Grayrigg Farm was a pleasant arbour for the night. We had thought that the charge of £10 was for us both, but as we packed up, it became clear that this was per person. Nevertheless, the pasta and sauce we had had for tea had gone down well, and I’m not sure I’ve ever slept so well under canvas.
Sedburgh was our next target – a large town with a rugby team whom The Mount (our place of work) had faced before, and our night in a cottage in proper beds! I had booked it months in advance – and it turned out that it was a good thing I had.
We followed the river for a few miles and then turned away from it into farmland. The route was clear and it was difficult to go wrong. We crossed the railway and then found ourselves on a field of very large cows.
Now I’ve been in fields of cows before – but there were no houses or buildings in sight. The cows were stood directly across our path and it’s fair to say that both Chris and I were a little nervous. I edged to the right, put my head down and walked slowly but purposefully. It was fine, but it would be foolish to underestimate these animals.
Soon after we came across a line of American tourists being escorted on the opposite direction (the ‘proper’ route). It was the first group we’d encountered. It was a comfort to know that we’d come through what they still faced – but of course they would have felt the same way. We came across a viaduct and took some photos.
A few hours later after picking up another section of river we arrived in Sedburgh – whilst a cricket match was in progress. It turned out to be an England game! The town was packed. I was relieved that we’d booked the cottage in advance. We walked through the rugby pitches at the bank of Sedburgh school whilst training took place. There were a lot of posh wellies and dark green jackets on show amongst the spectators.
We ate a well earned tea at the pub without cooking a thing, or washing up. The pub was The Red Lion and I enjoyed a gammon steak – I can’t recall what Chris had. The cottage was pleasant and well furnished, with two separate rooms. After watching a little TV we discovered that the local Spar had a bakery inside with fresh pastries – a lucky find.
A refreshing night’s sleep followed (although the beds could have been firmer) and we were ready for Day 4.
The Adventurers 