C2C Day 2 - Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite - 14 miles

We are now in the beautiful Lake District. The day started off overcast as we walked along Ennerdale Lake . While we stopped to have our lunch at Black Sail Hut, it drizzled a bit, but the sun came out in the afternoon as we climbed straight up over to Honnister Pass. Although it was very rocky most of the way, (which made for pretty sore feet) the surroundings were beautiful. We stayed at the Royal Oak Hotel and had a wonderful evening with some of the local folk. We are positive that the people in northern England are the friendliest of all.

Ennerdale Lake

Our first major climb of the walk

The bridge over the river Derwent near Rosthwaite

Francine with seven wonderful British gentlemen who go walking when it is ladies day at the golf course.

Typical Lake District scenery - beautiful!

C2C Day 3 - Rosthwaite to Grasmere - 10 miles

After another great English breakfast, we started off on the shortest day of walking so far distance-wise, but we had a long constant uphill climb for two hours up to Greenup Edge, with threatening skies. Views back towards Rosthwaite were beautiful. Once at the top, we had a choice of an easier descent to Grasmere via the valley route, or the more difficult walkalong the long ridge of the north side of Far Easedale, passing over Gibson Knott to the summit of Helm Crag. We debated these options while having our packed lunch huddled under a rock in the driving rain and high winds. Peter was confident that the weather would change for the better, so we decided on the high route. The first few hundred metres were a challenge as the howling winds almost swept us off, but within 15 minutes the rain stopped, the skies cleared, the sun came out and we were rewarded with some spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, crags, fells and tarns. Absolutely breathtaking! We arrived in the fairytale village of Grasmere (of William Wordsworth fame) content that we had survived the first 3 days and were blessed with descent weather. For the New Brunswickers reading this you'll know what we mean when we say we were "potato-picking" tired!

As the days progress, the trail markers are less prominent. We've managed with our compass, maps and guidebooks, but when in doubt, Peter has been able to verify our position using GPS waypoints. Thanks Ron for the loan of your GPS and thanks Louis for the crash course.

So far the Coast to Coast walk has been quite tough, but highly rewarding and we've met some wonderful local people as well as other walkers on the trail. We've also been motivated by the support and feedback we've been getting via your comments. Thansk so much!

We expect Internet access to be spotty over the next 2 or 3 days and so we'll post when we can...

So long from the internet cafe at the Garden Centre in Grasmere, 10:30 am local time as we prepare to go off towards Patterdale in the rain.

Need to get up over the top
Long climb up from the valley below
We'll be walking over the ridge in the distance

Grasmere below

Tomorrow's route