Today was more than 22 miles but mercifully it was mostly flat.
We wandered through a town that was originally established as a Roman fort in the 1st Century which is amazing to think about.
We crossed the River Swale for the last time and saw a large waterbird on the rocks looking for breakfast.
We later stopped at a lovely old church that opens daily for walkers to grab a cold drink, a snack or coffee/tea and use the bathrooms. A saving grace in these desolate areas!
It was only 78F/26C but much of the day was in direct sun so it was quite a hot walk. We explored many fields, guessing at the crops being grown and trying not to bother the farm animals.
It was also a day of avoiding modern transportation: first crossing train tracks and then rushing across 6 lanes of highway traffic.
In just about the last meadow we crossed we noticed heaps of what looked like bees with hot pink stripes but turned out to likely be Burnet moths. I could only get this not so great shot of two of them together (presumably coupling):
We have experienced absolutely incredible hospitality so far from everyone we’ve crossed paths with….it’s been exceptional. So we were disappointed to have our first negative experience at the local pub. After walking 1/2 mile past our B&B to make it to the pub before they stopped serving food at 6pm, we were turned away because they were “fully booked”. It wouldn’t have been a big deal other than the fact that they are the only restaurant in the entire town, there were lots of open tables including picnic tables outside which we offered to sit at but were still told they were running out of food (despite numerous reserved signs on empty tables).
So instead we walked a mile back the other way to buy gas station sandwiches, potato chips and beer. Dinner of champions.
If you are counting on eating at the Blue Bell Inn if you ever happen to be in Ingleby Arncliffe be aware they are not counting on you. 😉
Adventures of Skye and Heather 
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