R*n 560: Earby

It was with natural trepidation after a grim weather forecast that the hung-over hostellers  plus Scouse Count and Bonzo stepped out into the rain, clad in protective environmental gear, except of course for Babe Magnet who insists on making us all feel like woossies by wearing shorts and teeshirt whatever the weather.  The hares convinced us that they were very unclear about the trail but set us off regardless, past last night's on inn and away into the weather.

In fact the rain ceased pretty soon and left most of us feeling very overdressed.  The first three miles or so of the trail covered the rolling valley and very pleasant it was too.  We all arrived in good spirits at the beer stop at Foulridge Wharf, idly discussing whether the lime kiln was unusual in a sandstone landscape and whether we should be patronising the cafe for a coffee stop.  Our casual optimism was short-lived however, as we realised that we were not even half way and that the second of the three stages was to be a tough climb up to the desolate moors with no on-inn in sight until at last it popped up over the horizon.  An on-inn has never felt so welcome and the two roaring fires and good beer were just reward for our efforts.  We all agreed though that the scenery had been glorious.  The curious alpacas we passed on the way were an amusing distraction to the toil.

Good food, drink and a change of clothes later, thanks to the hares-on-wheels, we assembled outside the on-inn guided by both hares on the in-trail back to the hostel, which proved to be as long as both of the other two stages, making a total of about ten and a half miles for the r*n.  The scenery was even more agreeable though and by then we were suitably fuelled, it was mostly downhill and even the sun made a welcome appearance.

A magnificent r*n, thanks to our super-hares.  The circle was deferred until all were suitably rested and showered and was conducted within the cozy confines of the hostel dining room.