Ep 8: The One Where We May, or May Not, Have Seen Robin Hood’s Grave

07 June – Shap to Orton

How lovely to sleep in.  A short day’s walk, and Peter, having committed to a Zoom call, meant that we did not have to leave the welcoming New Ing Lodge until a more reasonable hour.  This lodge was a cross between a B&B and a hostel. It had lots of rooms, a residents’ lounge, and a small bar, and we each had a sofa in our room – nice to not have to sit on the bed.  The only hitch was the continued lack of hot water this morning. 

We met up with the Stick Men, Captain Decibel and the posse, and Hansel and Gretel, a couple from Munich who were walking in England to escape the crowds on the alps!  As we started our walk, we chanced upon a sign proclaiming “The best coffee in the Dales” and decided to test this bold claim – not warranted, but the hot drinks were appreciated.

Today’s route took us over the major west coast railway line, a quarry and the M6 motorway – quite a contrast to the peace and remoteness of the previous day.  However, we soon were walking through the pastoral landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.  A mix of moorland and farmland – sheep, cows, horses, skylarks (but still no red squirrels, badgers or deer as promised in the brochure).  The fields were filled with buttercups, cow parsley and other wildflowers, making it a very pleasant walk.  

At one point, we could see both Kidsty Pike behind us and the upcoming Pennines which we will cross in a few days’ time. In contrast to the Lake District, this was a walk in the park – literally at times.

We passed the walled hamlet of Oddendale, with a nearby stone circle dating back 5000 years – see the photo at the start of this blog. Coming from NZ and Australia, the antiquity of this structure was hard to comprehend and we spent some time walking around it.

Shortly after, we stopped for a break at Robin Hood’s supposed grave.  The cairn did not seem to have the required gravitas and we remain unconvinced.

As we approached Orton, we descended into a pretty valley, exactly as you would expect from rural England – stone walls, wildflowers, burbling brooks, gamboling lambs, arched stone bridges – all the clichés brought to life. 

Our accommodation this evening is the George Hotel – basic, but serviceable with perhaps the smallest bathroom in Christendom.  Pies (mostly) all around for dinner. And a defibrillator outside!

All in all, a much more relaxing day than yesterday.

We hope you’ve all by now picked up why all the blog titles start “The One..” If you haven’t… just remember they’re about the episodic adventures of a group of Friends…

Distance covered today: 15 km