There was a chill wind as we set off up Wharfedale but it was dry and the scenery magnificent. We passed 'The George' at Hubberholme then headed up over the fell to Hawes and stopped in our usual tea shop for an hour or so while the rain came down outside. We had debated whether to tackle 'The tubs' today as we were meeting Trevor at Garsdale station but as it turned out the decision was taken out of our hands. Trevor had arrived at Garsdale early and was waiting for us at the bottom of the climb.
Luckily the rain had stopped and we had a bright and breezy ascent, a bit of a photo session going down the other side and the sun was out when we reached Thwaite so we could sit outside with tea and cakes, lovely.
The next climb over to Kirkby Stephen seemed very long, you never seem to be able to reach the top until at last the ground just falls away in front of you. There can be great views from here across to the Lake District but the black clouds and rain were gathering when we got there so we just hopped down to the cosy Youth Hostel (converted chapel) in Kirkby Stephen, also an independent hostel.