Not been able to get a signal for a few days so, I have posted three day's updates in one:

23rd May 2007

Day 8: Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Hawes

14.4 miles today in great weather. We had a very long ascent out of Horton-in-Ribblesdale but were then rewarded with a great view of Wensleydale as we walked along the ridge. A lot of the walk was along rock laden tracks and was not very easy on the knees. In terms of severity this was not our easiest day but was nevertheless quite achievable. We are now in quite a large town for this area called Hawes. There is more here than just a Post Office and a pub. One of us has had to buy a new pair of boots as the tread was wearing out on their other pair and doing too much sliding around. Hope they're going to be comfortable.

Day 9: Hawes to Keld

12.51 miles today started with a steep ascent to Great Shunner Fell. At 2,365 feet, this was the highest point reached on the walk so far and is so bleak, not even the sheep go there. There was a howling wind blowing, which nearly blew us over. We did manage a cup of coffee at the summit, which was well worth it and we were shielded from the wind by a wall. We then had a steep descent and surprise, surprise another steep ascent before arriving at Keld. The last two miles were over very rocky paths, real ankle breakers. Keld is at the cross roads of the Coast to Coast and Pennine Way and a popular stopping spot for such a small place.

Day 10: Keld to Bowes

13.02 miles today. Although not the toughest day, we felt tired today and the old knees were hurting. W need to do something about that tomorrow. We ascended out of Keld and continued up for four miles until we reached the Tan Hill Inn. This is the highest pub in Britain, (feet from sea level, not storeys high) and so we had to stop for a drink. It is a strange place with lambs wndering around the bar. The walk from Tan Hill to Bowes was along boggy marshy fields and was hard going. One of the group went up to his knees (could it have been an olde prop forward we ask!!) in a bog and needed to be pulled out. Still we are here now, over half way and getting ready to watch the Champions League Final tonight.