Tan Hill to Middleton in Teasdale

My longest day so far, 27.2k, 17m. I’m exhausted. Tomorrow is longer, so not that sure I’m looking forward to it. Though I am looking forward to a day which has no rain in the forecast.

Once the mist had burned off this morning was quite bright and after a short day yesterday I set off, enthusiasticly across Bowes moor. Lots of white markers to help on this non distcript boggy section. Until I saw the grouse feeding dish, and noticed they were liberally scattered in all directions.

The real marker post were much fewer. Lots of fun micro navigating round bog once again.

After 3 miles or so the track became much better as it was clearly grouse shooting country

A ‘sport’ I’ve never quite understood. Now well and truely past the half way mark it felt quite a thing to cross (under) the A66.

There were considerable stretches of featurless moorland, Cotherston and Mickleton. But there was fantastic entertainment. Lapwings, curlews, redshanks, meadow pipita, golden plover and sky larks. Thank goodness for the Merlin app to help in identification.

In the valleys there were beautiful wild flowers meadows. Around lunch time, just before Blackton reservoir a wonderful DIY cafe.

Tea, coffee, fruit, porridge, energy bars. Anything and everything a walker may want. There were no prices, just a box for donations.

After paying £9 for this manky sandwich from the Tan Hill my faith in human nature was restored

The rain, yes I’m obsessed, decided to accompany my last 4k! Not tomorrow, I hope.