Map showing The Herriot Way. From Keld to Reeth there are 2 paths, if the weather is too windy/wet you can take the lower path in yellow that follows the river Swale.
After leaving the car at Keld Bunk Barn and Yurts we set off to Reeth, about 13 miles away. It became clear very quickly that I was carrying to much in my ruck sack. I think Jem had packed enough food for a month and the kitchen sink!
We really need to rethink what is important to carry.
Not to be deterred we carried on.
The scenery around Keld is one not to be missed. The weather was ideal, sunshine, clouds and around 12 degrees. We soon started climbing up to Crackpot Hall where a derilict farm house and out buldings rest. A small moment to take the backpack off and look at the views.
Crackpot hill with old farm stead and views.
Later on we find many stone steps put in place to protect the ground. This takes us up onto the moor. With a keen wind behind us I am keen to stop as it is past midday and the rucksack is starting to bite into my shoulders. We find a spot out of the wind and stop to drink and take a bite.
Just after stopping, 2 walkers come by. They were walking the Pennine Way. We chat for a bit, they come from the US and are suprised that there are tracts of countryside so big in the UK. It gives a little insight into how people from the US see the UK.
After a short break we start descending down into a valley with the ruins of old mine works, Blakethwaite peat store.
Blakethwaite peat store 
Jem with Bella 
Me and Bella 
The next step was to start climbing, we get a little lost on the way up having lost the path but the scenery is rugged with rocks every where. Eventually we get back on course with the help of the cairns.
Not too long after we arrive in a landscape of rock spoils and gravel from mining lead ore. This continues for some way. I try to imagine the workers who toiled here.
Our next stop is where the ore that was taken from the mines we passed was smelted. “Old Gang”. There are still remains of many of the buildings, peat store and a chimney for smelting the ore and producing lead.
Peat store for drying 
Jem taking a rest.
We continue our way until we reach Reeth, we had booked to stay in the Bridge Inn. We had a bit further to go as this was situated at Grinton , just outside Reeth. That last half hour was hard as the backpack was starting to take its toll!
It was a welcome sight to see the Inn at last, remove the backpack , take a hot bath and afterwards a meal and drink .
The pub was dog friendly as Bella had many other dogs in the pub to talk to.
We were hoping for a well earned sleep but the bed was not good as it sloped outwards with a real danger of falling out of the bed and it also had a hard ridge in the middle!
Walking the Herriot Way 