Shap to Kirkby Stephen, Day 5. 21 miles

I can't believe I have completed 83 miles already. Started at 8am again this morning. This walking hasn't helped me sleep any longer than normal. Was wide awake at 4.45!
The walk started across the road, across the railway line, which officially marked the one third stage. Try telling my legs and feet that!
Over across the M6 motorway and a lovely pleasant walk past Oddendale Village, before hitting Crosby Ravensworth Fell. The book warns us to watch out for adders - well I can assure you I didn't look for any, and didn't want to find any! Wasn't playing hide and seek with them things!
They can stay where they are. Away from me!
That walk took the best part of two hours before I reached any civilisation. Then the decision to bypass Orton Village or go through it. The temptation was the chocolate factory. According to the guide book not to be missed!
Well I actually took the slimmers route and bypassed it. How is that for being good? Not like me to be good! As a few of you may verify! And you can keep your comments!
From there I walked over Orton Scar. Another bleak and desolate Place. Had to cut through a few farms here, and ok, I got lost. One field looks the same as the other when you walk through them!
Only sent me ten mins or so off track, so wasn't too bad!
Then onto Tarn Moor. Boring, but decided to break it up with a pleasant lunch break at Sunbiggin Tarn. It is supposed to be teeming with bird life, but seeing as I didn't have my glasses with me, there was no point looking for them!
I sat and basked in a little sheltered spot in the lovely sunshine. The wind was rather chilly when walking. But warm enough for shorts. Well you know how warm I get!
Looked at map and decided to cut across the Moor on a different path than official route. So glad I did. It cut an hour off the tedious road you are supposed to follow. So ok, slapped hands I have cheated!
Walking along boring moorland with nothing to see but sheep would send you to sleep, so I hope I am forgiven.
At last the scenery changed once I hit Severals village. This is an Archaeological site, but I don't see the appeal in looking at the odd stone in the ground. Hope I haven't offended anyone on that remark. Know what some of you oldies are like!
Descended into a valley, which was lovely and warm, out of that wind, and came across Swarmby Bridge. A lovely little secluded spot, with gentle stream. So guess what. I indulged myself. Boots off, legs stretched - as far as my little legs stretch anyway, and sat there for 20 mins in the warmth and just chilled. Yes, I can do that sometimes! Not often enough so I have been told!
Climbed out of the valley and up onto Smardale Fell. Very grassy, with you guessed it, more sheep! Think they keep saying 'Maaaad!' or something like that! May have heard wrong! lol
That was a long stretch too. Over an hour before I got my first glimpse of Kirby Stephen.
Arrived there just after 4.30pm. Not bad really after 21 miles and a couple of stops.
After quick shower and change off out for tea. Had to be the other side of the village, but what the heck, but apparently you have to have the customary fish and chips from the famous Coast to Coast chippy.
So glad I did, and I think I deserved them! They were delicious. Would be worth doing the walk all over again for another portion! Only kidding! For now anyway. You never know. Watch this space. I am enjoying this challenge, even the boring bits, sheep and all.
May see who I can talk into walking with me next time, tho there is nothing better than walking alone, at peace with the world, listening to the sound of the birds and country life or classical music on your I-pod. If only I could win the lottery.........
Apologies for tomorrows blog. There is no signal for mobiles, so will not be able to update laptop or text anyone. Off to Keld tomorrow, 13 miles and crossing the Pennines. I have a choice of three routes tomorrow. Will let you know which one I took.

Patterdale to Shap Day 4 - 16 miles

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!

Rosthwaite to Patterdale via Grasmere Day 3. 18 miles.

Too late to change any plans now. So we decided to be up bright and early, only 18 miles to go.
8 am saw us on the way, pleasant stroll for first mile - then we saw the climb! Not another one. Ok! But we knew we had to climb, we were in denial. The first one was a mere 2000 feet, took us over an hour and half, strained every muscle we had used the day before. But we did it no problem. But of course this climb had a steep descent into Grasmere. I thought I was doing well till a lady, about my age run (yes run) with all the gear and backpack) passed me. She sure was in a hurry. Won't be using her as a walking buddy. We did that section in four hours. That was good. The lady probably did in one!
Next - ok. We found out we were mad and should have done what the others had done! we had to do the same again. 1950 feet this time. We were tired by then, but had no choice but to go on. We had lunch at Grisedale Tarn, which sits just under Helvellyn. Was very nice. The weather in the morning was hot and sunny, but changed on the descent into Patterdale. Fleeces back on, with gloves too! That was a very steep descent too. I am so glad we haven't had any rain. It would have been very hard!
Met a few people walking the opposite way and chatted briefly to some of them. Once own to a level, the walk was long and of course our legs were aching. Was worth the walk tho. The B & B is right on the edge of Lake Ullswater. My room over looks the lake. Will be bed early tonight. Big climb tomorrow up Kidsty Pike then onto Shap - if my legs work in the morning!

Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite Day 2

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......

St Bees to Ennerdale

Arrival at St Bees
This is it! First day of many walks, lots of aching muscles to come I am sure.
Set off at 8.30am, weather was lovely, very cold breeze but that helped keep me cool.
Dipped my toe, as per custom, into the sea, collected a pebble - to take to Robin Hoods Bay and set off on the first of many climbs. This was easy compared with what was to come!
Was good feeling to be actually walking after months of planning. The first part was ok, nothing too strenuus, was this to be easy? Then I saw the hills in the distance! There was only one way through them and it sure wasn't under or around them!
Shall I stop now? Never!!! Well, maybe after the climb up Dent Hill! Or rather should I say the descent down the other side! Talk about sheer, I would have somersaulted if I leant forward! (no comments from anyone!!) After that it was easy, another couple of miles led me into Ennerdale Bridge, where I stayed at the local pub. Had to have a well deserved beer of course! Made a few friends on the way too. Early night, ready for Day 2.
Sorry not pictures - network signal not strong enough to upload. Will add when I can. The lakes isn't the best place to have a mobile phone or internet access!

Arrival Day

Arrived safe and well, but was a long journey. Thanks to Gaynor for running me up here, she was very brave! She survived the ferry crossing across Windermere - she absolutely hates water and boats. So cheers Gaynor, owe you a drink for that.
Had a quick look round St Bees, quite nice, lovely beach as you can see by the pics.
I have just conquered my fear of walking into a pub on my own and ordering meal and drink. Nothing to worry about. Must be an age thing! lol. But I cant carry on eating with portion sizes that large, would have to walk the route twice to work it off.
Ordered early breakfast for tomorrow and looked at weather. Cold brisk winds. Can put up with that. Better than rain. Will hopefully update you tomorrow.

Celebrations down South

Returned yesterday from Christchurch in Dorset. It was my sister Denise and her husband Pauls silver wedding do. We all had a great time. Had a walk on the beach, then a few of us ventured into the new forest as you can see in one of the pics.
A pic of Denise, Paul, Joanne and Simon are above.
I think between me and my sisters we drank a vineyard! Ate most of the UK's food rations! I have worked doubly hard this morning at the Gym to remove the evidence!
Our hotel was beautiful and the company excellent. Was nice to catch up on family from all over - Denise in London, Paul in Geneva, Joanne in Geneva, Simon in Southampton,my brother Ian and his wife Karin from Leicester, Pauls's parents in the Isle of White, and various friends from all corners of the earth!
Thanks to Karin on Saturday for the entertainment - she will know what I mean, and hope she knows I mean no offence by this comment - it is meant in jest! nearly at my set off date - all packed ready - only cos I have no other time the rest of the week. I am all psyched up now and raring to go. Can't wait.