5th September - Europe Diary

Today was only about 3.5 hours walking from Newbiggin-On-Lune to Kirkby Stephen.  Given how short the day was, we took a different path to get a closer look at Smardale Bridge & the Smardale Viaduct.

Probably over 2000 years of history on that one hill.  A disused railway from the 19th century, a packhorse bridge & ruins of a pub (16th & 18th centuries) and the giants graves which Laura tells me are lumps in the ground from neolithic settlements.  All in the middle of no-where.

Arrived at Kirkby Stephen, got a pie and some delish chutney from the bakery.  Checked in at the Black Bull and had a pint or two with a famous local vegetable grower named Stan Davies.  This 80-year-old fella tried to give me his walking stick but I wouldn't tare take it from him!

Most restaurants were booked out, but we managed to pick up some take-away Chinese & eat it in the church grounds!  Saw some Macau's fly by while we were eating.

Apparently I have to send Stan a christmas card now :S  hard enough to send a postcard home!

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