Dales Highway stage 6
DALES HIGHWAY STAGE 6 7th April 2016
Seventeen members assembled at Appleby Rail Station to catch the bus to Newbiggin on Lune for the final section. Once again the weather was ideal. Leaving the bus at 0900 a short hike over Ravenstonedale Moor saw us overlooking Sunbiggin Tarn. Descending to a short stretch on the road before turning onto the coast to coast path. This took us between Great Kinmond and High Pike, a short diversion to the Cairn on Muddgill Plain to take a break and absorb the all-round views.
Ahead the Pennine Range rising above the Eden Valley. To the left the limestone terraces of Great Asby Scar leading away to the Lakeland fells. Looking back, The Howgills. Heading down towards Great Asby Stan showed his gate lifting skills. At Clockeld farm some cows with young calves barred the way, on good advice from the farmer, a short assault course through mud and farm machinery proved a safe bypass.
Leaving Great Asby with the prominent double bell tower of St Peters Church on the right. At Howe Slacks we followed Hoff Beck with a lunch stop at Rutter Mill, crossing the bridge for views of Rutter Force waterfall. Re-crossing the beck several times over the next few miles evidence of flooding was all around and the riverside was very muddy.
A shower caused us to cag up but did not last long, the sun was out again. At last dry land entering Appleby, a short climb alongside the castle walls to the top of Boroughgate then down to the finish at Moot Hall. Here, completers signed the book and a group photo was taken. Passing over the River Eden flood damage was visible at several properties, arriving back at the station car park Glyn circulated with homemade wine.
After cleaning up we all went to the Midland Hotel where the organiser had arranged tea and cakes, along with certificates and badge issues. We were lucky again with the weather as we sat watching the torrential rain. My thanks go to Ian for his help preparing and running the Dales Highway.
John Evenden
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