Day 8 - Orton To Kirkby Stephen ( 12.4 miles)

After a surprisingly good breakfast we left the rather inadequate B&B behind and headed across the fields to Sunbiggin, the walk was fairly flat but hard on the ankles as it was uneven underfoot.

After reaching Sunbiggin we walked across Tarn moor to Sunbiggin Tarn.

From here we made our way across Ravonstonedale Moor and it was from here we could just about see Kidsty Pike on the horizon.

we continued across the moor in the shadow of Great Ewe Fell stopping for lunch before reaching Bents Farm.

We then pushed on over Begin Hill and dropped steeply into the valley crossing Smardale Bridge and catching sight of Smardale Aquaduct.

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The weather here was very windy and the clouds were threatening heavy rain with huge dark black clouds looming overhead.

We then climbed upwards onto Smardale Fell where it was very windy and we could see The Nine Standards in the distance on Millstone Rigg where we will be walking tomorrow

Arrived at Kirkby Stephen at 3.15 but the B&B was not open so we went for tea and cake across the road!

This B&B The Old Crofthouse was unbelievably luxurious and a very warm welcome of pots of tea and coffee and fresh cream scones. We also had foot spas, spa bath and fluffy dressing gowns. Jac and I had deep bubble baths whilst Gary and neil went to the launderette (and pub!).
We decided to eat et the B&B instead of having fish and chips and were not dissapointed.
We then spent a lovely relaxed evening having a drink with friends we had met on the way, Sue and Barry, before retiring to bed at 10.30.