Wainwright08 – Exposing The World

UK: Wainwright Day 8 – Keld to Reeth

Midpoint of the Cross-Country Hike

Now on the east side of Britain’s hydrological divide, we cross the old lead mining country that yielded durable roofing material until the end of the 19th century. Streams on this side flow into the North Sea.

Yorkshire, land of stone

Stone is the most obvious building material in this part of Britain. This barn shows long ‘throughstones’ holding together a complex structure of two or more masonry thickness layers.

For a time our trail runs along the banks of the Swale, where thick moss encrusts every growing thing.

Tannin carried down from the Pennine peat bog tints this water brown.

We pause at the village of Gunnerside for tea

Reeth

The principal town of upper Swaledale. This ‘free house’ is a pub not contracted with only one brewery

Dogs mingle freely in Yorkshire restaurants.

Tour de France

It happened that the offshore stage of the famed bicycle race, that initial leg held outside France, was to be run through Yorkshire this July. These racers are practicing for the big day.