We left West Burton at 9:45 on another bright sunny morning. The school children were sat out on the green for their lesson as we passed up the road. We followed the road along the pretty wooded Walden valley, gradually gaining height above the beck.
After a mile and a half along the lane we turned off onto a good bridletrack climbing up to White Hill. After the initial steady climb, the track flattened off to the level ground of Fleensop Moor, with Harland Hill rising up nearby.
We forded the stream of Fleemis Gill as it dropped into a little ravine.
We left the clear track to cross Horsehouse Moor, now following an indistinct path. This would not be so easy to follow in bad weather, but fortunately we had a perfect day.
Gradually the path descended from Horsehouse Moor into Coverdale to reach Horsehouse village.
18.Thwaite Arms, Horsehouse - 12:10pm
Lovely quiet pub with a small bar. Excellent beer garden out behind the pub. We enjoyed a nice toasted sandwich and a beer for our lunch.
This was such a pleasant spot that we took off our boots and contemplated staying for the rest of the afternoon. Eventually we moved on again, with more miles to be completed.
From Horsehouse we walked alongside the River Cover, following it upstream through farmland until emerging on to the road near Cover Bridge.
This road section continued on for 3 miles, with little change in the view along the valley. The climb though not that steep was quite tiring due to the warm day and lack of breeze.
Eventually we reached Hunters Stone, which signalled that we would soon return to footpaths again.
Crossing over the moor we arrived at Cam Head, from where we could clearly see down towards Wharfedale.
A clear enclosed track from here led down the hillside towards Wharfedale. The valley gradually came closer, periodically disappearing as the track dipped into a hollow.
As we neared the end of the track we had a great view down on to Kettlewell. From this point the track got steeper, and became rougher underfoot with slippery loose rock. Rachael took a tumble, perhaps hoping to roll the rest of the way!
It was 5:30 when we arrived at our B&B, Littlebeck. We had a warm welcome with a cup of tea from Caroline & Paul who had walked the Inn Way themselves.
In the evening we strolled around the village, and visited the two pubs which were open.
19.Kings Head, Kettlewell - 7:20pm
Closed, just clipped our log book.
20.Racehorses Hotel, Kettlewell - 7:30pm
Nice large pub with good food.
21.Bluebell Inn, Kettlewell - 9:30pm
Busy, friendly pub. Cosy atmosphere.
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