Train Station at Kirkby Stephen

My son Joseph and I have been planning a grand adventure: Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast walk in England. The walk is near the northern border of Scotland at the narrowest neck of land. The walk goes through the Lake District, the Dales, and the Moors. We decided to do the second half of the journey, from Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hood’s Bay. The long anticipated adventure has begun!

We boarded the train in London to Leeds, and from there a train to Kirkby Stephen. We were delighted to find out the second leg is one of the world’s greatest railway journeys. We enjoyed green hillsides covered with content sheep and stone borders–a scene I’m sure we’ll become familiar with. But Joseph and I love this landscape and have been anxious to see it.

The Kirkby Stephen Train Station was charming and our walk officially began, as we hauled our luggage over a mile into town. We located our lovely accommodation and walked to the town square. The markets at this town square originated in the 1300’s!  Then we toured St. Stephen’s Church, known as “the Cathedral of the Dales.”  It is built on the site of a Saxon church and has relics from the Vikings.  We also found the famous stone bench carved with sheep.  It’s supposed to increase your fertility if you sit in it. Neither of us did.

The Sheep Bench

Joseph was eager to walk, so we hiked around the countryside.  It was a beautiful day but I’m nervous about tomorrow. Rain is in the forecast and the guidebook says it’s not only rough going through the bogs when it rains, but it’s difficult to find the path!

Tonight we treated ourselves to sticky toffee pudding–we must carb load before a walk, right?  And we’ll get our backpacks loaded. Wish us luck.