Keld to Bowes (Co. Durham )

Weather today: Cool NE Wind Fine

Daily Miles Covered: 13.7

Total Miles Covered: 563

Things of Interest: 13 Pheasant chicks

Personal Comments: Overcast start to the day, with rain threatening, but it never came. We came back to Hawes from Keld yesterday to watch the Champions league final on tv. Off we set this morning to the exact same spot where we left it last night. Keld is the crossing point for the PW. and the Coast to Coast walk, so as you can imagine there is some quite lovely countryside around here. Severe uphill climbs were first on the agenda, taking us across a limestone terrace overlooking the village itself, and good views back to where we were 2 days ago. Always climbing for the first hour we soon came across Tan Hill Inn the highest pub above sea level in Britain. Now as you know people, Phil and myself are strangers to these hostelries, so as it had some noteriety, and it had to be 6.00pm somewhere, we thought we would have a look inside. No chance, it was shut due to a water failure, well, we didn't want one anyway!
Next across Sleightholme moor, a great expanse of peat and heather and nothing else. Just about half way across I came across a female pheasant led flat on the footpath. With wings outstretched, and her tail pointing backwards, we had eye contact. Within 5 seconds she had flown off to reveal 13 baby pheasants huddled together for warmth. I soon had the camera out and took a few shots, we didn't linger.
Still following the PW. we could see the busy A66, lorries everywhere. Our route took us on to Bowes. In Bowes we spoke to a lady who directed us to the village hall, where there was some spare land, just enough for a campervan and a tent, roll on teatime. Middleton in Teesdale tomorrow night.