C2C Day 6 - Kirkby Stephen to Keld

We started by saying goodbye to one of our companions of the last few days. Natalie had joined her father on the walk but the punishing terrain the day before finished off her feet. She was catching the train from the railway station back home.

We made an early start at 8.00 am, no breakfast organised, we had a sausage roll from the local newsagents. We wanted to be up to the Nine Standards Rigg as early as possible. The climb was long but we made it within 1½ hours. We spent an hour at the Rigg, with the occasional jet aircraft buzzing us. Another brew up and the unfurling of the flag. This is the watershed of the walk. All water now flows towards the North Sea. 

Shortly after we were directed onto the red route and into the boggy ground of the moors. I was particularly wary of this section, expecting great swathes of mud. In fact it was amazingly dry. We continued off the moor towards the top end of Swaledale.

We came across Ravenseat Farm, featured in the Julia Bradbury DVD of the BBC series of the Coast to Coast walk. We were ready for a tea and scone but unfortunately no one was at home. We aren't having much luck as the fish and chip shop so favoured by AW in Kirkby Stephen had also been closed the night before.

We followed the upper Swale before dropping down to our accommodation for the night, Keld Bunkhouse. We had finished our walk in a little over 5 hours.


We were joined by John and Bob at Keld Bunkhouse who are also walking C2C, and a bit later by “Bomber” who was going from Land's End to John O' Groats. Bomber had started on April 7th and was 600 miles through a 1150 mile journey.

After a smashing beef stew provided by our hostess, Heather we all went up to Keld Lodge. A quick drink turned into a late night and we rolled in at just before midnight! One of the more interesting topics of conversation was Steve's (until then he had been affectionately referred to as “wierdy beard”) beard. Photos have been provided.

Accommodation Report – Keld Bunkhouse, Keld


Comfort – 4 Stars (out of 5)
Hospitality – 5 Stars
Food – 4 Stars
Facilities – 4 stars

Overall – 4 and a bit Stars

A very warm welcome – good facilities including a small galley kitchen. Comfortable bunk beds.