From grey stone of Keswick to sandstone of Pennines & Eden.
Before leaving town we stocked up with supplies for hills ahead

After first few hills, we stopped off for tea and organic cake at the pink Little Salkeld Mill

Where even the evidently free range chickens looked interested in a Mill Tour

On the road beyond towards the Pennines we passed a Druid’s navigation aid

With Hartop Summit to conquer we didn’t have time to visit

We knew the kids might need incentivising
for the big climb to Hartside Pass

And were left in no doubt that
conditions at the top could be harsh

But we took it in stages, rewarded ourselves for each 100m of climb

Put on extra layers to deal with the cold and focused on reaching the cafe at the summit

We thought there was time for fun and to reach the cafe before it closed

Unfortunately it was already closed when we arrived…
.. frozen pipes

Fortunately we had brought our own provisions

For a brief but cold celebration

Before a magnificent descent down to Alston

And some cobble bashing to reach a cafe before closing time

By the time we’d eaten it was dark again, leaving us with a short night ride
to find our accommodation at the Lovelady Shields Country House Hotel
You can read about our stay in this wild part of Cumbria here.