Now leaving Kirkby Stephen behind.

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A lovely morning as we gradually start to gain height.

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Looking back at Kirkby Stephen.

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Gaining height slowly and heading towards the higher fells.

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Approaching the higher moorland fells.

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Looking back towards Kirkby Stephen in the distance.

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Nearing Nine Standards Rigg.
A bright day but the strong, cold northerly wind became more apparent as we gained height.

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The climb up to Nine Standards Rigg - hard work against a strong, cold northerly wind.

There are alternate routes over Nine Standards Rigg for the periods May to July, and from August to November. This is due to excessive erosion of the path on the original Wainwright route and the presence of grouse shooting butts close to the public footpath in Ney Gill

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On the slopes of Nine Standards Rigg.
This is not untypical of the rutted, boggy terrain on the moorland up to and beyond the Rigg. But also note that this was during a period of fine dry, sunny  weather !

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The 'Nine Standards' are now clearly in view.

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Near the summit of Nine Standards Rigg.

Nine Standards Rigg is the highest part of the Pennine watershed. 
The name comes from the line of 9 cairns which stand on the edge of the escarpment just north of the summit. According to Wainwright, they are very ancient and are marked on 18th century maps. The original purpose of the cairns is not strictly known.

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At one of the 'standards' on Nine Standards Rigg.
There are wonderful views from the summit, but it is a not a place to be if the weather is bad. 
There is an alternative lower route via Lamps Moss

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Nine Standards Rigg.

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The trigonometrical point & direction map cairn on Nine Standards Rigg.

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From the top of Nine Standards Rigg, looking back to the west and to Kirkby Stephen. 
Note the very rutted and boggy terrain.

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Heading south-east off Nine Standards Rigg towards Coldbergh Edge.

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Heading south-east off Nine Standards Rigg towards Coldbergh Edge.

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Lunch taken within the shelter of a shooting hut at Coldbergh Edge.

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We have now descended into Swaledale.

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Swaledale.
Note the colour of the River Swale.

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Swaledale.

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Beautiful views over the River Swale valley.
This is limestone country - rivers, narrow valleys, waterfalls, woodlands and limestone scars

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Wain Wath Force near Keld.
Lovely waterfalls echoing the limestone cliffs.

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Entering Keld village.

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At Keld - the end of the day's walk.

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