Tuesday 20th July Where Eagles Dare

Today we left Rosthwaite at about 9.30AM. The Royal Oak was a better place to stay than the Shepherds Arms which was really a bit basic and the landlord a bit dour. Also he nearly lost my skins. I think in general the B&Bs are better places to stay than the Pubs cause it is quieter and there are less people so we can get a better nights sleep.

Anyway we started with a gentle ramble along the side of a swiftly flowing stream in bright sunshine (can you believe it - we couldn't!) Some spectacular views of the hills surrounding Rosthwaite. Before too long we were gently climbing climbing up the valley. There were quite a few walkers out this morning (maybe 10 or so). We were making good time and there were many tributary streams joining the main cascade down the valley. However it wasn't too long before the climb started to become more challenging and eventually the climb was almost vertical. (see photos). The views were magnificent but the walk was very taxing. It took a long time to get over the saddle of the pass through boggy ground. As usual I found the downhill much much harder on my knee so it took some time to get down. Some magnificent waterfalls were a highlight of the downhill section. So whilst this was a shorter day in terms of kilometres it was very challenging and still took some time to complete. Basically the same again tomorrow - some big climbs and probably some steep descents so I hope the knee and legs recover in time.
Pete, JR and Al seem to be quite well but I will let them speak for themselves.

Peter here - Blisters on right foot 1 on ball of foot, 2 on either side of little toe. Blisters on left foot - 1 on ball of foot 1 on heel. Rest day tomorrow ! note to self to buy shares in elastoplast.

Al here - The walk was challenging, especially when we were climbing 80m up a waterfall to Eagle Crag on very wet rocks a hundred miles off the ground. The total climb was about 630m according to John's GPS. But once we got over the top and through the marsh that the top of the mountain the downhill run was pretty good even if very very wet.

Grasmere is a postcard type of place, the home and grave of the poet William Wordsworth (died 1850). Carefully considering our options for tomorrow, appears to be another pretty tough climb ahead of us. Bye