England - The Dales Way, Day 7

Monday, 20 May 2019

Sedbergh to Patton Bridge, 12 1/2 miles

It was obvious we were returning to a more populated area today. We walked along the railroad for about a mile, and we walked within the "noise-shed" of the M6 motorway for about three miles. It was also a day of constant up-and-down. No climb was more than 50 meters (165 ft), but there wasn't much level ground.

We were used to the path going between two rock walls, but no where was it as narrow as this short section just outside Sedbergh.

The interesting "Pepperpot" structure, originally part of the Akay Estate near Sedbergh, and now owned by Sedbergh School. The origin is unclear. It may have been a place for the daughter of the estate's owner to recover from tuberculosis. Or it may have been built as a remote dining room with country views. Later, it was a rental residence. Now it's just an interesting structure in a sheep and cow pasture.

Despite the windiness of the Dales, we only saw two small wind turbine installations on our entire walk.

The first of two railroad viaducts we saw today. This is the Lune Viaduct.

The Lowgill Viaduct.

It wasn't uncommon to find sheep or cows occupying the trail. Without exception, as we approached, the animals moved off the path and watched closely as we passed by.

One guidebook labeled this lovely stretch the "Rhododendron Forest".

This field had been recently mowed, and the farmer was working to gather and bale the hay. We were surprised to see that the path was clearly visible across the field as a change in the color of the grass.

Lots of chickens on this farm! One of our guide books mentions "free range chickens here".