Sunday 19 September

 We have learned a lot about sheep on this holiday the latest fact being that they cough and fart just like humans! Apart from this though our night was peaceful with a bit of rainfall in the early hours. After breakfast the skies clear so we head off in our walking gear on our bikes initially so we can do a circular walk from Slaidburn that I’d found on the internet. Simon reminisces about his night in the Youth Hostel here when he cycled LEJOG 13 years ago. It looks a bit grim! Our walk takes us across fields (of sheep of course) and through farmyards and despite written instructions, a map and the OS app we still get lost several times. They are not keen on clear FP signage here either it seems. Eventually we climb up onto the open grouse moor of Newton Fells where we spot two deer and surprise several pheasant. Glorious views back towards the Slaidburn valley. Then down towards Newton and the Hodder River where they are holding their annual duck race by the bridge (yellow plastic ones we assume). Picnic on the banks of the river but it isn’t warm enough to tempt Simon today. An 8 mile circuit leads us to the unusually named Hark to Beauty pub where we have a pint of local ale. Rather a moist cycle back in the drizzle to watch sheep dipping from the comfort of the van. Once again the weather seems to be improving so we are hopeful that the sunshine forecast for our last day tomorrow will hold true. Simon is planning a cycle route. I just hope my legs and lungs will still be up to it! Nearly drinky poos time….. mushroom risotto on the menu this evening.