Checking my blogs...

Hmm... not sure what has happened to this blog there are a lot of photographs missing and the blogs seem to be not in the correct date order.

As we have moved to Cumbria I thinking about adding entries about any adventures on the Cumbrian Fells and other outings. There are also thoughts about add photos of some of our recent trips away but this will take awhile to organise.

Photos - Day 2 (Pt. 2) - Black Sail to Rosthwaite

14-06-2011
Part 2

After Black Sail we had the climb out of the valley.

Looking down about halfway up the ascent at the side of Loft Beck.

(Photo - Chris)

Nicky then took the above looking up from where she was in the previous photo.
This was supposedly the steepest climb on the whole of the Coast to Coast Walk, it was a long steady climb.

(photo - Nicky)

Part of the view at the top of Loft Beck.
Great Gable is far left.
(Photo - Chris)

More of the view from the top of Loft Beck.
A continuation to the right of the previous photo.
(photo - Ian)

Looking down Honister Pass, we were heading for the valley in the distance.
(Photo - Nicky)

'Come on Nicky, we're gagging for a pint.....'
On the descent from Honister Pass to Rosthwaite.
(Photo - Nicky)

Unfortunately we didn't take any more photographs on this day. That is not to say that there were no opportunities, there were plenty of scenes and vistas that warranted recording. It was possibly more to do with it being a hot day and we wanted to get to the hotel in time for the evening meal and a couple of pints.

Photos - Day 2 (Pt.1) - Ennerdale Bridge to Black Sail

14-06-2011

Ready for the off....
(photo - Nicky)

Setting off into the morning sun on the road to Ennderdale Water. With views in front of the Lakeland Fells we were looking forward to the day ahead.
(photo - Nicky)

Our first glimpse of Ennerdale Water
(photo - Nicky)

The Weir at the western end of Ennerdale Water
(photo - Chris)

A mermaid....?
(photo - Chris)

(photo - Ian)


We stopped for a refreshments at the end of Ennerdale Water and soaked in the view. The path we had been following followed the shoreline on the left of the picture above.
(photo - Chris)

Walking away from Ennderdale Water, about 3 miles to go to reach Black Sail Youth Hostel

(photo - Chris)

Crossing the River Liza that feeds Ennerdale Water.

(photo - Chris)

Nicky enjoying the quite tranquil surroundings of Black Sail Youth Hostel
(photo - Ian)

It was becoming a very warm day. We'd had many stops for water on the way to Black Sail and even the sheep were sheltering form the sun.....
(photo - Ian)

The view looking up the valley from Black Sail. Green Gable in the centre with the mass of Great Cable to its right. On our next visit we will have to conquer both these mounds....

Photos - Day 1 - St. Bees to Ennderdale Bridge

Well.....I'm now back at home which means I have decent access to the internet. During the holiday mobile phone connection was a little iffy to say the least which did restrict my ability to upload photos taken by Nicky, Chris, Ros and any I'd taken on my own camera.

I'll be spending the next few days/weeks gradually going through all the photographs we've taken. As I go through them I'll be attempting to post a selection to show our progress during each day.

So to start the ball rolling:
13-06-2011

The view that greeted us as we parked the car at St. Bees and started to put on our boots. The cliffs shrouded in mist are the start of the walk.
(photo - Nicky)

The intrepid three wrapped up against the wind and rain that was sweeping in from the Irish Sea.

As we left the beach at St. Bees we were greeted by the above sign.... only 191 miles to go..... (photo - Chris)

Looking back to the starting point, St. Bees beach. On the day we started with the misty rain, driving wind and overcast sky, St. Bees seemed a little bleak. Possibly not the best day to pass comment as St. Bees must have some charm to warrant the size of the caravan site and car park. No doubt a little sun would bring the place alive.
(photo - Chris)

View along the cliff path north of St. Bees.
(photo - Nicky)

Some of the wild life on the cliffs that kept us company as we walked along the cliff edge.
(photo - Chris)

As we left Moor Row our first major ascent comes into view, a little hill called Dent.
(photo - Chris)

On the edge of Cleator we came across a significant sign...?
(photo - Nicky)

View from the top of Dent looking back towards the coast.
The Isle of Man can just be seen on the horizon.
(photo - Chris)

Once we had descended from Dent the sun started to fully break through the clouds and we found ourselves in a delightful valley following Kirk Beck and then Nannycatch Beck.
(photo - Chris)

As we reached the road leading to Ennerdale Bridge we were presented with a fine view down Ennerdale Valley. The above is two photos crudely pasted together. If I have my bearings correct, central is the mass of Great Borne, with Starling Dobb, Red Pike and High Stile receding into the distance on its right. Crag Fell is on the right pf the photo.
(photo - Ian)

On the final approaches to Ennerdale Bridge we were all down to our t-shirts soaking up the views and beautiful weather.
(photo- Ian)

Day's end at The Shepherds Arms Hotel, Ennerdale Bridge.

(photo - Nicky)

On reflection.....

It's strange how your body and mind become programmed. Yesterday, the first day of rest after completing the Coast to Coast walk, I honestly felt that I should have been walking another 12 to 18 miles!

In talking to Nicky and Chris, during and after we finished the walk, we all agreed that we would like to do the walk again. Possibly take a few more days and use B&Bs, pubs, hotels, Youth Hostels for accommodation along the route. During the fortnight we came in contact with many others on the same adventure ranging from single people to large groups. Leap frogging each other on different sections mainly just passing pleasantries. Some we helped with route finding, others offered us help or snippets of advice. There was a community feel about the walk which we were possibly on the edge of by using our three base camps.

While signing the Coast to Coast Register in The Bay Hotel at the end of the walk, a couple who we had passed pleasantries with during the last week, came over and shook our hands. We congratulated each other for completing the walk as they had finished just an hour before us. This confirmed to us some of the comradery that we may have missed. Using B&Bs at each night's destination may have allowed us to meet fellow walkers, share stories and learn from others. Maybe next time....?

-- Posted from my iPhone

End of day 14 - Last Day

We started walking at 9:45am, a little later than we'd planned. Chris was complaining his feet were really painful first thing, something that he'd not experienced previously. Nicky could hardly walk from the effect of wind burn around her knees. As for the old'un, physically I was fine just suffering from the normal early morning stiffness. I was just having mixed thoughts, looking forward to reaching Robin Hood's Bay, but also sad that thus was the last day.

We set off after Ros dropped us off at the Arncliffe Arms in Glaisdale. This was a day of approximately 19 miles with around 1640 feet of ascent. A long day ahead for our last section. Adding to the challenge it was possibly going to be the hottest day of the fortnight, as nice as it sounds, not ideal walking conditions.

Esk River

Glaisdale to Grosmont was a pleasant 3.5 mile walk through the Esk Valley. Our timing into Grosmont could not have been better. The 11:30am departure for Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway was being prepared. After Nicky had treated us to ice creams we wandered around the railway station soaking in the smells of smoke and steam. If only that smell could be bottled......

The climb out of Grosmont was then attacked. This was approximately 700 feet in 1.5 miles up on to Sleights Moor. Some sections at a gradient of 1:3.... with sun beating down it was a tough climb. As encouragement on the way we were treated to views of Whitby and the North Sea. At the top. In the distance we could see the depression that Robin Hood's Bay nestled in.

Littlebeck was our next destination. This was approximately a 700 foot descent down to the picturesque village. Then a gentle muddy ascent along the wooded valley to the Falling Foss waterfall. Followed by a gradual climb up to Sneaton Low Moor. From here it was downhill to Hawsker and the Coastal path to Robin Hood's Bay. This was not without some cursing of Mr. Wainwright. This final section is a loop that took us north with Whitby in full view, walking away from our destination!! Then east to join the Coastal path. Then south around the coast to Robin Hood's Bay. When we rounded Ness Point we realised why. Our destination is seen. The whole bay comes into view from Ravenscar around to The Bay Hotel rising above the sea wall where a deserved pint awaits.

Before the pint is reached we have to descend to the beach to dip our boots in the North Sea. Despatching our pebbles we have carried from St. Bees into the waves we carry out the summary pats on backs for a job well done.

That's it...... We have walked from Coast to Coast. Through all weathers apart from snow. Across peaks, moors, valleys, and fields. Along paths, bridleways, lanes and some roads. A most enjoyable two weeks....

NB. The missing days' postings will be added ASAP. Photographs will be added over the next feww weeks as I filter through the many we have taken.


-- Posted from my iPhone

Last day - Robin Hoods Bay

-- Posted from my iPhone