Keld to Reeth

Dawn in Thwaite.
The noisey birds were gathering to migrate for winter and I was suffering
from news withdrawal due to radio silence.

Clich on photogragh to enlarge.

Looking back towards Keld, generally considered the halfway  mark for our walk

Just beyond the place where the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast Paths briefly merge into one trail. 

Looking eastwards along the gorge cut through by the River Swale

The exquisite Swaledale Valley. 

One of the thousands of beautifully constructed and maintained dry stone walls.
The hills in the background show the unhealed scars of mining spoil heaps. 

One of several villages in the Swaledale Valley which seem to merge
 harmoniously into, and with, the natural landscape. 

Dotted along the hillsides are stone built bards which provide fodder
 (in the loft) and shelter (at ground level) for the sheep during winter. 

These unique 'styles'  are a barrier to sheep and, according to Wainwright,
to the bow legged.

Believe it or not, this paved path between the houses is part
of the Coast to Coast Path.  

A view down the main street of Gunnerside.
Note: not a soul to be seen. 

An overview of Gunnerside.
Note: still not a soul in sight. 

The base of the Swaledale Valley is a patchwork of lush fields
and dry stone walls with a scattering of  stone barns.

Even on an overcast day the Swaledale Valley is a true delight. 

The picturesque village of Healaugh well decked out in its flowery shirts. 

The Swaledale Valley zigzags eastwards