Coast to Coast Count Down

Planning for ages, but suddenly here.  In less than three weeks I will be facing 12 days of successive walking on the wall worn Coast to Coast .  I have enjoyed reading Wainwright’s book.  I just hope I have as much satisfaction from the walk.

Last night I was ‘shopping’ on line.  Three days of walking preceded this meltdown.  I tested a GPS app on my new fangled phone.  Liked it, but decided I needed the ‘full blown’ GPS to have total satisfaction.  Then there was the extra set of maps.  Going with a friend, sorry purists but we are having our bags carried, means the travel company only send us one set.  New gloves – lost one early this year,  see lost and found on the fells.

So shopping spree ended.  Then today I happened to be working in an outdoor shop.  Even more ‘must haves’ jumped into my bag. My credit card has been melted.  I thought I had everything necessary for walking but somehow I managed to find more.

But I can add nine Wainwrights to my list, now 131.  Rosie would be very proud of me.

Weekend Day One – High Rigg

Only mad crazy walkers text at 7am and suggest a pick up in 45 minutes in somewhat dubious conditions.  Testament to friendship of many years that it was well received.  I did pick up and we did walk.  Up a Wainwright.

The weather had broken and we piled out of the car to torrential rain in total understanding of the decision to place Thirlmere reservoir exactly where it is.   Within five minutes we were soaked and enjoying that ‘boil in the bag’ feeling of wearing waterproof clothing on clammy summer days.

But you know how it is.  Lovely.  Nothing can detract from the views, even the mist.  The hills might come and go but when they appear green waves stretch across the sky.

We began at the far end of Thirlmere and headed quickly up the hill and back via St Johns in the Vale.  There was a very enticing tea room en-route but unfortunately I had a rare appointment with an hairdresser and so there was no time to stop.  Certainly looked as though it would be a good experience so please let me know if you have stopped and sampled the tea at Low Bridge End Farm!

Download route details here

Route described in detail in Cicerone Short walks in North Lakeland

The rest of the weekend will follow.  I am delighted to say it was not quite as wet!