L2L Day 43 Horton to Hawes - 14.5 miles

Knowing that we had another long day ahead of us, we had an early breakfast and headed out. Along the wall to St.Oswald's church, we watched a chaffinch carefully searching for his breakfast between each coping stone.


St. Oswald's is a Grade 1 listed building and once inside we understood why.  12th Century Norman simplicity.


Along the road we were tickled by signs of neighbours with rather different views...... a Cross of St.George on one house and a 'Refugees Welcome' poster in the window next door.



The Pennine Way out of Horton is a steep rocky lane which rises and rambles on for about 2 miles. 



We had clear views of Pen y Ghent all day


I stopped to watch a Wheatear busying itself as I walked past.



Fabulous clear views in every direction.


Another Green veined white butterfly.........


...and despite the keen breeze, it was only a matter of time before these two got their act together!!!


The last tree for miles


Walking up Ling Gill we saw a number of these purple orchids which my app told me were 'Dead man's fingers' 


The bridge over Ling Gill


A Skylark trying to look nonchalan̈t
 
We then joined the Cam High Road, rising about 500 ft, part of a much longer Roman Road. The surface was of broken stone and chippings and walking into a strong, cold breeze , we were keen to find shelter for our picnic lunch consisting of more meagre fare than usual. A chocolate croissant, flapjack and half a thermos of coffee. Sugar, sugar, sugar! 


It was a relief to reach the top of the Roman Rd at Kidhow Gate and walk on grass again. Unfortunately, the relief didn't last long as we then walked an undulating broken stone track for another 2 miles before reaching the appropriately named Rottenstone Hill and started our descent to Hawes.

 
After what seemed like ages, we passed through the pretty hamlet of Gayle and descended into Hawes.



Well look at that!!  A distant ....distant family connection???

An early supper and almost too tired to think of a blog this evening. 
Sleep!!!

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