July 23, Keld to Reeth

 This was the last day of the Herriot Way.  It was boring, then gorgeous, then kind of boring again.  The gorgeous part was heavenly.

But I get ahead of myself, because first we have to bid farewell to the residents of Keld.  

There is Mr. Sit Around and Do Nothing:

And Mr. Hard-At-Work:

There were decisions to be made.  The high route or the low route?  I have done both in the past, so I opted for the low route, but there were about three different low routes, all parallel to each other, but each offering a different walking experience.  The first one I chose was definitely not the best.  The views were more than fine, but it was stony track.  However, had I not taken that route to star with, I would not have passed Crackpot Hall.  And who would want to miss that?  After a while, at at a junction, I switched to a different path. It was, at least, more pleasant underfoot.

This ruin looks like the more ruined ruin at the top of Great Shunner Fell.  

OK, I finally looked it up.  Galena is what was mined in these parts:

This piece of machinery is left over from back in the day:

Entirely different from yesterday:

These are the moments when you are just so lucky to be out here doing this:

There was a bunny condo complex.  Each unit is built into the bottom of the embankment and has a superb view of the river.  The embankment hides the doorway and fools all but the most astute passersby.  

After switching paths, I came to a big gate with a padlock.  The gate was not difficult to scale, but I worried about what would be at the other end.

It turned out to be fine!

A whole lineup of sheep.  They seem to love cuddling up to the stone walls:

Yes, they do!

But Ms. Cow will sit anywhere:

You know you are getting close to Reeth when you see the suspension bridge:

Even if yellow is not your favorite color, this huge patch was very happy making:

Is this what I think it is?

Yes!  Mocha does not like long walks

Her owners were muy raro (very strange), I gotta say.  

Back in Reeth, I headed for the Ice Cream Parlour.  I had been thinking about it for about the past three hours.  A black cherry ripple cone was the best way to celebrate the conclusion of the Herriot Way!

The nice people at the very nice hotel (where I have a very nice room!!) let me check in early.  After fourteen miles, it feels good to take off your boots.

I thought I would get a loaf of bread for tomorrow's breakfast and lunch, but it is Thursday!

I did, however, buy a cheese sandwich from a different establishment; that was dinner.