Day 7 - Nine Standards, not evening standard

Whoops, a quick geographical correction,Shap and Kirkby Stephen are in the Eden Valley which is technically in Cumbria,soz :-)

Had a brilliant lie in today which was really needed after the Shape Schlepp (I declare it now to be the official name) at the Croglin Castle Hotel ; brilliant place if not a bit creaky. Visited the nice bakery in KS before setting out rather late at about 10.30 up a much more civilized gradient,although it was a bit soggy for a little bit it wasn't too bad. We met up with Ray who we had seen a few times en route and we walked together up to the nine standards which is,well a big lot of big stones on top of the hill (oddly there are nine lots of stones).

Weather at the top deteriorated (obviously) and it was a bit tricky to see and it was boggy beyond belief. Luckily the path is well worn although difficult to progress in places. As the day is so short (comparatively) we took the long way down and had lunch in what we think was a grouse shooters hut ; it was quite a welcome respite and nice to get out of the wind and rain. We pitched up at Keld Lodge at about 4, Ray who was a little ahead had got the beer in which was brilliant as we came through the door. Keld Lodge has without doubt the finest showers known to exist on Earth. Additionally and at no extra charge they have rainbows.