Dales Way, Day 6, Sedbergh to Burneside

Day 6: Sedbergh to Burneside. We didn't walk the whole way today; it was shortened to 8 miles for various reasons. Judi and Terry took the day off and bussed to Kendall to explore. We two got a late start and took a taxi half way. So we missed walking along the River Lune, but enjoyed sun and warmth as we crossed farm field after farm field. We stopped for our picnic lunch on the side of a bridge over the railway line. As we were munching our cheese and cucumber sandwiches with Coleman’s mustard (we never ate anything else for lunch!), the farmer whose lands surrounded our spot drove up and got out to have a chat with us. He farms cows in all the neighboring fields, and, since he has been on his own for 15 years, also takes care of the house and cooks his own meals. His son farms in the area, too; his daughter, who works in town and travels a lot, comes by every three weeks “to sort me out.” He was charming, and if you wanted to create a picture of a Dales farmer, he would be the model: wool cap, tattered vest, collarless shirt, wellies. Billy’s Tea Stop came a bit later, but we passed it by, so we were ready for the end-of-the-day tea stop, and would not turn it down this time!

We arrived at 1 Oakbank House, our favourite B and B of the trip. We were served tea on the patio and, later, an evening meal where the ingredients were measured not in “food miles” travelled but in “food meters”! Everything was fresh from their land or neighbor farms. Mary and John were delightful. After dinner they lit a fire in the guest lounge and we all hung out in the warmth reading our books. I wanted to stay forever! The second photo is the view from our room!