Started day with some trepidation. I knew what the climb out of Slaidburn was like and it didn't disappoint. 7 miles of constant climbing under heavy skies and strong westerlies. Made it!!
Flew down into High Bentham but as always where there's a down there's an up! Steep climbs into Bentham and then Burton in Lonsdale - but what a jewel. In Burton getting my breath back outside the village shop I noticed it had a cafe. Burton has a nice vibe probably set by the beautiful and prominent church. Anyway the cafe had the same friendly vibe and then I found out why. It's a community shop owned and run by the community for the community and you could tell. Everyone seemed involved. Bacon butty was the best to date. Also note
THIS WAS THE HALFWAY MARK!!!
So having had sustenance both physically and mentally I set off for Shap!!
Note to self. When satnav suggests a quiet country lane where you can see the 1:4 ignore it and use A roads.
The route to Shap was beautiful but really really hilly. Lots of steep climbs - exhausting.
Once there though and refuelled the blast into Carlisle was long but hassle free. Strong westerlies were difficult but at least not head on.
Thanks to the wardens at Slaidburn and the guys at the community shop for their kind donations to the cause.
Well done - over halfway and it sounds like you are meeting some great people.
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