C2C Day 5 - Shap to Kirkby Stephen

".......there's plenty to distract you from any blisters and sore feet though it is fair to say that none of the [prehistoric] sites will make your jaw drop in amazement" extract from H Steadman's book, Coast to Coast Path.

We can agree that landscape is signifcantly changed from our days in the Lakes.  We considered this the day to grind out the miles and reach the gateway to the Dales.  An average speed overall of better than 3 mph gives testament to our view on this section.  Little held our interest for very long.

Of note were our friends from the Kings Arms, father and daughter who we hope were able to complete this marathon section unscathed.  Natalie had already picked up sores to her soles and tops of feet and shin splints.  Ross provided suitable material for treatment but as we passed them early in the day she was quietly suffering.  To make matters worse she was carrying a 70 litre pack while dad looked as though he had found the smallest backpack in the shop.  We didn't comment further.

On the day we used a combination of GPS route and Steadman's book.  Interestingly the path diverged on at least 3 occasions.  Happily one of these was shortly before a boring 3 mile road section which was described as perhaps the dullest section of the whole walk.  Instead we enjoyed a relatively soft moorland diversion.  While on this section we met a man and his dog; the dog complete with his own saddle bags, see picture.

We entered Kirkby Stephen at 3.30 just 7 hours and 19.4 miles after leaving Shap.  To put into perspective the days walk, Ross took 19 photos.  Yesterday he took 56!

The YHA in Kirkby Stephen might be described as 'a bit different'.  


Accommodation Report – YHA Kirkby Stephen

Comfort – 2½ Stars (out of 5)
Hospitality – 4 Stars
Food – N/A Stars
Facilities – 3 stars

Overall – 3 and a bit Stars

Another warm welcome – this is privately owned, but still associated with the Association. The operator Denise welcomed us and we had single beds rather than bunks. Security was relaxed, no locks other than the front door. Free wi-fi helped, we didn't eat there hence the star rating.