Seventh Walk Day - Bampton Grange to Orton

This was the first day beyond the Lakeland fells.  The countryside opened up to rolling hills and farmland.  From our B&B we walked along the Lowther River as it wound towards Shap Abbey - an intimate valley more pleasant than stunning.

Our record of not getting lost is now behind us - we took a wrong turn on a country road and another farmer on a tractor set us straight.  A bit further down the track, after considerable discussion and consultations with other walkers, we ignored Judy's reading of our instructions and turned left at a junction rather than right (1st mistake).  We entered a farm compound, went through a gate (2nd mistake) and were confronted by two unhappy dogs.  Led by Ben, we walked across the compound before realizing our error (3rd mistake) and backtracking. On our return, one of the dogs had had enough and attacked Joe's leg, tearing flesh through pants and two layers of sock.  After tending to Joe's leg, we moved on with Joe claiming he was OK.

We walked on to Shap Abbey, located in a remote and idyllic setting and was the last of the abbeys to be dismantled by Henry VIII.  It was a community of Premonstratensian Canons, founded in about 1200.  The ruins were impressive.  

Pardon the color - camera malfunction.

We then moved on along the river and entered the village of Shap.  After a not so quick lunch, Joe was strong armed by Toni into going to the Shap health center for evaluation.  An hour later we left Shap, impressed with the quality and speed of service and the very small bill.  ( Joe did receive a tetanus shot, antibiotic and dressing.).  The most important recipient of care was actually Toni, who calmed down dramatically!

Our missteps consumed two hours and prevented us from walking the full planned 12+ miles.  We walked several more miles, across the M6 and a rail line and past a quarry (not exactly a remote hiking experience but actually quite interesting).  The views to the west revealed Kidsty Pike and the other high fells of the Lake District and a sweeping panorama of the previous walk days - pretty impressive accomplishment so far!

We called our next B&B and arranged a pickup at Oddendale (a tiny, picturesque hamlet), about 3 miles short of our goal of Orton.  20 minutes later our chariot (actually a VW van) arrived and we happily piled in and headed off to the Strickland Arms.  This evening, at dinner, the ladies regaled us with their struggles to remain upright in plastic lawn chairs which formed their seating in the back of the van.  Typical males, Joe and Ben were completely unaware of the plight of their spouses!

Dinner consisted of wonderful curries and an incredible fudge chocolate cake.  Ah, the bliss of good food justified by exercise!