Day 58 - 6th June, Tan Hill Inn to Middleton - 21.9 miles

I've realised on this walk that some people have earlier starts than others. I was just finishing my breakfast when brothers Guido and Rene appeared out of the rain and morning mist. We'd met a few days ago at a pub in Horton.
When they first appeared they looked 'abominable',  so this is them after they'd discarded layers and layers of waterproofs.
They'd stayed overnight at The Butt in Keld and had left early to walk the 4 miles up to Tan Hill where they deserved a good breakfast. 
Guido is based in the States and Rene lives in Holland. They meet up every year for a walk and have already many epic walks around the world. Training for mountain walking in Holland isn't easy so Rene loads up his back pack and repeatedly climbs the 20 storeys in the tower block where he lives. Now that's devotion to task!

I left later than planned but at least the mist was thinning.
By Sleightholme Moor the conditions were improving so I decided to extend my walk to take in the Bowes loop adding a further 6 miles to the day.
At West Charity Farm, there was the usual reception but this time these ladies had 
broken in to a run to try to get to a gate before me. Fortunately I won because they looked as though they were up for some fun!! 
Over on the A67, some were already on their way to the Appleby Horse Fair.

Bowes Castle - the reason for my extended walk - was largely built from salvaged stonework from a Roman Fort on the site - Lavatris, built to protect
8
Honest guv!!!

Crossing over the A67.
There's a significant traveller community in the area.
Then on over Deep Dale and Cotherstone Moor past a miltary firing range - I heard guns being fired throughout the afternoon.
Goldsborough and Robin Hood's Hole
with fields of bog cotton.
In perfect afternoon sunshine, I couldn't resist climbing to the top.
The day belonged to poor old distressed Lapwings keen to distract the passing intruder away from their nests.
A Meadow pipt getting in on the act.

You daren't stop or these ladies will silently come up behind you  ........
to check that all's OK!

An elder full of buzzing bees enjoying the mature blossom.
There havn't been many of these but are always welcome.

Lapwing
The last three miles from Grassholme Reservoir was a real slog! 

And finally arrival at Middleton - the bridge over the Teesdale River.
I got the the hotel just before 7 - a long day.  Nigel and Duncan had booked a table for 7.15 so after a double-quick shower, I joined them for supper.
Having found a good camp site, Chris and Ryan arrived for a late beer. Chris looking a lot better than he did last night.

Total distance walked so far = 764.4 miles
Total ascent so far 92 669 feet

If you'd like to leave a comment, correct me on any detail or just nudge, it'd be great to hear from you. If initially it comes up as Anonymous, please just add your name at the bottom so I can see who it's from.

email: david.LL.thomas@gmail.com
mob: 07850109100

If you'd like to contribute to any or all of the great charities I'm supporting, here are the relevant links.

- Just Wheels UK  - this is a small charity set up to provide wheelchairs in a rural community in Tanzania. It does this through funding training, education and the local fabrication and servicing of bespoke wheelchairs. My nephew uses a wheelchair and as he grows I can see the life changing freedoms that proper wheelchairs can bring to both users and their families.- 

- Parkinsons UK   - My dad had Parkinsons in his latter years and the research work this charity funds and the support it provides to patients and their families is invaluable. - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-thomas215


- RNLI   - these are the brave guys who selflessly head out to sea to help others. I volunteer at Littlehampton RNLI shop and often meet families of those who’ve had first hand experience of their loved ones being saved from the sea. Having sailed for years I can say thankfully we’ve never had to call on the RNLI's services but it’s amazing what it does to know they are there 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-thomas216


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