Started the day nice and early again. Glad I did too. Was long and arduous. The walk through Patterdale was very pleasant and chatted to a few people off on their hikes. Some just doing the local hikes and hills, some were to join me on the stretch for the day.
Walked up past Wordworth cottage then on upwards - and do I mean upwards - again!!!
Knew this was coming and it is the last part of the Lakes, so cant complain can I?
1750m - nothing. Who was I kidding? No, I knew it had to be done, but boy were my leg musces screaming at me as I started the ascent. Took me longer than previous, but I made the first stretch up to Angle Tarn. Very nice and was quite warm, even stripped off to shorts and T-shirt! Carried on climbing very slowly and was a lovely route to take, the scenery spectacular. (Photos may have to be added when I arrive home)
Now everyone says how good a gps is out on the hills - they lie!! Carried on on the route according to gps, climbed very steep hill and reached the top, only to find I had climbed The Knott - just for the sheer hell of it, cos I had to come down the other side. I wasn't the only one either! Got back on track to Kidsty Pike and slowly (don't forget my poor little legs) with gritted teeth made it to the top. Was well worth it.
The views. What more can I say. It's like being on top of the world. The descent down was quite hair-raising. Loose shale that went from under your feet without warning. Made it down in one piece tho and reached Haweswater just after half one. Long morning and still 9 miles to do! Had a nice sit down with, boots off, for a good rest. The sun was hot then and was nice to chill. After climbing the Pike the weather changed to freezing cold wind, and how quick can I dress? So the warmth was appreciated. Next came the 2 hour walk along side Haweswater. Pleasant enough, but long.
Came across a place call Burnbanks. A little village of about ten houses, and one phone box. What no pub? A lager would have been nice!
Then all of a sudden - rain. Rain? I didn't order any. Was a heavy spell too, so out came the waterproofs - suppose I had to use them really after all I had carried them round for four days. Rain lasted about half an hour, which wasn't too bad. Only 5 miles to go - through farmlands. Nice change to see sheep!!! lol
The sun came out to encourage me on, so off came the wet gear. Off again. Was getting tired by this time, but on I had to go.
Finally saw my destination Shap Abbey. This is the point where I cross The village couldn't be far behind it.
The guide book said 20 mins walk from village. All lies! Took me much longer. I do only have little legs and the were very tired. Took me 45 mins, mainly cos it was uphill on tarmac. That is a killer after so long. And guess what? My hotel had to be one of the last buildings in Shap. There is a bonus to that tho, on looking at tomorrows map, the footpath is directly opposite the hotel. So ok. All is forgiven on that one.
Had a lovely meal in the King's Arms pub and a pint! Don't think the drink even touched the sides today. I was joined by a lovely couple who have overtaken me on every walk so far - well they are both over six foot and I take two steps to their one (did I say I had little legs?).
Early night tonight - 21 miles tomorrow, but at least it is flat! Shap to Kirby Stephen, cross the M6, by bridge obviously!
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