I woke with some trepidation. Today we had a 16 miler scheduled, and with the slog of the previous day’s, we were both concerned about how long it would take. So we had an early breakfast, with the idea of leaving by 8:30am. Except I didn’t get myself particularly well organised, and so it was just after 9am. I got stern words from the Sgt Major. :-). The forecast for the day was ok… Cloudy but dry, and we dressed appropriately.

We gradually got into our stride. The track we were walking was so much better than we had been experiencing. But then the heavens opened on us. A quick rummage in the rucksack for rain coats. But in a way we were getting used to this and ploughed on. The track was climbing up over the two hours we were walking up, and we did around 5 miles in that time, so we were pleased with that. We had a break at a place called ‘Greg’s Hut’ which is a small two roomed house / cottage for use by walkers. Tricia changed out of her sodden trousers and into waterproof trousers. A drink and a little bite and we were back out and on the climb to Cross Fell. The highest point on the Pennine Way. We were pretty pleased with ourselves at the top. Here is Tricia starting out this morning… Not the blue sky. Didn’t last long. And the ‘Greg’s Hut’.

It was very windy, and the final climb was sodden, but apart from that walking conditions was good. Off of Cross Fell, down and then up again, and the wind increased – it was fearsome. Staying upright was a challenge! After 2pm we stopped for lunch where there was a little respite from the wind, and then marched on. The last stretch to DuftonI seemed to drag a bit, but we arrived just after 5pm… And had completed the 16 miles in pretty much the same time it had taken to do 10 the previous day. Here we are at the top of Cross Fell.

We were at the Stag Inn for an evening meal. A glass of wine with the meal :-).

We are prepared for tomorrow, and hope to make an early start. Boots are all dry and ready to go.

Only concern is the back of my left foot… A very nasty  blister, which seems to be getting worse rather than better… Mainly because every step aggravates it. Hopefully it will start to clear up.