Fabulous day !!! It has been a long 15 mile walk today that started from St Bees . I decided last night to walk the whole of today’s walk , despite completing 6 miles of it yesterday , because of a few reasons . Firstly, if I started at Sandwith as I thought I might , I would have got to a Ennerdale quite early and I couldn’t check in until 4 . Also my bag would not be there , but mainly because it was another great weather day so I really wanted to spend a whole day walking.
I walked the cliffs and on to Sandwith alone , not bumping into anyone . It was a great walk and , as I had completed it yesterday , I was clear on the route and could just walk not worry about any map checking . After Sandwith I met another solo woman walking the coast coast . Lovely lady and we walked as far as Moor Row together . I kept on going through this bleak little village. I was just consulting my map when I heard “this way Sally!”. It was John and Roger who I had met at breaky at St Bees. We then walked together , they were great , navigating the quite tricky route from Cleator up to Dent Hill. This is their second coast to coast walk. What lovely people !
Well it was then time for UP ! First big climb up Dent Hill . God, thank goodness I trained for this ! But up means down and after the climb up there began the steepest descent of the whole walk according to the map book . It was so steep , I took it really slowly to preserve my knees . After this we got to Nannycatch Beck , this is the beginning of the Lake District . It was spectacular following the beck up to the road into Ennerdale .
Amazingly , the road wound down the hill right into the pub ! John, Roger and I sat and drank 3 pints .. The first one never touched the sides ! We were all reviewing our walk and chatting when more coast to coasters joined us and we all had a lovely time . We stayed at The Fox and Hound for dinner ( I had pork roast because it was Sunday and this is what my girls were having at home!) Then I headed toward Ghyll Farm , the stunning , remote little B&B surrounded by Lakeland fells . Straight in hot shower and pyjamas … It’s raining outside … I think my luck with the weather might be changing . Water proofs in back pack ready for tomorrow .
I am loving reading your Blog Sal, I feel like I am on it with you walking hill and dale. I am glad to hear that you are meeting fellow walkers who to date sound so lovely and helpful. Please post of picture of John and Roger as I am sure they will pop up from time to time. The pictures of the countryside are amazing, the scenery breathtaking – picture postcard kind of stuff! Slightly jelly belly of your pork pies and sandwiches at Auntie Brenda's and Uncle Paul's – lovely to see a picture of them and you. Missing you lots but loving the updates. Enjoy today and hope you don't get too wet. Girls and I watched the Voice after a lovely Pork roast by Nannie… Love to you my wonderful sissster blissster xxxx and lots of hugs. Em
Hi Sal. I've just been sent your link from Dad … yay! I look forward to following your journey. It looks wonderful so far and makes me feel like I'm going on an adventure too! Have an amazing time and good luck. Love Jen xx
Sally – you did a half-marathon distance today! Very hard-core 🙂 SO glad you are meeting such lovely people en route. We found there was great camaraderie on the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair walk in Tassie many years ago. I hope it isn't too wet and that you see great scenery in the Lakes. Love Elly