Day 9 Reeth to Richmond, 11 miles

Day 9 Reeth to Richmond, 11 miles (123)

Another short day. Left 9:30, arrived at our digs at 2:30, to sit in the back garden drinking tea and chatting to the Australian, Graham. He is 60 and had been taking part in a swimming competition in Italy, so added on a walk in England. He was already thinking about next year, possibly kayaking in Fiji! 

A leisurely start today as  breakfast wasn't served until 8:30, then sandwiches from local shops. Eventually we got going, with me just managing to haul my bag from the second floor in time for Packhorse to carry it onwards. Not sorry to leave my room with dog hair all over the carpet and a bathroom that smelt overbearing damp. 

We walked three miles to Marrick Priory where we met Steve, a walking guide friend, and his partner Anne who were walking the remaining 8 miles with us. It was great to catch up and to have someone different to chat to. En-route we passed the German couple who were ending their walk in Richmond. We never caught up with any others; probably won't do from now as we all seem to have planned different stops, although we did see two dads with two girls whom we met first near Nine Standards but hadn't really spoken to. 

Walking today was over fields, along lanes and by farms. Steps Wood was the only challenge with 375 steps to go up. Feet are all getting tired now but we are doing great! My sticks may get used again tomorrow after a few days of being carried on my back.

After a pleasant afternoon drinking tea in the back garden, chatting to the 3 As and The Corgis, and awaiting Andy, we climbed up the very steep hill, to the Market Square. Here we spotted one of the Dads so we joined them and The Corgis in the pub. After one drink we went in search of food. The recycling had already been done by the Lads and Dads and they had chosen the Weatherspoons, but by the time we got there, just after 7, it was closed! We went to the next pub where food was served until 8:00, to find they had already closed their kitchen, but they offered to turn the cookers back on and serve us! The rule in Richmond seems to be that there has to be a whippet in every pub, whereas in Reeth plus fours were the common feature. On the way back we saw the chaps on the square so had a farewell photo as our schedules don't coincide again. They are really going for it now with long, energetic treks.