29/08/2026
Day 5: Burnbanks to Orton. First stop, the honesty box for delicious flapjacks. This was a really lovely walk across undulating farmland and windy fells, with ancient cobbled packhorse bridges to cross along the way. We stopped for lunch at Shap Abbey, a peaceful place that's worth a visit. Eventually, we came across the boulder, which is considered so important that it's marked on the map! Then, down into Orton where, in the distance, we could see Wainwright's sleeping elephants - the Howgill fells - which will be part of our next walk into Kirkby Stephen. 13 miles today.
ps We stopped for tea at The Mardale Inn, a community run pub at St Patrick’s Well, Bampton. Can't recommend it enough! Delicious food, characterful pub. Perfect end to a perfect day.