Day 2 Kirkby Lonsdale to Ribblehead

A glorious start to the day, please let me have more of this sunshine whoever is controlling it. The first three pics are those I wanted to get last night but ran out of daylight. There is a path at the back of the church which is high above the river. John Ruskin described these views as the best in England, and I quite agree, it is beautiful.

I went down some very steep steps to the edge of the water and walked to Devils Bridge on the outskirts of the  town, as I wanted these pics as well. But, I'm sorry to say, I forgot to get take any more of Kirkby Lonsdale, sorry :o(

The main road to Ingleton is the A65, a very busy trunk road, so I walked on footpaths through fields, and minor roads, on either side of it. I was having a bit of trouble finding the way across vast fields. It's good when you find the stile to enter the field, but not good when you can't find the way out on the other side. It wastes a lot of time. At the moment there are sheep and lambs in almost every field, I love to see them.

I had a break for ten minutes on this bench at a small village called Masongill, Puddytat was getting a bit sunburnt, he's gone quite red, he matches the box. I had to look twice at the freshly painted telephone box, that's a bit odd, no telephone.

Instead there is a trolley with a few items of bricabrac and a notice to help yourself if you want anything, small donation welcome at the church. This box has been adopted by the people of the village. There is a notice board, and a newsletter for anyone to read, telling of what's going on. What a good idea. I can't see it working in my neck of the woods though, things wouldn't last long before they disappear.

I arrived in Ingleton underneath the viaduct. There is no longer a railway track here, so this is for show only.

Ingleton is famous for it's waterfalls and caves, just follow the signs.

The church stands high up overlooking the High Street.

I popped in the Co op shop opposite, and you will be pleased to know I bought some proper food, mainly reduced. A bag of spinach, I eat it like lettuce. Prepared fruit melon and grapes. Two bananas, small bottle of orange juice, and a carton of tuna sweetcorn pasta. At a cost of £2.71 Just then the heavens opened so I made a dash to the church porch to eat my lunch while I waited for the rain to stop. Alas it didn't so I had to put on full waterproofs before I set off.

I realised that time was getting on and I needed to keep going. I had already wasted time by dillydallying around. I envisaged an easy day at about 13 miles, but I'm afraid I had spent too much time chattering to people and needed to up my pace.

The easiest way to get to Ribblehead was to take a minor road, it was very minor, only the odd one or two cars, and plenty of sheep. Here we are about half way along it, there is Twistleton Scar on my left, a lot of craggy rocks, and across to the right was this view of Ingleborough, one of the famous three peaks. I don't need to climb it this time, I've already been up there. I don't mind walking long flat stretches, it gives me time to gaze all around me.

As I was coming into the small hamlet of Chapel le Dale I came across chickens everywhere, all over the road. It's a good job there is hardly any cars about. Aren't they pretty, pecking around in someones garden.

At last I had the Ribblehead Viaduct in sight, doesn't it look magnificent.

A bit closer.

Then I walked past it to get some pics from the other dide. There are twentyfive arches altogether, and what a height it is. In the summer the stream trains run along here between Settle and Carlisle.

It is an amazing height,

How did they managed to build it in 1875.

Right next to the viaduct is the Station Hotel which is my bed for the night. Another £30 for B & B. This time I have a four bedded room to myself, they aren't very busy. I've had a lovely day, it did stop raining eventually, and I've had a great night. I treated myself to a baked potato with tuna and sweetcorn in mayo, and salad. Washed down with a cool pint of cider, went down a treat. Mind you I'm feeling a bit stuffed now. I also found three friends to have a laugh with in the bar, they pulled up in two camper vans, all the way from Canterbury. I'ts amazing who you meet, they were great fun.

Thanks for your comments, I am reading them. I shall go through them all again when I get back to answer any questions. Please forgive me if I don't answer now, I have such a lot to think about. Good night, Toodle pip.