Swale.

A disused barn.

A bridge over the Swale.

Lots of old Lime Kilns in the area.

River Swale

We arrive at Birkdale, fortunately it is 3:45pm

Bonus, the room at Little Birkdale  has a combustion heater.