Ennerdale to Rosthwaite

day of eternal cloud.  it never left the tops.  But being eternal optimists and because we were just ‘there’, we took the high road over Red Pike, High Stile and ultimately Haystacks over to the next valley.

Ennerdale valley really told us what was to come.  The tops were truly pasted with grey.  If we had doubted yesterday why we were carrying waterproof clothing and hats, well the Lakeland hills pulled no punches and most of my  pack was emptied and worn.

Only technology confirmed we actually made it to the relevant peaks.  We had lunch crouched behind High Stile sheltering from the wind.  Only one more couple were optimistic enough to venture up high that we saw and we all ended up following my GPS off the top.

Then we were rewarded.  Dropping down steeply in towards Haystacks the wind swirled in and the clouds parted in that dramatic play that only happens in the mountains.  Light bounced off patches of hillside, turning the lakes into dappled mirrors.

Haystacks was enjoyed but there was a final, unanticipated slog over to Honister Slate mines before we could really feel we were on the end of the trail.

Food, drink and bed at the Glaramara centre has never been more welcome.

Good training for Day 3!