Kirkby Stephen to Keld

Looking west towards Kirkby Stephen with
two cairns in the foreground.  

Again looking west under a dark and threatening sky. 

The first sighting of the Nine Standards plus four ramblers.
The Nine Standards look like a foraging  party for an army of stone giants. 

Near the hill top facing westwards towards the sunshine. 

Four of the Nine Standards. At a single glance it is clear
how well constructed the 'cairns' are. 

The 'Daddy' of them all.
A nasty brute with a hard stony countenance.  

All nine in a row. 

A wide treacherous bog of black sticky mud stretches out behind the
Nine Standards. Our path leads across this slippery mess. 

Here and there the ground was firm under foot. Often not. 

The sediment filled valley along which meanders Whitsundale Beck. 

On the northern edge of the valley significant erosion is clearly seen.
The extent of the erosion is perhaps a clue as to why the valley
 floor is filled with sedimentary deposit. 

A sign post shows the way ahead. 

Deep gorges are evidence of the enormous erosive power of
flowing water over geological time. 

Another view of Whitsundale Beck with a stone sheep fold
in the foreground and some stone 'barns' on the far hillside.  

Ever onwards flows the Whitsundale beck towards the North Sea. 

A Yorshire farm well fortified against attack from rampant Texel tups. 

This picture hints at the isolation of some hill farms
particularly during winter months. 

A low waterfall showing the horizontal stepped sedimentary deposited rocks. 

The gorge affords shelter in which trees and less hardy plants thrive.
On the open hillsides there are few trees to be seen. 

Sheep hard at their life's work, keeping the lawn in trip.

A delightful stone bridge across Whitsundale Beck. 

Looking east towards the hills beyond Keld. 

Stone built Keld.
Note: not a soul stirred.