11 June - Dufton to Alston

Away from the YH by 8, and started the long approach to Cross Fell, the highest point on the Pennine Way.  After passing Dufton Pike the map indicates this is going to be a long slog to the top, but in reality I found it rather easy, maybe the ‘early to bed’ last night recharged my batteries more than I’d hoped!  Mist descended shortly after crossing Swindale Beck but I was still surprised at how quickly (so it seemed) that Knock Fell was reached, then

Great Dun Fell

and Cross Fell, the cross shelter there appearing out of the mist at about 50 metres visibility. 

I knew Greg’s Hut wasn’t too far on, so resisted the urge to stop and headed for Greg’s Hut instead, where I paused for lunch. 

By the time I’d finished the mist had lifted, and so I was able to start the long descent into Garrigill able to at last see more than 50 metres or so in front.

While I still felt an ache in my right thigh the descent into Garrigill was far less painful than the previous day, so I was happy that the strain/sprain was improving, and hoped it wouldn’t reappear (thankfully it didn’t).

The route from Garrigill to Alston roughly follows the River South Tyne, but it’s partly overgrown with many styles, progress appeared slow until I at last emerged onto the A686 leading into Alston, where I was staying at Lowbyer Manor B&B.  This has to be the best B&B along the route, and one of the cheapest at £36, which goes to prove you don’t need to charge the earth to produce a good quality overnight stay.  Of the next 2 B&Bs I stayed at, one was £14 more yet slightly inferior, the other was £3 cheaper and I’d never stay there again, nor recommend it to anyone.

Welcomed by Laura with a fresh pot of tea and biscuits, served in their impressive lounge, I was feeling very relaxed and now confident nothing would stop me finishing, although I was very nearly proved wrong on the last day!