Day 5 - Patterdale to Shap

Today was tough. We are all well weathered.

The books said it was a day of 16 mile with 2500 feet of ascent (another book states 4400 feet of total ascent taking in to account all ups and downs). So we set off at 8:30am and had reached Boredale Hause by 9:05am 660 feet in no time at all.

Looking back down to Patterdale from Boredale Hause

It was raining lightly at the start but as the morning went on the weather proceeded to get worse. From Boredale Hause we carried on round, up to Angle Tarn. The views were still good even though the larger peeks around us were in mist. We could see Brothers Water but were then hanging on for the sight of Haweswater as we carried on round to Kidsty Pike.We were walking against horizontal heavy rain and gusts of winds of what felt like up to 100mph. As soon as Haweswater was in sight we could see the path round to the peek of Kidsty Pike. The winds were getting no better, it was tough. The way down Kidsty was particulary difficult for myself (Nicky) struggling with my knees as it was a very steep descent. Dad and Chris seemed to get down quite easily. Though I didn't see Chris slide down on his arse for a metre......

Even though we felt like we had done the toughest part of the day we could see the length of Haweswater stretching out ahead. This was going to be a long slog in the rain.
Then of course once we had got to the end of the reservoir we still a nice 5 miles amble across the fields to Shap, looking back upon the lakes for the last time. They have certainly treated us well over the last 5 days and they couldn't let us leave with out a spot of traditional lakes weather.

Goodbye to the Lakes.
Looking back towards the Lakes over Shap Abbey

This was a long day, over different terrains and the weather did brighten up for us towards the end. We arrived in Shap at The Kings Arms at 5.20pm, I was buzzin, whereas Chris and Dad just wanted their well deserved pint after a very enjoyable day all round. We were all apprehensive about today as it was the longest miles and highest ascent so far but I feel like it went a lot better than we first imagined even with the crazy weather, but I cant speak for Dad and Chris.

A good nights rest and up early again tomorrow for an easy 20 miles!!!!

Nicky