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Published: August 17th 2015
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Thursday 6 August - Grasmere to Patterdale
Grasmere is quite a trendy wee town, lots of holidaymakers this time of year. After a lovely stay in our B and B, which had a real bath, heaven on the aching muscles - we set off in drizzle and some fog the next morning, amd climbed up to Grisedale tarn (lake), another steep trek, but think we are getting better at it! The fog had lifted off the mountain, so we decided to take the higher route via St Sunday Crag (Just under 3000 feet). And so glad we did, the views were magnificent, looking across the peaks and valleys and down on Ullswater. Spent the day with Ian and Avril from Cumbria, great walking companions. It was a tough ascent but well worth it. The descent into Patterdale was quite steep and rocky, but no bog. Got to Patterdale about 5 and caught up with Maudie and John for a welcome pint at the pub. YHA accommodation was good, apart from the height of the bunk, I had trouble getting in and out and couldn't ask Blu to do it as his leg was still recovering! Had a nice pub meal
at the White Lion, lots of fellow walkers for company there. Only about 14 km today but of course the height of the crags made it tough going.
Friday 7 August - Patterdale to Shap
Our biggest day coming up, as we had 21 Km ahead and a climb to the top of Kidsty Pike, the highest peak on the walk, but it was only marginally higher than the previous day and despite our apprehension, it turned out fine, although quite a long day. Weather was good, so we had great views on the walk down to Haweswater and back to Ullswater and several tarns en route. Was a triumphant moment on top of the peak. We decided to follow Ian and Avril down the ridge instead of the steeper descent, which was a good decision. Came out just before the end of Haweswater, a large reservoir, and then the walk on to Shap through very pretty woodland and stream country, finally reaching the ruins of Shap Abbey, then the town. Got in about 7, a very long but enjoyable walk. All the Russians together in a great 17th Century B and B, and another hot bath! Good
basic pub grub again tonight at the Crown. Here we say goodbye to the Lakes District, which has been tough but good walking country.
Saturday 8 August - Shap to Orton
A reward today, only a relatively short walk in store to Orton. A sunny day and pleasant stroll with undulating countryside, and we were in Orton by early afternoon., time to check out this small attractive village and the chocolate shop, which had good ice cream sundaes. Actually, one good thing about walking is you can ease up on the calorie counting. It was nice to have time to wander around and rest up in the afternoon. The George Hotel was good and we were all together again in the same place for the night. The villages are usually tiny and it is not always possible for bigger groups to fit in one place.
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