Day 9 of the C2C: Reeth to Richmond

Distance: 10.5 miles
 
We knew that this was just a short, easy walk leaving us plenty of time to explore the delights of Richmond. The funny thing about the Dales stretch of the C2C is that one day just seems to roll into the next. The scenery is idyllic, but very similar day after day. River. Tick. Stone barns. Tick. Pretty bridges. Tick. As a result, it’s hard to remember what each place looked like.
 
But we weren’t complaining as we set out on yet another sunny day. We’d had just two properly rainy days so far, which was pretty impressive. And besides, there is something so incredibly lovely just walking, step after step, through scenery that looks as though it has been painted. You get in a rhythm and breathe in contentment. 

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We walked on past Marrick Priory, climbing the Nuns Steps, which funnily are steps that were built by nuns walking to the priory. Then climbed Applegarth Scar which gave us views towards Richmond. Other than passing a giant Coast to Coast sign in the village of Marske, there wasn’t too much remarkable about this stretch. Just a lot of road walking. Until you’ve walked long distance, you will not realise how evil tarmac is. You’d think it would be nice and flat and even and easy. But it’s not. It’s hard and hot, so that it makes your feet start to burn.

Views to Richmond

​By lunchtime we were in Richmond. After lunch on the town square we found our very posh B&B – Willance House. We thought we’d just rest a while before going out to explore, but instead we fell asleep reading James Herriott and woke up in time for evening. I guess we needed that sleep!
 
We found a lovely Italian restaurant, ate some much needed salad, washed down with carbonara and excellent wine (our diet programme was working well). There’s not much nightlife in Richmond, so besides a short stop at a co-op for some provisions, we went back to bed!

Our posh guest house

On to day 10
Back to day 8
Back to day 1
How to plan for the Coast to Coast