Shap to Kirkby Stephen, Day 5. 21 miles

I can't believe I have completed 83 miles already. Started at 8am again this morning. This walking hasn't helped me sleep any longer than normal. Was wide awake at 4.45!
The walk started across the road, across the railway line, which officially marked the one third stage. Try telling my legs and feet that!
Over across the M6 motorway and a lovely pleasant walk past Oddendale Village, before hitting Crosby Ravensworth Fell. The book warns us to watch out for adders - well I can assure you I didn't look for any, and didn't want to find any! Wasn't playing hide and seek with them things!
They can stay where they are. Away from me!
That walk took the best part of two hours before I reached any civilisation. Then the decision to bypass Orton Village or go through it. The temptation was the chocolate factory. According to the guide book not to be missed!
Well I actually took the slimmers route and bypassed it. How is that for being good? Not like me to be good! As a few of you may verify! And you can keep your comments!
From there I walked over Orton Scar. Another bleak and desolate Place. Had to cut through a few farms here, and ok, I got lost. One field looks the same as the other when you walk through them!
Only sent me ten mins or so off track, so wasn't too bad!
Then onto Tarn Moor. Boring, but decided to break it up with a pleasant lunch break at Sunbiggin Tarn. It is supposed to be teeming with bird life, but seeing as I didn't have my glasses with me, there was no point looking for them!
I sat and basked in a little sheltered spot in the lovely sunshine. The wind was rather chilly when walking. But warm enough for shorts. Well you know how warm I get!
Looked at map and decided to cut across the Moor on a different path than official route. So glad I did. It cut an hour off the tedious road you are supposed to follow. So ok, slapped hands I have cheated!
Walking along boring moorland with nothing to see but sheep would send you to sleep, so I hope I am forgiven.
At last the scenery changed once I hit Severals village. This is an Archaeological site, but I don't see the appeal in looking at the odd stone in the ground. Hope I haven't offended anyone on that remark. Know what some of you oldies are like!
Descended into a valley, which was lovely and warm, out of that wind, and came across Swarmby Bridge. A lovely little secluded spot, with gentle stream. So guess what. I indulged myself. Boots off, legs stretched - as far as my little legs stretch anyway, and sat there for 20 mins in the warmth and just chilled. Yes, I can do that sometimes! Not often enough so I have been told!
Climbed out of the valley and up onto Smardale Fell. Very grassy, with you guessed it, more sheep! Think they keep saying 'Maaaad!' or something like that! May have heard wrong! lol
That was a long stretch too. Over an hour before I got my first glimpse of Kirby Stephen.
Arrived there just after 4.30pm. Not bad really after 21 miles and a couple of stops.
After quick shower and change off out for tea. Had to be the other side of the village, but what the heck, but apparently you have to have the customary fish and chips from the famous Coast to Coast chippy.
So glad I did, and I think I deserved them! They were delicious. Would be worth doing the walk all over again for another portion! Only kidding! For now anyway. You never know. Watch this space. I am enjoying this challenge, even the boring bits, sheep and all.
May see who I can talk into walking with me next time, tho there is nothing better than walking alone, at peace with the world, listening to the sound of the birds and country life or classical music on your I-pod. If only I could win the lottery.........
Apologies for tomorrows blog. There is no signal for mobiles, so will not be able to update laptop or text anyone. Off to Keld tomorrow, 13 miles and crossing the Pennines. I have a choice of three routes tomorrow. Will let you know which one I took.