We're home already! But what a way to spend a fortnight.We woke up this morning to find that mist was once more shrouding the sea but there was a hint of sunshine trying to burn through.
Having packed our bags we had breakfast before wandering down the hill to say cheerio to the sea before heading home. All of the shops in Robin Hoods Bay open at a very civilsed 10:30ish so any further shopping for momentoes was curtailed! We trudged back up hill (strange how they don't seem to be such a problem anymore!) met Trudy and Tuppence at the hotel, loaded up the luggage and headed for home.
We found that only a short distance inland it was blue sky and sunshine; unlike the weather we were heading to at home it turned out!
All the bags are now emptied, the washing machine is going ninety to the dozen and we are both a little sad that the adventure is now over with the realisation of what we have done still sinking in.
The highlight of the walk has got to be the many people that we have met along the way; both fellow Coast to Coasters and also the many other people we have met.
The Lake District was our favourite section funnily enough, the long day between Rosthwaite and Patterdale with its two 600m passes a particular challenge (It was termed "The Madonna Section" by Mike). We didn't manage to pay our respects to AW on Haystacks or climb St. Sunday Crag but we will certainly return in the near future and rectify that!
The long day climbing from Patterdale to Kidsty Pike, the highest point on the route, was lovely, although the walk along Hawswater and the remaining trudge to Shap seemed to go on forever. Swaledale was lovely too, the views back over the Vale of Mowbray from the Cleveland Way, the odd section of Moor that we managed to see when the visibility allowed us, Rosthwaite and Stonethwaite, there are so many good parts. AW certainly did a good job when he planned where his Coast to Coast route should go.
If there has to be a low point to chose we would probably say the weather which at times was biblically wet. The first day saw rain and 20m visibility climbing over Dent and Nannycatch was litterally awash. Managing to blaze a trail along the flooded path was both a high point and a low point. The rain stuck with us most of the fortnight but we did have a few days where it stopped long enough for the sun to almost appear and one where it didn't rain at all.
Averaging 15 miles a day has certainly toned us up nicely. I have lost about half a stone despite managing a full cooked breakfast every morning, sampling an awful lot of beer, and eating out every evening! Although Dawn hasn't lost weight she is happy in the knowledge that a number of her clothes don't fit any more! If you want to shape up - walk 200 miles!
The Coast to Coast is an amazing experience. Unlike some others we don't have the urge to do it again just yet but would definately re-visit certain areas. We would certainly not dismiss the idea of walking other long distance paths so watch this space! We highly recommend the Sherpa Van project that moves your baggage on for you. (Hats off to the likes of Steve and Ian who carried everything with them!). We also recommend doing your homework; as well as Wainwrights book we also used the Trailblazer guide by Henry Stedman. There are numerous websites too. We took the Harvey 1:40,000 strip maps which show the route and also decided to take 1:25,000 OS maps of the whole route. A bit expensive perhaps but they proved invaluable in some places, as did the GPS units - Dawn has now completely fallen in love with hers again! We took a day off in Richmond which gave us a chance to do some washing and chill out for a day. In hindsight we did rush through the first few days. Although it adds to the cost with additional accomodation splitting the longer sections does allow you to get in a bit earlier to explore or to enjoy the route during the day a bit more rather than worrying about rushing on to complete a long section before it gets too late. Also, take a notepad and pen or some business cards as you will definately meet people you want to keep in touch with.
If you are thinking about it - do it! It's not your average holiday and certainly not the cheapest depending where you stay but as a life experience it's great.
Once I have sorted the photos I will upload them to Flikr and Facebook and post the links on here in one last blog. Thank you for reading, your interest and your support. At present we have raised nearly £1000 including Gift Aid and it isn't too late to help us make it:
www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/dawnandmatt
Thanks again,
Matt & Dawn
Saturday, 7 July 2012
Friday, 6 July 2012
Coast to Coast Day 14 - Grosmont to Robin Hoods Bay
This is it. The last section of the walk!
Had an OK meal at the Station Arms and a reasonable night. It was ever so hot and humid and surprise surprise there was a thunder storm during the night so a more restless night than we would have hoped was had by both of us.
We woke early after our fitful nights sleep to heavy rain and dense fog, something the forecast promised would be with us for most of the day (turns out it was right).
Having stocked up on some lunch at the local store (The UKs oldest independent co-op store no less) we trudged up the 1 in 3 hill out of the village. The 1 in 3 continued for some time. In fact we were still going up hill over half an hour later! The rain was still heavy and the visibility was 10m at best. The route is mainly road with a few paths, one of which was so faint it would have been a nightmare to find it in the visibility we had so we boxed around it on the road. We remained faithful to most of the route although me missed out Littlebeck Wood (Littlebeck was a lovely village though, although little beck was more like raging torrent!). We also took the old railway line down along the coast. Although we could hear the sea we certainly couldn't see it and a narrow footpath along the cliff didn't seem wise. Trudy and Tuppence were waiting for us at the top of the hill and they walked down to the water with us. The first sight of the sea we got was at the harbour! Feet dunked, pebbles thrown, and compulsory photos taken we joined Dave and Jayne, and numerous other people that we had met along the way in the Wainwright Bar to sign the book and toast our success.
It has been a brilliant journey. We have met some fantastic people along the way and certainly grown stronger ourselves as people. And although we have a few aches here and there we made it over all 200 miles or so with no blisters at all!
I'll put another blog together with some photos from the camera when we get home with some highlights, high points and low points. For now it's getting late, we've had a few drinks and a nice meal, Dawn's already asleep and I'm knackered too!
Farewell from Robin Hoods Bay. Next instalment will be from Hertfordshire.
Matt & Dawn x
Had an OK meal at the Station Arms and a reasonable night. It was ever so hot and humid and surprise surprise there was a thunder storm during the night so a more restless night than we would have hoped was had by both of us.
We woke early after our fitful nights sleep to heavy rain and dense fog, something the forecast promised would be with us for most of the day (turns out it was right).
Having stocked up on some lunch at the local store (The UKs oldest independent co-op store no less) we trudged up the 1 in 3 hill out of the village. The 1 in 3 continued for some time. In fact we were still going up hill over half an hour later! The rain was still heavy and the visibility was 10m at best. The route is mainly road with a few paths, one of which was so faint it would have been a nightmare to find it in the visibility we had so we boxed around it on the road. We remained faithful to most of the route although me missed out Littlebeck Wood (Littlebeck was a lovely village though, although little beck was more like raging torrent!). We also took the old railway line down along the coast. Although we could hear the sea we certainly couldn't see it and a narrow footpath along the cliff didn't seem wise. Trudy and Tuppence were waiting for us at the top of the hill and they walked down to the water with us. The first sight of the sea we got was at the harbour! Feet dunked, pebbles thrown, and compulsory photos taken we joined Dave and Jayne, and numerous other people that we had met along the way in the Wainwright Bar to sign the book and toast our success.
It has been a brilliant journey. We have met some fantastic people along the way and certainly grown stronger ourselves as people. And although we have a few aches here and there we made it over all 200 miles or so with no blisters at all!
I'll put another blog together with some photos from the camera when we get home with some highlights, high points and low points. For now it's getting late, we've had a few drinks and a nice meal, Dawn's already asleep and I'm knackered too!
Farewell from Robin Hoods Bay. Next instalment will be from Hertfordshire.
Matt & Dawn x
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Coast 2 Coast Day 13 - Blakey Ridge to Grosmont
Woke up to bright sunshine. Can this be true? Our first complete day without any rain whatsoever!
We had an early breakfast and were dropped back at the pub to resume our journey. The moors are quite nice in the sunshine and you can see for miles for once which is most welcome!
We stopped off to say hello to Fat Betty, a cross on the moor where tradition dictates that you leave a snack for a fellow traveller and take one in return (a bit like open caching!). We took a mint and left some jelly tots before continuing on our way.
The route is mainly road and we take the turning to the brilliantly named Fryup. We turn off along a bridleway and a rewarded by fantastic views over Fryup Vale which is truly stunning.
At the end of the Moor we take a short break and are caught up by Dave and Jayne who we shared numerous drinks with yesterday. We continue on together through Glasedale before splitting at Egton Bridge where they had digs for the night. (turns out that it is the best accommodation for them yet and they might not move!). We swapped email addresses and we continued down the old Toll Road to Grosmont. Having had a quick look at the trains at the station we quickly found our B&B (clean but a bit like stepping back in time 30 years or staying with your grandparents!). A quick shower and we whizzed out again to catch the last steam train of the day to Goathland and back (we didn't see Greengrass or Nick Berry though!) We did bump into the girls again, as well as Richard who seems to have slowed his pace somewhat and be walking with them. A bit of match making going on perhaps?
Dinner at the Station Arms concluded a very pleasant day.
The forecast for our last day is truly dreadful, the worst one yet (and that's saying something!). Still, one more day to go and that is something we have mixed feelings about. We are exited that the end is in site but sorry that the end of our journey is now so close.
Off to bed now; 15 miles or so tomorrow and most of them are likely to be wet!
Matt & Dawn
We had an early breakfast and were dropped back at the pub to resume our journey. The moors are quite nice in the sunshine and you can see for miles for once which is most welcome!
We stopped off to say hello to Fat Betty, a cross on the moor where tradition dictates that you leave a snack for a fellow traveller and take one in return (a bit like open caching!). We took a mint and left some jelly tots before continuing on our way.
The route is mainly road and we take the turning to the brilliantly named Fryup. We turn off along a bridleway and a rewarded by fantastic views over Fryup Vale which is truly stunning.
At the end of the Moor we take a short break and are caught up by Dave and Jayne who we shared numerous drinks with yesterday. We continue on together through Glasedale before splitting at Egton Bridge where they had digs for the night. (turns out that it is the best accommodation for them yet and they might not move!). We swapped email addresses and we continued down the old Toll Road to Grosmont. Having had a quick look at the trains at the station we quickly found our B&B (clean but a bit like stepping back in time 30 years or staying with your grandparents!). A quick shower and we whizzed out again to catch the last steam train of the day to Goathland and back (we didn't see Greengrass or Nick Berry though!) We did bump into the girls again, as well as Richard who seems to have slowed his pace somewhat and be walking with them. A bit of match making going on perhaps?
Dinner at the Station Arms concluded a very pleasant day.
The forecast for our last day is truly dreadful, the worst one yet (and that's saying something!). Still, one more day to go and that is something we have mixed feelings about. We are exited that the end is in site but sorry that the end of our journey is now so close.
Off to bed now; 15 miles or so tomorrow and most of them are likely to be wet!
Matt & Dawn
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Coast to Coast Day 12 - Chopgate - The Lion Inn
An "interesting" stay at the Buck Inn at Chopgate and an early breakfast and lift meant that we were on the trail at 8.15!
Following yesterday's slight miscalculation it meant a shorter route today of around 8 or 9 miles. The path is still the Cleveland Way at this point and climbs up from Clay Bank and then levels out to a reasonably flat flag stone path. Sadly the visibility was down to around 20 metres with occasional rain showers and didn't really improve as we progressed. After a slightly boggy section the Cleveland Way cuts left as we continued along the disused railway line that contours around. We did catch the occasional view - albeit cloudy! - and I'm sure that in good weather the route would be very picturesque.
We bumped into a Dave and Jane who we had met a few days ago who had stopped for a coffee and walked with them to The Lion Inn were they were staying and we were due to be collected. Sadly the plan was to have an evening meal and then be collected. It was just gone noon! Despite dawdling along we had made it in 3.5 hours. We decided to stop for lunch and I managed four pints of Wainwrights ale (well, we had to kill the time a bit somehow!).
We called the B&B and shared a lift back with Bruno from Switzerland. Just before we left the camera girls from yesterday arrived too and they are staying in the same place so it could be a lively breakfast!
We are now installed in the very nice August Guest House. Another place where nothing is too much trouble.
Only 30 miles to go now and we're off to Grosmont in the morning. We are hoping to get there early enough to have a trip on the steam railway.
More soon, the shower is free and there's stuff to sort for tomorrow.
Matt & Dawn
PS - sorry about the lack of photos but there wasn't much to see!
Following yesterday's slight miscalculation it meant a shorter route today of around 8 or 9 miles. The path is still the Cleveland Way at this point and climbs up from Clay Bank and then levels out to a reasonably flat flag stone path. Sadly the visibility was down to around 20 metres with occasional rain showers and didn't really improve as we progressed. After a slightly boggy section the Cleveland Way cuts left as we continued along the disused railway line that contours around. We did catch the occasional view - albeit cloudy! - and I'm sure that in good weather the route would be very picturesque.
We bumped into a Dave and Jane who we had met a few days ago who had stopped for a coffee and walked with them to The Lion Inn were they were staying and we were due to be collected. Sadly the plan was to have an evening meal and then be collected. It was just gone noon! Despite dawdling along we had made it in 3.5 hours. We decided to stop for lunch and I managed four pints of Wainwrights ale (well, we had to kill the time a bit somehow!).
We called the B&B and shared a lift back with Bruno from Switzerland. Just before we left the camera girls from yesterday arrived too and they are staying in the same place so it could be a lively breakfast!
We are now installed in the very nice August Guest House. Another place where nothing is too much trouble.
Only 30 miles to go now and we're off to Grosmont in the morning. We are hoping to get there early enough to have a trip on the steam railway.
More soon, the shower is free and there's stuff to sort for tomorrow.
Matt & Dawn
PS - sorry about the lack of photos but there wasn't much to see!
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Coast 2 Coast day 11 - Lovesome Hill to Chopgate
Lovesome Hill do a fantastic breakfast with eggs, bacon and sausages sourced from the farm. We also met a nice guy called Steve (not Backpack Steve, another one - we'll call him Steve from Wales). He lives on his parents farm, works at a builders yard and is up for a week to visit relatives and do some walking.
It turns out that Mary and John from the farm have completed not only the Coast to Coast but also the West Highland Way - we are outclassed! Lovely stay and nothing could be too much trouble - Mary even found Dawn a water bottle for her pulled muscle. She is obviously very proud of her area and doesn't like the fact that Wainwright suggested you should run through. "this area puts all the food on your table". We are inclined to agree as the next section was a lot nicer that the previous day.
We left at around 9.00 and having followed the main round for about 500m we turned left and followed the boggiest path known to Yorkshire (so far!). The path follows paths and farm tracks across to the busy A19. A careful crossing takes you down to Ingleby Cross and a welcome cup of tea at The Bluebell Inn.
The path now gets interesting and seriously upwards as you slowly gain height through the trees and reach the Cleveland Way. This is where you can tell the difference between a National Trail and the C2C - funding! Lots of flagstones to follow here! It also has an awful lot of ups and downs - difficult in the heat and humidity of the day - but the rewards are brilliant views back over the Vale of Mowbray and probably Richmond on a clear day. We even caught our first glimpse of the North Sea! We messed up the distance a bit, rather than the 16 mile section we thought, we actually had over 19 miles to walk, with enough hight gain to look down on Snowdon! The Wainstones were a welcome sight and having repatriated a nice lady with her camera we were finally descending into Clay Bank where we would be collected and taken the couple of miles back to the The Buck Inn at Chop Gate (pronounced Chopyate). A bit kwirky but a good shower, reasonable food and a free transfer again in the morning to put us back on track.
Tomorrow is an easier day other than the weather - we might even make the Lion Inn by lunchtime if the weather's that bad! But for now it's bed time; we're both achey and the bed is comfortable!
Night Night!
Matt & Dawn
It turns out that Mary and John from the farm have completed not only the Coast to Coast but also the West Highland Way - we are outclassed! Lovely stay and nothing could be too much trouble - Mary even found Dawn a water bottle for her pulled muscle. She is obviously very proud of her area and doesn't like the fact that Wainwright suggested you should run through. "this area puts all the food on your table". We are inclined to agree as the next section was a lot nicer that the previous day.
We left at around 9.00 and having followed the main round for about 500m we turned left and followed the boggiest path known to Yorkshire (so far!). The path follows paths and farm tracks across to the busy A19. A careful crossing takes you down to Ingleby Cross and a welcome cup of tea at The Bluebell Inn.
The path now gets interesting and seriously upwards as you slowly gain height through the trees and reach the Cleveland Way. This is where you can tell the difference between a National Trail and the C2C - funding! Lots of flagstones to follow here! It also has an awful lot of ups and downs - difficult in the heat and humidity of the day - but the rewards are brilliant views back over the Vale of Mowbray and probably Richmond on a clear day. We even caught our first glimpse of the North Sea! We messed up the distance a bit, rather than the 16 mile section we thought, we actually had over 19 miles to walk, with enough hight gain to look down on Snowdon! The Wainstones were a welcome sight and having repatriated a nice lady with her camera we were finally descending into Clay Bank where we would be collected and taken the couple of miles back to the The Buck Inn at Chop Gate (pronounced Chopyate). A bit kwirky but a good shower, reasonable food and a free transfer again in the morning to put us back on track.
Tomorrow is an easier day other than the weather - we might even make the Lion Inn by lunchtime if the weather's that bad! But for now it's bed time; we're both achey and the bed is comfortable!
Night Night!
Matt & Dawn
Monday, 2 July 2012
Coast 2 Coast day 10 - Richmond to Lovesome Hill
16 miles traversed today and only got caught in a shower once - for an hour or so! We followed the old railway line out of Richmond to avoid the busy road and picked up the traditional route further down. It's quite pretty along to Catterick and the route follows the river Swale through the countryside and woodlands. At Bolton on Swale we paid our respects to Henry Jenkins. He has a memorial in the church yard and apparently lived to the venerable old age of 169 years!
Back onto the fields and we saw a bull getting rather excited with a cow. We also saw a bit of confused cow on cow action! We got through the field as quickly as we could in case there was any more confusion!
After Catterick the countryside is very flat compared to where we has been. We could be in Hertfordshire to be honest and it was a long slog along the road to Danby Whisk. We did see a Jay along the way though and also several Yellowhammers which we don't tend to see at home. The good news was that unlike AW and Julia Bradbury we found the White Swan in the village to be open! With only a couple of kilometres to go a couple of pints seemed in order! Black Sheeps "Golden Fleece" is rather nice! The pub seems to have been refurbished recently and does evening meals and accommodation for C2Cers who want to break up the 23 miles of the vale of Mowbray. We were doing just that at Lovesome Hill which is slightly off course but there was a handy footpath over the fields. Sadly the footpath doesn't seem to be used very often! We were wading though nettles and weeds along the field edge for the next 1.5km! Not to worry, we soon arrived at the farm and were posted in the camping barn while Mary sorted a couple of things out. Lovesome Farm is a working farm with working farm smells and a Collie Dog for Dawn to play with! The room is lovely and apparently we have lasagne for tea.(Although she hasn't made it yet so it might turn into something else! :-) ).
Nice to get to the digs early as we can chill out for a bit. We strolled out quite well today and averaged over 5km/h which is possibly why we're aching a bit! We are looking forward tomorrow as we're hitting a section of Cleveland Way and might get a bit more height by the end of the day!
More soon!
M&D
Back onto the fields and we saw a bull getting rather excited with a cow. We also saw a bit of confused cow on cow action! We got through the field as quickly as we could in case there was any more confusion!
After Catterick the countryside is very flat compared to where we has been. We could be in Hertfordshire to be honest and it was a long slog along the road to Danby Whisk. We did see a Jay along the way though and also several Yellowhammers which we don't tend to see at home. The good news was that unlike AW and Julia Bradbury we found the White Swan in the village to be open! With only a couple of kilometres to go a couple of pints seemed in order! Black Sheeps "Golden Fleece" is rather nice! The pub seems to have been refurbished recently and does evening meals and accommodation for C2Cers who want to break up the 23 miles of the vale of Mowbray. We were doing just that at Lovesome Hill which is slightly off course but there was a handy footpath over the fields. Sadly the footpath doesn't seem to be used very often! We were wading though nettles and weeds along the field edge for the next 1.5km! Not to worry, we soon arrived at the farm and were posted in the camping barn while Mary sorted a couple of things out. Lovesome Farm is a working farm with working farm smells and a Collie Dog for Dawn to play with! The room is lovely and apparently we have lasagne for tea.(Although she hasn't made it yet so it might turn into something else! :-) ).
Nice to get to the digs early as we can chill out for a bit. We strolled out quite well today and averaged over 5km/h which is possibly why we're aching a bit! We are looking forward tomorrow as we're hitting a section of Cleveland Way and might get a bit more height by the end of the day!
More soon!
M&D
Sunday, 1 July 2012
Coast to Coast Day Nine - Farewell friends!
Had a nice relaxing breakfast and a trip out to Reeth with Mum and Dad. Saw the lady about the dog and then continued up the hill to Keld to show Mum and Dad where we had been. The car needed petrol and a very important note for future reference everyone - most petrol stations are closed in Yorkshire on Sundays! Having ended up in Kirkby Stephen we eventually found some on the M6! Still, we had a nice trip back on a different route, saw the Ribblesdale Viaduct and had a nice lunch in the Inn on the hill somewhere near Ingleborough.
We returned back to Richmond and having retrieved our washing we sorted everything out for the morning.
We had arranged to meet up with Mike and Brian for a pint before going on to dinner at Rustique. We had a brilliant evening and it is so nice to have found a couple of great friends and shared a great experience with them. The last couple of days haven't been the same without them. They are off home tomorrow and hoping to complete the C2C next year sometime. We are obviously off again in the morning and we hope to meet up sometime in the future to compare notes!
Dad didn't like the sound of an 8.00am breakfast but I think they'll join us in the morning and wave us off!
The weather for the next few days looks pretty bad. We have been lucky(!?) to have had a few rain-free mornings this week but it looks like we'll be getting pretty wet quite early.
Oh well, maybe the sun will be shining over the north sea for us.
On to Lovesome Hill Farm tomorrow. A trip of around 16 miles along a mixture of roads and boggy fields. It's also the flattest section of the route so at least we'll get to give the legs a stretch before we hit the Yorkshire Moors!
Night Night all, hopefully more tomorrow if we have a signal or WiFi.
Matt & Dawn
We returned back to Richmond and having retrieved our washing we sorted everything out for the morning.
We had arranged to meet up with Mike and Brian for a pint before going on to dinner at Rustique. We had a brilliant evening and it is so nice to have found a couple of great friends and shared a great experience with them. The last couple of days haven't been the same without them. They are off home tomorrow and hoping to complete the C2C next year sometime. We are obviously off again in the morning and we hope to meet up sometime in the future to compare notes!
Dad didn't like the sound of an 8.00am breakfast but I think they'll join us in the morning and wave us off!
The weather for the next few days looks pretty bad. We have been lucky(!?) to have had a few rain-free mornings this week but it looks like we'll be getting pretty wet quite early.
Oh well, maybe the sun will be shining over the north sea for us.
On to Lovesome Hill Farm tomorrow. A trip of around 16 miles along a mixture of roads and boggy fields. It's also the flattest section of the route so at least we'll get to give the legs a stretch before we hit the Yorkshire Moors!
Night Night all, hopefully more tomorrow if we have a signal or WiFi.
Matt & Dawn
Coast 2 Coast Day Nine - Rest Day!
Sunday morning in Richmond, and the chance for a lie-in. So obviously we're wide awake at stupid o'clock! Quite nice that we don't have to get up and race around sorting out kit though!
Funnily enough Richmond is quite quiet on a Sunday, although the street sweeper has already been past and we can hear the church bells in the distance. Not sure what we've got planned today; we're meeting Mum and Dad for breakfast at 9.30 (we would normally have been walking at least half an hour!) and we need to pop up to Reeth to see a lady about a dog.
I discovered a factory shop here in Richmond that make custom boots (and stock paramo!) but they're closed on Sundays. I'd wondered if they could have a look at Dawn's feet as the balls of her feet have become a bit swollen.
Not really surprising I guess and that reminds me that I haven't been doing my list for you so here's a quick synopsis:
Weather: we have seen pretty much three seasons worth of weather; at one point all within the space of about an hour! Rain, sun, cloud, thunder, wind, fog, and mist about covers it!
Blister Count: Currently zero! Dawn has had a couple of near misses but managed to sort them out in time.
Distance covered: Today so far - to the bathroom and back via the kettle! Total so far - 113.5 miles officially but probably a few more as we have diverted here and there.
Height gained: A difficult one but the guidebook reckons that by the time we finish we will have gained and lost enough height to have climbed the equivalent of Everest!
Type of terrain covered: so far we have covered fields, hills, rocks, streams, floods, bogs, roads, tracks, paths, poo, scrambles, old tramways and railway lines, and the occasional pub threshold!
High points so far: The Lakes, Keld Lodge, meeting some amazing people on the way, sharing the journey together (we're still talking!).
Low points so far: The long slog along Haweswater and the last few kilometres into Shap when Dawn had hit the wall and was struggling.
Wainwrights: One (despite best intentions!). Kidsty Pike - the highest point on the route. St. Sunday Crag and Helvelyn will have to wait for another day!
I shall leave you now as I'm still wondering what to do today once we've been to Reeth. I'm sure that it will include another pub at some point (we would hate to disappoint those of you who think this is just a pub crawl!) Apparently Black Sheep and Theakstons do brewery tours and Masham isn't too far away!.............
Funnily enough Richmond is quite quiet on a Sunday, although the street sweeper has already been past and we can hear the church bells in the distance. Not sure what we've got planned today; we're meeting Mum and Dad for breakfast at 9.30 (we would normally have been walking at least half an hour!) and we need to pop up to Reeth to see a lady about a dog.
I discovered a factory shop here in Richmond that make custom boots (and stock paramo!) but they're closed on Sundays. I'd wondered if they could have a look at Dawn's feet as the balls of her feet have become a bit swollen.
Not really surprising I guess and that reminds me that I haven't been doing my list for you so here's a quick synopsis:
Weather: we have seen pretty much three seasons worth of weather; at one point all within the space of about an hour! Rain, sun, cloud, thunder, wind, fog, and mist about covers it!
Blister Count: Currently zero! Dawn has had a couple of near misses but managed to sort them out in time.
Distance covered: Today so far - to the bathroom and back via the kettle! Total so far - 113.5 miles officially but probably a few more as we have diverted here and there.
Height gained: A difficult one but the guidebook reckons that by the time we finish we will have gained and lost enough height to have climbed the equivalent of Everest!
Type of terrain covered: so far we have covered fields, hills, rocks, streams, floods, bogs, roads, tracks, paths, poo, scrambles, old tramways and railway lines, and the occasional pub threshold!
High points so far: The Lakes, Keld Lodge, meeting some amazing people on the way, sharing the journey together (we're still talking!).
Low points so far: The long slog along Haweswater and the last few kilometres into Shap when Dawn had hit the wall and was struggling.
Wainwrights: One (despite best intentions!). Kidsty Pike - the highest point on the route. St. Sunday Crag and Helvelyn will have to wait for another day!
I shall leave you now as I'm still wondering what to do today once we've been to Reeth. I'm sure that it will include another pub at some point (we would hate to disappoint those of you who think this is just a pub crawl!) Apparently Black Sheep and Theakstons do brewery tours and Masham isn't too far away!.............
Saturday, 30 June 2012
Coast 2 Coast Day 8 - Reeth to Richmond
We had a lovely meal at the Buck Hotel last night and wandered back down to the B&B at the bottom of the village. A good nights sleep and a nice breakfast with Bev and Eric, a Canadian couple of C2Cers we had met previously who were rather jealous of our day off in Richmond! We also bumped into Steve again in the shop next door. He was doing well and was due to push on to Catterick where he was meeting his wife.
Although it was a relatively easy day of 10 miles we were on the trail by 9.00 am as the weather was due to be wet by the afternoon. We followed the group of lads who were camping at Keld out of the village but where they had obviously decided to take the road to Richmond we took the correct path (for once!) and followed the track up to Marrick Priory. All but the tower o the priory was torn down by Henry the 8th and it has now been extended and renovated to create an outdoors centre. We continued on through Marrick and - whilst tempted - ignored the numerous and at times unsubtle signs for tea and scones at Nun Cote Nook as we were keeping a weather eye over the valley which was looking a little grey!
The walking was through meadowland and much drier than we experienced yesterday. We emerged from the fields just below Marske which is a lovely, if slightly posh looking, village. We soon rejoined the paths again and passed through more meadows on the way up to Applegarth Scar. This is a large tear in the landscape - like a Stanage Edge with trees - and we followed the footpath along the base contouring the river Swale through the Applegarth Farms and on into Richmond.
Richmond is lovely. We arrived in a very timely 4 hours having now clicked up 113.5 miles since our start last Saturday. We found our Hotel - The Black Lion - as we had decided that we had both deserved a pint!
My parents - Tony and Chris - had travelled up the previous day and met us in the bar having spent the morning in Hawes.
After a soak in the bath and a change we had an enjoyable walk around the town as visited the castle. The views from the top of the keep are amazing and you can see all the way to the start of the Yorkshire Moors (don't have to worry about that until Monday!). We also managed to find a copy of the Coast 2 Coast book recommended by Nick at Keld Lodge. We came back and sorted some washing and we just having a drink before dinner when Bill and Susan - the Californian couple walked though the door. It was really nice as they are travelling on tomorrow so won't see them again and they have been great fun over the last week. We swapped addresses so hopefully we will keep in touch. Dinner was chinese tonight - a welcome change from pub grub and an early night is called for. Looking forward to a lie in tomorrow and a leisurely breakfast. Not sure what we're up to tomorrow but we'll bore you with it if you're interested.
That's all for now,
Night Night!
Matt & Dawn
Although it was a relatively easy day of 10 miles we were on the trail by 9.00 am as the weather was due to be wet by the afternoon. We followed the group of lads who were camping at Keld out of the village but where they had obviously decided to take the road to Richmond we took the correct path (for once!) and followed the track up to Marrick Priory. All but the tower o the priory was torn down by Henry the 8th and it has now been extended and renovated to create an outdoors centre. We continued on through Marrick and - whilst tempted - ignored the numerous and at times unsubtle signs for tea and scones at Nun Cote Nook as we were keeping a weather eye over the valley which was looking a little grey!
The walking was through meadowland and much drier than we experienced yesterday. We emerged from the fields just below Marske which is a lovely, if slightly posh looking, village. We soon rejoined the paths again and passed through more meadows on the way up to Applegarth Scar. This is a large tear in the landscape - like a Stanage Edge with trees - and we followed the footpath along the base contouring the river Swale through the Applegarth Farms and on into Richmond.
Richmond is lovely. We arrived in a very timely 4 hours having now clicked up 113.5 miles since our start last Saturday. We found our Hotel - The Black Lion - as we had decided that we had both deserved a pint!
My parents - Tony and Chris - had travelled up the previous day and met us in the bar having spent the morning in Hawes.
After a soak in the bath and a change we had an enjoyable walk around the town as visited the castle. The views from the top of the keep are amazing and you can see all the way to the start of the Yorkshire Moors (don't have to worry about that until Monday!). We also managed to find a copy of the Coast 2 Coast book recommended by Nick at Keld Lodge. We came back and sorted some washing and we just having a drink before dinner when Bill and Susan - the Californian couple walked though the door. It was really nice as they are travelling on tomorrow so won't see them again and they have been great fun over the last week. We swapped addresses so hopefully we will keep in touch. Dinner was chinese tonight - a welcome change from pub grub and an early night is called for. Looking forward to a lie in tomorrow and a leisurely breakfast. Not sure what we're up to tomorrow but we'll bore you with it if you're interested.
That's all for now,
Night Night!
Matt & Dawn
Friday, 29 June 2012
Coast 2 Coast Day 7 - Keld to Reeth
Keld Lodge is a lovely place! Breakfast was a buffet affair so you could eat as much or as little as you wanted which was a bit of a relief having had enormous full cooked breakfasts thrust in front of you every morning. (everyone seems to fill your plate no matter what you order; my scrambled eggs portion must have been about six eggs the other day!).
There are two route options from Keld. Both pass through the tiny village itself which is lovely, if small. The high route goes over the fells and you get to see some of the architecture from the old lead mining industry. We chose the the lower alternative through the Swaledale valley which is really pretty. We got caught in a huge rain shower at one point. We were drowned before we managed to get waterproof trouser on it came along so quickly. We diverted off to Muker via a flagstoned path and had a cup of tea and lemon drizzle cake (served with lemon cheese) at the tea shop and steamed slightly while we dried out. The path we planned to take seems to have been blocked off (did say hello to a nice old lady trying to find it though!) so we followed the road a short way before rejoining the footpath a bit further downstream. Here the path drifts away from the river and passes through some meadows with lots of spring flowers.
At Low Row just after Isle Bridge the. river has been artificially diverted via a large embankment. The first section of path follows a brick wall which you literally walk along the top of. You are quite easily 8' high at one point with the river close on one side and the meadow below you on the other. If this was a Hertford Night Hike route Uggi would have kittens! (Actually, he would probably order 2km of orange barrier fencing!).
The path follows the river quite closely and at one point the volume of rain demonstrated its power as the embankment had been washed away. This was diverted by two huge step ladders and a walk into the field!
We had a lunch stop in Healaugh and then it was only 2.5 km down into Reeth. In all we walked around 20km today and as it wasn't quite so hilly we averaged around 5km an hour. Amazing what a bit of weather does to push you on!
Reeth is a lovely village with several pubs to choose from for a meal. We enjoyed an ice cream whilst sitting on the green enjoying both sun and them rain in the time it took to eat them!
The outdoor shop had to be visited a s it has a brilliant map room with the coast to coast route on the walls and Perspex over them. Walkers are invited to write comments over the map relating to their experiences - what a brilliant idea! Funnily enough the Haweswater reservoir section was not positive - "a long slog" sums it up pretty well!
We arrived at the B&B to tea and cake and a double ended bath! We seem to have suffered two power cuts since arriving but it all adds to the fun!
Must be about time to go and see which one of the pubs seems the best. Perhaps we'll sample a pint in each. We'll let you know how we get on.
For the record, legs are a bit achy for the pair of us and the feet are holding up well despite the wet conditions. No blisters for me and Dawn has only had a couple of wear points on her toes which have been fended off early.
Looking forward to Richmond tomorrow and a day off on Sunday. That will be 8 days of walking in every condition other than sleet or snow!
More soon,
Matt & Dawn x
There are two route options from Keld. Both pass through the tiny village itself which is lovely, if small. The high route goes over the fells and you get to see some of the architecture from the old lead mining industry. We chose the the lower alternative through the Swaledale valley which is really pretty. We got caught in a huge rain shower at one point. We were drowned before we managed to get waterproof trouser on it came along so quickly. We diverted off to Muker via a flagstoned path and had a cup of tea and lemon drizzle cake (served with lemon cheese) at the tea shop and steamed slightly while we dried out. The path we planned to take seems to have been blocked off (did say hello to a nice old lady trying to find it though!) so we followed the road a short way before rejoining the footpath a bit further downstream. Here the path drifts away from the river and passes through some meadows with lots of spring flowers.
At Low Row just after Isle Bridge the. river has been artificially diverted via a large embankment. The first section of path follows a brick wall which you literally walk along the top of. You are quite easily 8' high at one point with the river close on one side and the meadow below you on the other. If this was a Hertford Night Hike route Uggi would have kittens! (Actually, he would probably order 2km of orange barrier fencing!).
The path follows the river quite closely and at one point the volume of rain demonstrated its power as the embankment had been washed away. This was diverted by two huge step ladders and a walk into the field!
We had a lunch stop in Healaugh and then it was only 2.5 km down into Reeth. In all we walked around 20km today and as it wasn't quite so hilly we averaged around 5km an hour. Amazing what a bit of weather does to push you on!
Reeth is a lovely village with several pubs to choose from for a meal. We enjoyed an ice cream whilst sitting on the green enjoying both sun and them rain in the time it took to eat them!
The outdoor shop had to be visited a s it has a brilliant map room with the coast to coast route on the walls and Perspex over them. Walkers are invited to write comments over the map relating to their experiences - what a brilliant idea! Funnily enough the Haweswater reservoir section was not positive - "a long slog" sums it up pretty well!
We arrived at the B&B to tea and cake and a double ended bath! We seem to have suffered two power cuts since arriving but it all adds to the fun!
Must be about time to go and see which one of the pubs seems the best. Perhaps we'll sample a pint in each. We'll let you know how we get on.
For the record, legs are a bit achy for the pair of us and the feet are holding up well despite the wet conditions. No blisters for me and Dawn has only had a couple of wear points on her toes which have been fended off early.
Looking forward to Richmond tomorrow and a day off on Sunday. That will be 8 days of walking in every condition other than sleet or snow!
More soon,
Matt & Dawn x
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Farewell to Cumbria and hello to half way!
Many of our fellow Coast to Coasters had already decided to tale the road route from Kirkby Stephen to Keld. Despite rumours of huge areas of bogs and bad weather we decided to go for the Nine Standards Rig option and followed the track up to the moor. We soon met up with Janice and Mike, the couple we walked with yesterday, who had decided to do the same. The standards were shrouded in mist and just gave us a cheeky glimpse to let us know we were headed in the right direction. Suddenly they appeared out of the mist and, whilst not being as large as you would expect, they are certainly an interesting visit. Goodness knows what they are for! It was a compass bearing to find the next path, slightly awkward as they seem to change the paths each year as well as each season to help with erosion and none of them are on the OS maps!
We found the path OK and navigated ourselves around the wettest sections down to the road. The official route takes another path over the moors but we decided to stick to the road and followed it down to Keld. The weather was a mixture of thick cloud on the hills and light showers all day, and quite warm again.
We arrived at Keld Lodge to a fantastic welcome, our American friends Bill and Susan had already made it (having taken the road!) and we joined them for tea and cake in the lounge. The rooms are great and the drying room is the best I have ever seen - cue a load of washing!
We had a nice couple of pints of black sheep before dinner swapping stories with other C2Cers, had a lovely meal, and now having a wee Bowmore malt whilst writing this.
Tomorrow is a relatively easy day of 11 miles and we have decided to follow the valley route rather than the mines route as the weather looks rather inclement (to say the least!). They also have a number of pubs and teas shops along the route!
Halfway through already. Still a long way to go and we both have a few aches here and there but the whole experience is amazing. Not just the countryside but we have met such an amazing variety of people and made new friends along the way.
Must go and be sociable now, everyone else is out from dinner and they're going to think we're anti-social!
Hopefully more tomorrow - Reeth seems quite big so hopefully will have a phone signal if the B&B hasn't heard of WiFi!
M&D x
We found the path OK and navigated ourselves around the wettest sections down to the road. The official route takes another path over the moors but we decided to stick to the road and followed it down to Keld. The weather was a mixture of thick cloud on the hills and light showers all day, and quite warm again.
We arrived at Keld Lodge to a fantastic welcome, our American friends Bill and Susan had already made it (having taken the road!) and we joined them for tea and cake in the lounge. The rooms are great and the drying room is the best I have ever seen - cue a load of washing!
We had a nice couple of pints of black sheep before dinner swapping stories with other C2Cers, had a lovely meal, and now having a wee Bowmore malt whilst writing this.
Tomorrow is a relatively easy day of 11 miles and we have decided to follow the valley route rather than the mines route as the weather looks rather inclement (to say the least!). They also have a number of pubs and teas shops along the route!
Halfway through already. Still a long way to go and we both have a few aches here and there but the whole experience is amazing. Not just the countryside but we have met such an amazing variety of people and made new friends along the way.
Must go and be sociable now, everyone else is out from dinner and they're going to think we're anti-social!
Hopefully more tomorrow - Reeth seems quite big so hopefully will have a phone signal if the B&B hasn't heard of WiFi!
M&D x
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Coast to Coast Day 5 - Shap to Kirkby Stephen
Another long day ahead and a decidedly murky outlook back towards the hills hiding Patterdale from the previous day. A good stay and an excellent breakfast at The Greyhound set us up well. Being at the south end of the town we were slightly off route but a convenient footpath cut across the fields to the footbridge over the M6 and back on course. Sadly the footpath was knee high in wet grass and the decision to we're lightweight boots was proved to be a bad one - wet feet before the end of the first mile! We had met up with Mike and Janet and walked with them all day. By the end father first moorland section we also teamed up with Ian, a Policeman from Kent who deals with safeguarding issues (including pressure ulcers at times) and who is also a GSL - we had plenty to talk about! Navigation was a little interesting as the mist was very heavy but thankfully the landmarks were good. We skirted Orton and Raisbeck and once we had crossed Ravenstonedale Moor we decided to go off-piste and followed the old railway line. This soon crosses the Smaledalegill viaduct which was at threat of demolition in the 1980s. British Rail declared it unsafe and applied to demolish it but local uproar ensued. Funds were raised for its refurbishment and it is a stunning Victorian piece of engineering that makes crossing the valley much easier! The first section of railway line is very well maintained and is well known as a location for rare flowers and butterflys. It gradually deteriorates into a muddy track before ending in a dead end at a nature reserve just short of the town. This wasn't the plan! Luckily a short backtrack and a bit of road work saw us in Kirkby Stephen around 5.00pm. A long day seeing as we set off at 8.30am! The guest house is great - highly recommend The Jolly Farmers - and Dawn was very impressed and relieved to find a bath in the room! We wandered into town and although fully booked we were invited to join Will and Peter - fellow coast to coasters who we had met previously - and share a table at The Old Forge - fantastic food and great value. Will is a property developer in Harrogate and Peter - Wills Uncle - spends his time between Austraiia and the UK. They are motoring along, accompanied by faithful dog Bramble, and are planning to get to Reeth tomorrow. That's another 23 miles! We'll be happy with a shorter day to Keld tomorrow. A relatively easy 12.75 miles depending on whether we go to see the nine standards on Nine Standards Rig. The forecast tomorrow is light rain in the morning and heavy rain in the afternoon - what joy! I hope we do get a better visibility day tomorrow as the nine standards look well worth the visit. We bumped into the Californinan couple earlier who met a someone who had just finished the walk. Last week the water was thigh deep in places apparently so we'll have to see! Off to bed now as we are hoping to get an early start and get to Keld before the worst of the weather comes in. I wonder if we'll see the sun at all this trip?
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Farewell to the Lake District!
What a long day today has been. We left Patterdale this morning and it looked like it was going to be a really hot day. Turned out it was going to be a humid one!
We walked into the village and were just about to walk into the shop when we almost bumped in to Mike and Brian! We walked to route together again enjoying the company.
The route to start with is a steep uphill to Boarddale Hause at 390m, it then traverses Angle Tarn and there is a boggy ridge around The Knott at 739m before a lovely ridge walk up to Kidsty Pike at 780m - the highest point on the Coast to Coast.
All of that hard earned hight is lost in a steep downhill section of only 2km.
It follows the ridge right down to the side of Haweswater. The path along this reservoir is horribly long and with the humidity and showers seemed to last forever. Just after Burnbanks we waved goodbye to Mike and Brian as they had digs in Bampron for the night.
We trudged on to Shap for another couple of hours of wet fields. The terrain had changed by now and rolling grass fields were the norm rather cragy dales. At Rosgill Dawn was struggling and we took to the road rather than another boggy footpath. Sadly the Greyhound Inn is at the far end of the village - another 1500m! Still, good food and Steve from the previous day walked all the way down to join us for a beer and we've been talking to him and "The Californian Couple" - hence the late (and rather brief) blog!
Long day again tomorrow - 20 miles to Kirkby Stephen - and the forecast is not great! Oh well, it's just a bit of weather!
We walked into the village and were just about to walk into the shop when we almost bumped in to Mike and Brian! We walked to route together again enjoying the company.
The route to start with is a steep uphill to Boarddale Hause at 390m, it then traverses Angle Tarn and there is a boggy ridge around The Knott at 739m before a lovely ridge walk up to Kidsty Pike at 780m - the highest point on the Coast to Coast.
All of that hard earned hight is lost in a steep downhill section of only 2km.
It follows the ridge right down to the side of Haweswater. The path along this reservoir is horribly long and with the humidity and showers seemed to last forever. Just after Burnbanks we waved goodbye to Mike and Brian as they had digs in Bampron for the night.
We trudged on to Shap for another couple of hours of wet fields. The terrain had changed by now and rolling grass fields were the norm rather cragy dales. At Rosgill Dawn was struggling and we took to the road rather than another boggy footpath. Sadly the Greyhound Inn is at the far end of the village - another 1500m! Still, good food and Steve from the previous day walked all the way down to join us for a beer and we've been talking to him and "The Californian Couple" - hence the late (and rather brief) blog!
Long day again tomorrow - 20 miles to Kirkby Stephen - and the forecast is not great! Oh well, it's just a bit of weather!
Monday, 25 June 2012
Goodness me - already day three!
A media blackout has curtailed planned updates!
Ennerdale to Rosthwaite was a soggy day of 25km involving some paddling around the edge of Ennerdale Water.
Today was a lovely walk from Rosthwaite to Patterdale, missing some C2Cers stopping point of Grasmere. ("You're going all the way to Patterdale? Etc Etc). It was a long way - 26km with two 600m ascents and quite warm and humid. I managed to drink all 3ltrs from my water bottle as well as a pint at lunchtime and a lucozade sport!
A nice meal at the local pub and a few pints exchanging stories ("you came all the way from Rosthwaite today? Etc Etc!).
Now gone 11.00 and another long day tomorrow. We're heading to Shap and leaving the lovely lake district.
I'll catch up with all the stories at the inn when we get there - assuming there's a signal!
We have also caught up on emails today and were stunned and overwhelmed that we are at around £600 on the fundraisers site. Thank you so much.
Matt and Dawn x
Ennerdale to Rosthwaite was a soggy day of 25km involving some paddling around the edge of Ennerdale Water.
Today was a lovely walk from Rosthwaite to Patterdale, missing some C2Cers stopping point of Grasmere. ("You're going all the way to Patterdale? Etc Etc). It was a long way - 26km with two 600m ascents and quite warm and humid. I managed to drink all 3ltrs from my water bottle as well as a pint at lunchtime and a lucozade sport!
A nice meal at the local pub and a few pints exchanging stories ("you came all the way from Rosthwaite today? Etc Etc!).
Now gone 11.00 and another long day tomorrow. We're heading to Shap and leaving the lovely lake district.
I'll catch up with all the stories at the inn when we get there - assuming there's a signal!
We have also caught up on emails today and were stunned and overwhelmed that we are at around £600 on the fundraisers site. Thank you so much.
Matt and Dawn x
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Coast 2 Coast Day 1 (Short version!)
Only a short one today as I've stolen the wi-fi connection at the pub as no signal at the B&B!
Brilliant first day despite a rather soggy afternoon. Bumped into a brilliant couple of guys - Mike and Brian; ex-neighbours who meet up every year to do a long distance path. Ended up walking the whole route and having dinner with them!
The weather closed in a little early and the summit of Dent was down to 30m visibility. So much for seeing Pillar and Scafell!
Nannycatch beck was seriously overflowing and we literally paddled our way up the valley but made it safely to Ennerdale. B&B fine and a great meal at a community run village pub. Can heartily recommend the Fox an Hounds!
More news when we get a better signal! (4 networks to choose from and no joy! Ennerdale Bridge is the ultimate escapist holiday destination!).
Update soon!
Matt & Dawn x
Brilliant first day despite a rather soggy afternoon. Bumped into a brilliant couple of guys - Mike and Brian; ex-neighbours who meet up every year to do a long distance path. Ended up walking the whole route and having dinner with them!
The weather closed in a little early and the summit of Dent was down to 30m visibility. So much for seeing Pillar and Scafell!
Nannycatch beck was seriously overflowing and we literally paddled our way up the valley but made it safely to Ennerdale. B&B fine and a great meal at a community run village pub. Can heartily recommend the Fox an Hounds!
More news when we get a better signal! (4 networks to choose from and no joy! Ennerdale Bridge is the ultimate escapist holiday destination!).
Update soon!
Matt & Dawn x
Friday, 22 June 2012
Coast 2 Coast day 0
We had a restless night last night; no cat to disturb us and maybe a little bit excited about what lay ahead of us.
We woke early this morning and Tony arrived promptly and dropped us at Welwyn Garden City Station. The fast train to Kings Cross was on time and we were soon hurtling towards London. Rather than mess about on the tube we walked down Euston Road and made our way to the station.
Having bought a paper and the compulsory walking magazines for the journey a lucky spot by Dawn found us in the Virgin Trains 1st Class lounge!
A slightly surly look from the man on the door but we were soon enjoying coffee and pastries away from the hustle and bustle.
We found the train and had just settled into our seats when the ticket inspector came along and asked if we were coast to coasters! (Can't think how he could have guessed!).
I sincerely recommend shopping around for cheap 1st class tickets! Coffee was served almost immediately and the breakfast grill was very good (9 Ugs!) it would have been 10 but the bacon was slightly over cooked.
Lunch was good too! Coronation chicken, crisps, choc cake thing and washed down with Old Speckled Hen!
I was sure that the recorded train announcements changed from a London sounding bloke to a northern sounding lass as we progressed north. We were just wondering whether, if we stayed on the train as far as glasgow, the accent would change accordingly and almost burst out laughing when the next announcement was in a thick Scottish accent!
We had to leave the luxury of 1st class at Carlisle and caught the local train towards Whitehaven and Barrow-in-Furness, obviously hopping off at St. Bees. In better weather this journey would be spectacular as it travels right next to the sea. Today it was decidedly grey and the rain was lashing against the windows. Top half waterproofs donned, we walked the half mile or so towards the beach and our lodgings for the night - West Coast B&B - arriving rather soggy! The room wasn't quite ready as "the train doesn't normally get in until 4.30!". Not to worry, we say whilst sitting in the lounge hearing about the owners dogs, (one of which has a nasty ulcer) and her lovely new steam iron!
The room is basic but clean; we sorted our kit and the got rather wet walking back into St. Bees for something to eat. Dinner was at Queens in St. Bees (9 Ugs and a very reasonable £7.95 a head) and we have retired early as we have over 22km to walk tomorrow and it's going to be a wet day! Dawn checked the weather forecast and there are currently 23 flood warnings in force in the north west at present!
It's not really relevant tonight but future blogs will have a little section of headings for those of you who can't be bothered to wade through my waffling!
Weather - Wet
Blister Count - None!
Distance covered (day) - Lots but the train doesn't count!
Height gained -
Distance covered (total) -
Type of terrain covered -
High points - 1st class travel
Low points - Soggy arrival
Wainwrights - none
Accommodation - not bad, basic but functional.
That's all for now, thanks for looking; more tomorrow!
Matt & Dawn x
Published by Matt - 8.30pm. St. Bees
We woke early this morning and Tony arrived promptly and dropped us at Welwyn Garden City Station. The fast train to Kings Cross was on time and we were soon hurtling towards London. Rather than mess about on the tube we walked down Euston Road and made our way to the station.
Having bought a paper and the compulsory walking magazines for the journey a lucky spot by Dawn found us in the Virgin Trains 1st Class lounge!
A slightly surly look from the man on the door but we were soon enjoying coffee and pastries away from the hustle and bustle.
We found the train and had just settled into our seats when the ticket inspector came along and asked if we were coast to coasters! (Can't think how he could have guessed!).
I sincerely recommend shopping around for cheap 1st class tickets! Coffee was served almost immediately and the breakfast grill was very good (9 Ugs!) it would have been 10 but the bacon was slightly over cooked.
Lunch was good too! Coronation chicken, crisps, choc cake thing and washed down with Old Speckled Hen!
I was sure that the recorded train announcements changed from a London sounding bloke to a northern sounding lass as we progressed north. We were just wondering whether, if we stayed on the train as far as glasgow, the accent would change accordingly and almost burst out laughing when the next announcement was in a thick Scottish accent!
We had to leave the luxury of 1st class at Carlisle and caught the local train towards Whitehaven and Barrow-in-Furness, obviously hopping off at St. Bees. In better weather this journey would be spectacular as it travels right next to the sea. Today it was decidedly grey and the rain was lashing against the windows. Top half waterproofs donned, we walked the half mile or so towards the beach and our lodgings for the night - West Coast B&B - arriving rather soggy! The room wasn't quite ready as "the train doesn't normally get in until 4.30!". Not to worry, we say whilst sitting in the lounge hearing about the owners dogs, (one of which has a nasty ulcer) and her lovely new steam iron!
The room is basic but clean; we sorted our kit and the got rather wet walking back into St. Bees for something to eat. Dinner was at Queens in St. Bees (9 Ugs and a very reasonable £7.95 a head) and we have retired early as we have over 22km to walk tomorrow and it's going to be a wet day! Dawn checked the weather forecast and there are currently 23 flood warnings in force in the north west at present!
It's not really relevant tonight but future blogs will have a little section of headings for those of you who can't be bothered to wade through my waffling!
Weather - Wet
Blister Count - None!
Distance covered (day) - Lots but the train doesn't count!
Height gained -
Distance covered (total) -
Type of terrain covered -
High points - 1st class travel
Low points - Soggy arrival
Wainwrights - none
Accommodation - not bad, basic but functional.
That's all for now, thanks for looking; more tomorrow!
Matt & Dawn x
Published by Matt - 8.30pm. St. Bees
We're on our way!
A remarkably stress-free journey to London this morning and currently sat on the Virgin train to Carlisle.
I seriously recommend shopping around and getting cheap First class tickets as the lounge at Euston and the experience so far is very nice! (you get breakfast and free drinks!) :-)
More sensible blog later on, just excited that we're finally in our way after weeks and weeks of planning and expectation.
Matt - 10.00ish - Seat J12 on a Virgin Pendolino
I seriously recommend shopping around and getting cheap First class tickets as the lounge at Euston and the experience so far is very nice! (you get breakfast and free drinks!) :-)
More sensible blog later on, just excited that we're finally in our way after weeks and weeks of planning and expectation.
Matt - 10.00ish - Seat J12 on a Virgin Pendolino
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Not long now
Well, all the packing is virtually done. Not long now. Am so excited but also slightly apprehensive about the challenge ahead.
Dawn
Dawn
2 Sleeps to go!
Only two more nights at home and we'll be heading for the station to travel up to St. Bees.
Just stopped for a food break but need to get moving as the bed is covered with everything from base layers to rucksacks and map cases to mars bars!
I do have a very suitable beer to accompany my packing though - a pint of Wainwrights!
Just stopped for a food break but need to get moving as the bed is covered with everything from base layers to rucksacks and map cases to mars bars!
I do have a very suitable beer to accompany my packing though - a pint of Wainwrights!
Monday, 4 June 2012
Great weekend warm up!
Returned late last night after a fantastic C2C warm up.
We tackled the Fairfield Horseshoe on Saturday, bagging 8 Wainwrights in the process, and encountered maximum 30m visibility around the summit due to the low cloud (so much for 80% chance of cloud free summits!).
Sunday was a more leisurely day as the weather changed slightly for the worse so we swapped things over. A gentle potter round Ambleside was followed by a long haul up Red Screes. We were rewarded by the most amazing 360' panorama (and the fully clear of cloud site of Fairfield!).
Monday brought fantastic weather and the tent was down and cleared early and we found a parking space near the pub below Blencathra. A bit of a struggle up the hill on the heat but we made it up to the tarn in good time and stopped for a tea break before proceeding on up Sharp Edge. What an experience! Very glad we didn't attempt it in the wind of Sunday!
We made it to the summit after a couple of interesting points - the rock has worn slippery smooth in a lot of places - but the views were fantastic. We had a leisurely lunch at the summit talking to the least of the group of school kids that had followed us up most of the way and planning which Wainwrights to conquer next.
A lot of those will be in a few weeks time when we're back here for C2C.
Others in the list are too numerous to mention! :-)
We tackled the Fairfield Horseshoe on Saturday, bagging 8 Wainwrights in the process, and encountered maximum 30m visibility around the summit due to the low cloud (so much for 80% chance of cloud free summits!).
Sunday was a more leisurely day as the weather changed slightly for the worse so we swapped things over. A gentle potter round Ambleside was followed by a long haul up Red Screes. We were rewarded by the most amazing 360' panorama (and the fully clear of cloud site of Fairfield!).
Monday brought fantastic weather and the tent was down and cleared early and we found a parking space near the pub below Blencathra. A bit of a struggle up the hill on the heat but we made it up to the tarn in good time and stopped for a tea break before proceeding on up Sharp Edge. What an experience! Very glad we didn't attempt it in the wind of Sunday!
We made it to the summit after a couple of interesting points - the rock has worn slippery smooth in a lot of places - but the views were fantastic. We had a leisurely lunch at the summit talking to the least of the group of school kids that had followed us up most of the way and planning which Wainwrights to conquer next.
A lot of those will be in a few weeks time when we're back here for C2C.
Others in the list are too numerous to mention! :-)
Friday, 1 June 2012
Lake District in the morning!
It's the Jubilee Weekend and we're off to the Lakes in the morning for a Coast to Coast warm up.
Fairfield Horseshoe and Blencathra via Sharp Edge are on the cards.
Fingers crossed for good weather!
Matt - 01/06/12
Fairfield Horseshoe and Blencathra via Sharp Edge are on the cards.
Fingers crossed for good weather!
Matt - 01/06/12
Saturday, 26 May 2012
One month to go!
The virginmoneygiving website sent us an email today. It's 28 days until our Coast 2 Coast and by this time in a month we should have completed our first leg. That means we will have dipped our toes in the sea, will have collected our pebble from St. Bees and be well into the Lake District. It's a cloudless 24' at home in Hertfordshire at the minute. If it's this hot on the walk I'll be carrying an awful lot of water with me. I may also be buying a couple of extra long sleeved shirts as most of my base layers are dark in colour!
It's really starting to seem close now and time is suddenly flying past. What seemed months and months away now seems to be upon us. I'm really looking forward to it!
Matt - 26th May 2012
It's really starting to seem close now and time is suddenly flying past. What seemed months and months away now seems to be upon us. I'm really looking forward to it!
Matt - 26th May 2012
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