End of 2nd Day

That day was tough... We all think mainly because of the weather. It was hot, clear skies, sun beating down, hardly any breeze in the valleys. Even over the top of the fells it was still tee shirt conditions. I know we sound like we are grumbling but we're not as it gave some fantastic views along the way. Views we will never forget.

We left Ennerdale Bridge at around 9:00am. In taking the southern route along Ennerdale Water we possibly added a good 30 minutes to the journey. This was due to just enjoying the route and taking in the beautiful scenery.


View up Ennerdale Water.

Once the end of the Lake was reached we stopped for a light bite. Afterwards we swooped to the northern forest track to continue to Black Sail YH. This was possibly the worst part of the day. With the heat and no breeze the track seemed to go on forever.

Eventually we reached Black Sail at around 1:30pm. Stopped for a good 40 minutes for lunch and took in the views of Great Gable, Green Gable, Kirk Fell and Hay Stacks rising around us.


Black Sail YH is the hut in the distance. In the distance can be seen Green Gable centre right with Great Gable top right.

After Black Sail we climbed out of the valley via Loft Beck. This exit cannot be seen on the above photo but the top is in the V above the hut. The climb was not as stiff as we thought and we reached the top in reasonable condition.

From there there was a little more ascent before the long decent via Honister Pass to Rosthwaite. Reaching our accommodation, The Royal Oak, for the night at 5:55pm.

14 miles, 1740 feet in 9 hours with two stops for grub and many stops for water along with dipping our heads in the many streams along the way to cool down.

Damage report;
Nicky's caught too much sun, and her shins hurt along with general aches; Chris has a blister along with aches in legs and shoulders; the old man just aches. A tough day.

Again we have no mobile signal here in Rosthwaite.
-- Posted from my iPhone