Coast to Coast Day 7 Keld to Reeth 13.5 miles Copyright © Barry Smith 2012. All Rights Reserved. Today we had the choice of taking the low level walk following the River Swale or the high moorland trek which affords a thorough inspection of the lead mining industry remains. We decided to take the latter despite the apparent number of rural pubs to hand on the other route. As soon as we started to gain height the drizzle started and waterproofs were again donned at Crackpot Hall. The ever present very cold wind didn’t disappoint us either. Although Martyn was the ‘pathfinder’, coming away from Blakethwaite Smelt Mill Graham was in the lead, and seemed to be mesmerized by following two lads that had previously overtaken us and were swiftly disappearing into the distance. Eventually the spell was broken, and we managed to convince him that we should be going the opposite way! The route from here became very dull and ugly even, when seeing the devastation that was once flourishing Gang Mines. This coupled with the miserable cold weather, and some more erroneous navigation along the way convinced us that the lower level route may have been a better option. Upon our arrival in Reeth and finding our accommodation at Hackney House was unattended, we dropped off our packs and headed for a local tea shop for a cuppa. Back at the house we later encountered some Canadians who were doing the ‘Inn Route’ for 6 days. Whilst we were dining at the local hostelry we again came across the girls, with Dorothy having a badly bruised face, apparently she had taken a bad fall coming off Nine Standards, but was quite unperturbed about it. ;