Dufton to Alston

Another miles, 32km, thankfully the last. I found it easier than Middleton to Dufton maybe as I had a rest day yesterday but I think more that all the up hill is at the beginning of the day

Once on Knock Fell, the steep ascent is dealt with, there’s some undulation over Great Dunn and Little Dunn,

Withe the usual bog navigation, but even the ascent to Cross Fell is not too steep or long. Although the phone pic doesn’t do it justice. This was the best view I have ever had from Cross Fell

Ober the Eden valley I could see Ullswater, Scotland to the north across the Solway Firth and even my final destination, the Cheviots in a weeks time. There is a bothy, Greg’s Hut, which I was greatful not to need today, but went in for a nosey around anyway

The downward journey crossed a big bowl of nothing but attracts curlews, lapwings and even plovers. The track is an easy gravel route put in for the grouse shooting I imagine.

Once down in the village of Garrigill

All became very pastoral again. A riverside route to Alston. Hayfields, woodlands and horseflys!

The stiles seemed excessively numerous and climbing over them at the end of a long day, was not welcome