107 miles and 15228 ft

Here we are returning to Hawes, and the flags are out to welcome us back! Phase 2 begins and at the moment we are alone. Al, my personal trainer has had to go back to work..not very reluctantly. He is worried that Mike has to continue without his assistance and support, but we will send him postcards to keep him in touch.

So, today the support is Horace and Annie, with me walking through this stunning countryside.This is the longest day apart from the final day, so it will be an interesting test.

Today I need to start early, the weather forecast looks a bit mixed. I wake at 7am and it is pouring with rain. At 8am it is still raining, I could wait all day so decide to brave it and start..

Leaving Hawes where we had a super meal last night at CHASTE, a brilliant restaurant in this delightful town, I walk to Hardraw and then start the long climb to Great Shummer Fell. By 9.25am I have climbed over 500 ft and walked 2.8 miles. There are loads of brown sheep around, can't remember what they are called. Guess Alex would have known.Suddenly I am distracted by this enormous black cloud..on go the waterproofs and just in time. Torrential rain for 15mins. Onwards and soggily upwards and I reached the top by 11.15am 2, 350 ft with magnificent views in every direction. This walk is so stunning and sadly Annie can't enjoy it with me..we will definatley be back.

Descend the 4 miles to the beautiful little village of Thwaites, to the most famous tea shop of the Pennine Way. Annie and I arrive at the same time and enjoy a Wensleydale cheese scone and coffee. Marvellous.

Then off again to Head towards Keld, The walk around the hillside is probably the best and most beautiful part of the walk so far,the views are stunning, rugged, yet wonderful at the same time. A hillside of primroses, and so late but gorgeous.

Going now gets a bit slow , loads of photos take over, although you just can't capture how lovely this all is. Not at Keld un til 2.50pm and then heading off across the moor to Tan Hill Inn, reputed to be the highest pub in England. Get there at 4.25pm and Annie is already there!

Sample a pint of Tan Hill Ale, 5%, and then reluctantly off across this rather forbidding moor, Sleightholme Moor. Reached Annie eventually parked on the A66, at 7.30pm. Wow, quite tired but exhilerated. 24 miles, 3,606 of ascent..higher tha Snowdon!

Got to the campsite outside Barnard Castle to find the best showers ever. Marvellous.

A memorable day, it would have been perfect if there hadn't been rain, but a plate of bacon and sausages with an omelette makes the day end well.

No Alex, so no jokes now!