Left Beak Hills farm at 8.15 in pouring rain, went through the Broughton Plantation to get to Clay Bank Top rather than go via the Wain Stones as we'd have seen nothing since the clouds were so low. Yet another climb up onto the moor, Henry Steadman said it was all down hill - he lies. Very wet, very miserable, very exposed. Then a 5 plus mile trudge along a disused railway where we were blown sideways the entire way. After one little wrong turn we eventually rea...

Leisurely morning just messing about, left at about 9 am in gentle rain. Crossed the A 172 ( a whole lot easier than the A19) and immediately started going uphill into woodland, very pretty walk and reasonably sheltered from the rain. Then started climbing in more exposed conditions, on Carlton Bank we were battered by wind and rain but looking forward to a drink and something to eat at Lord Stones Cafe - another cafe to have bitten the dust since our guide book ...

Left at just after 8.15, not sorry to see the back of the Buck but it was a lovely morning so soon forgot about it. Walked along by the river, some fabulous views back of Richmond and the castle. Paths were quite overgrown, lots of nettles and thistles and loads more stiles. Then some walking on small, very quiet roads, lots of cyclists about going really fast. Looking forward to a scone and cup of tea at Bolton Swale only to find the tea shop had closed down! Ha...

Left our B and B at 9 o'clock and set off walking alongside the river in wonderful sunshine. Very pretty walk, a few ups and downs but nothing too terrible paths still very muddy and boggy in places. Missed our coffee stop but not too bothered as just a short walk today. Arrived in Richmond about 1 o'clock found the Buck Inn nice and easily, had a shower then went out to explore Richmond and have some lunch. Later went back to the Buck and sat in their beer gard...

Set off at 9.45 in lovely, warm sunshine. Down first into the lower village then climbing up past East Gill Force to Crackpot Hall. Carried on up steeply alongside East Grain beck, more muddy boggy ground. Saw ruins of smelting mills and lots of other evidence of the lead-mining industry. Turned off the higher level path towards Gunnerside, a long way down. Had a cup of tea in a little tea room there and set off to discover that we had to climb all the way up aga...