Legs groaned for a few mins this morning, but soon got going again. Set off bright and early with a lady called Louise from Coventry. Walked the first mile to to the lake and was met by a very cold stiff breeze. Coats on!! The walk around the lake was ok till we came to a part where the path had disappeared. We had to climb round rocks (wasn't pleasant - fall into water if fell). Thankfully we both supported one another. Then was the long walk to the end of the lake. Had a bit of banter with some of the other walkers. The next part is described as the most boring part, and yes it is! Just one long trek through plantations. Nothing to look at and very tedious. Seemed to last forever, which it did - all 90 mins of it.
We then hit on Black Sail Youth Hostel, where you could make a lovely cup of tea, or coffee, have a piece of cake too. All left by volunteers in exchange for a small donation. Gladly. The tea was most welcome. It was to put you on after looking at what was to come!
If I thought yesterdays climb was big - well I was wrong! And there was no other way out of the valley! Anyone got a helicopter? I will pay!!! Loft Beck will never be forgotten. It is hard, it is one of the steepest climbs on the walk! It is difficult. Everyone struggled, cursed. Surprising how many stops you need too on this! Twenty steps then stop! Even the regular climbers of great hills curse this one. It took over an hour to climb, but boy the views where fantastic once done. And I felt so elated! I had done it! (Like I said, photos will be added as soon as I can).
The walk down was good, we passed through Honister Slate Mine, well actually no, we had a well deserved 2nd cup of tea, before the long walk to our next place of stay.
Rosthwaite.
Me, and a couple of other guys on the walk stayed at this bed and breakfast to be met by a sergeant major of a landlady! Boots off!! dont come in till I tell you. Breakfast 7.30 sharp! And what do you want for packed lunch tomorrow. Said in those exact words!! The place was in bad need of updating, with only the one plug socket per room, no tv, no tea or coffee and one shared bathroom - but then again we are in a place of limited B & B's. A stroll down to the pub later for tea and a chat about the next route. Mr and Tim - my walker friend said we were walking to Patterdale to be met with a few intqkes of breath, gasps and and few comments like 'are you mad?'
Apparently, everyone else had decided to cut the walk into two and stop at Grasmere, and walk to Patterdale the day after. If only I had known......
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