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…Wainwright’s Wonder…
Aug 11 - 30, 2013
$2450
Jack Finnegan, and Gretchen Yealy, Leaders
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Saturday Aug 10, 2013—Depart USA For Manchester, England Sunday Aug 11, 2013 Day #1—Arrival  Arrive in Manchester and transfer by van to St. Bee’s. Afternoon free to explore this lovely seaside resort and rest up for tomorrow’s walk. Dinner together at a local pub. Monday, Aug 12, 2013 Day #2—St. Bee’s Head to Ennerdale Bridge (about 14 miles—strenuous plus) We’ll perform the required ceremonies: dip boots in the Irish Sea and pick up a small pebble to carry to the North Sea. We head out to the north across colorful fields and will negotiate the first of many, many gates and stiles. Soon we turn eastward toward our distant goal. If it’s a fine day, we’ll have beautiful views from Dent Fell. Overnight at the pub in Ennerdale Bridge. Tuesday, Aug 13, 2013 Day #3—To Stonethwaite (about 14 ½ miles—strenuous plus) One of our longer days! We start out along the large lake called Ennerdale Water. About mid-day we’ll come to the Black Sail Hut, a good place for lunch. After passing the Slate Mile Visitor Centre we’ll walk along a long valley to the charming little hamlet of Stonethwaite. Wednesday, Aug 14, 2013 Day #4—To Grasmere (about 8 miles--strenuous) After one of our steeper climbs to Lining Crag, we’ll have great views into Scotland and back to the Irish Sea (if the weather permits). Our descent goes past several little waterfalls and the ever-present sheep fields to the charming Quaker retreat where we will stay overnight. Just a short stroll away is Grasmere, home to the poet William Wordsworth. This lovely little village has several pubs and restaurants. Thursday, Aug 15, 2013 Day #5—To Patterdale (about 8 miles--strenuous) We’ll start out through the pleasant outskirts of Grasmere and climb around the hump known as the “Great Tongue.” A small hut near Grisedale Tarn will make a good lunch stop before our gentle descent into Patterdale. Friday, Aug 16, 2013 Day #6—To Shap (about 12 1/2 miles—strenuous) After 4 days on the trail we’ll take a bit of break today and sail by steamer on the Ullswater from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge (about $10—not included). Then we’ll walk across fields and along the river into Bampton. From Bampton, we will make our way to the ruins of Shap Abbey and then on to Shap with its shops, cafes hotels, and B & B’s. Saturday, Aug 17, 2013 Day #7—To Orton (about 8 miles--strenuous) When we cross the busy M6 motorway we will be about 1/3 of the way toward our goal! Fortunately there is a pedestrian bridge here so we don’t have to risk life and limb crossing 6 lanes of speeding traffic driving on the “wrong” side of the road! After some lovely high moorland we come to the village of Orton. If we’re lucky the local chocolate shop will still be open! Sunday, Aug 18, 2013 Day #8—To Kirkby Stephen (about 12 miles--strenuous) Today we go over moors, past Sunbiggin Tarn, and over the picturesque Smardale Bridge. Kirkby Stephen is the headquarters for Packhorse, our luggage service. The town has several pubs and a small grocery store. Monday, Aug 19, 2013 Day #9—To Keld (about 13 miles—strenuous plus) We have the choice of the low route or the high route to Keld. If the weather is good, we’ll go over Nine Standards Rigg, at just over 2,000 ft. one of the highest points on the route. If the weather is not good we’ll take the “winter route” on a little-traveled pass road up to 1700 ft. The remodeled lodge in the tiny hamlet of Keld is a charming place to spend the night. We’re halfway there! Tuesday, Maug 20, 2013 Day #10—To Reeth (about 11 miles--strenuous) The long valley walk along the River Swale via Gunnerside and Swaledale is a delight for ear and eye. We’ll hear many birds singing and see emerald green fields filled with sheep. Reeth is a quiet village with a town square and a small grocery store. Wednesday, Aug 21, 2013 Day #11 To Richmond (about 10 1/2 miles--strenuous) We go through several charming little villages, as well as fields and a small wood on our way to the biggest town we will visit, Richmond. We’ll get a lovely view of Richmond from a bench high above the town.  Thursday, Aug 22, 2013 Day #12—Rest day in Richmond A day to rest those weary feet and explore the old market town of Richmond. There is a lovely public garden, falls on the River Swale, and an old abbey nearby. Friday, Aug 23, 2013 Day #13—To Danby Wiske (about 14 miles—strenuous plus) Today is mostly flat, across sometimes muddy fields and down small country roads. Danby Wiske is a delightful little crossroads village with an 11th century Norman church. Saturday, Aug 24, 2013 Day #14—To Ingleby Cross (about 9 miles--strenuous) Our last day of relatively flat walking takes us through yet more fields to the town of Ingleby Cross. We’ll cross the busy A19 carefully (no pedestrian bridge here) and spend the night at the charming Park House. Sunday, Aug 25, 2013 Day #15—To Great Broughton (about 14 1/2 miles-strenuous plus) We’re back in the woods for a bit today and then climbing into the Cleveland Hills. The views both north and south from the top of the ridge are outstanding! If we’re lucky, an ice cream truck will be waiting for us in the “car park” at Clay Bank Top. Monday, Aug 26, 2013 Day #16—To Lion Inn (about 11 miles--strenuous) After a short climb, we follow an abandoned railway most of the way today. The walking is easy, the views north and south expansive. Lion Inn is a bustling old pub at the edge of the moors. If the weather is good, the sunset will be lovely. Tuesday, Aug 27, 2013 Day #17—To Glaisdale (about 9 ¾ miles--strenuous) Another pleasant walk across high moors and gently down into the hilly village of Glaisdale. Wednesday, aug 28, 2013 Day #18—To High Hawsker (about 15 miles—strenuous plus) On our longest hike we’ll see several interesting stream fords on the nearby roads, and we’ll cross the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in Grosmont. After a sheepish road climb to Sleights Moor we’ll come to the pleasant little hamlet of Littlebeck, a nice spot for lunch. Next is a pretty walk through a wooded area to the falls at Falling Foss (and another chance for an ice cream stop). Our overnight at High Hawsker is within view of the North Sea! Thursday, Aug 29, 2013 Day #19—To Robin Hood’s Bay (about 4 ½ miles--easy) Four and a half easy miles along the bluffs and we’re there! We’ll walk through the steep, narrow streets of Robin Hood’s Bay, a busy seaside resort, and dip our boots in the North Sea and dig out that pebble from the Irish Sea to throw in. The afternoon is free to rest the tired feet or do some souvenir shopping. Our last dinner together will be in the charming old Victoria Inn overlooking the sea. Friday, Aug 30, 2013 Day #20—To Manchester Airport We’ll arise very early (perhaps catching a beautiful sunrise over the North Sea) and pile into the van for the ride to the Manchester Airport and our flights home. Congratulations! You’ve just walked across all of England! For more information, an application and to sign up, contact the leader, Jack Finnegan, P.O. Box 573, Lehighton, PA 18235, telephone 570-386-2128, E-mail jackfinn@ptd.net |