A Bit of Hail and a Taxi Ride

Day 2 Walking, May 19

Low Cock Farm, Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite to Grasmere

16.5 miles plus the additional 1.5 to get to the start of the route.

8 hours intense walking

40 minute taxi ride

Confusion over breakfast but that was resolved.

Breakfast Room

1/2 hour walk just to get to Ennerdale Bridge (that is the name of the village, without even a post office, and not an actual Bridge). Took north shore path around Ennerdale Water (name for a lake). This route was longer but more easy going.

My Pug has a Hall named for her.

Ennerdale Water

Black Sail Youth Hostel was reached after about 3 hours hiking. The hostel is open during the day to people offering a tiny kitchen where there is a honor system with a can So coffee, tea, hit chocolate can be made, cakes and biscuits (cookies) can be bought. Please wash up your own mugs and spoons.

Met Patrice and Byron.

This is Kent and Erica from last night, and also from two years ago in Offa's Dyke (they walk FAST)

This is the stylish gentleman from yesterday. He told me he had stayed in the Black Sail Youth hostel 30 years ago. He kept smiling.

Extremely stiff climb up to Loft Beck on stone steps with water pouring down them. It had begun to rain, then hail. Thought trying to breathe was difficult now add in slippery uneven rocks.

Loft Beck to Grey Knotts to Honister Hause.

Tough going!

Met up with Jean Pierre for about 30 minutes walking, talking, huffing and puffing (Lois) until the French man disappeared off into the distance aka Heights.

A couple seen since first climbing up from St Bees - he had a beard, she wears bright brown pants - they are Fast. If behind me, they quickly catch up, once past me, they disappear from view.

Ennerdale Water is the Lake on the left. Don't know what the other two are called.

No maps needed but the mind can be funny. Couldn't remember at all the section from Loft Beck to Grey Knotts to Old Tramway.

There are new stone cairns marking the route, but still was doubtful until I could see the slate being mined in the distance.

Mostly kept my eye on fellow C2C'ers way off ahead and noted which way they turned. Especially watched the 2 women in bright red jackets. When they turned right about a half mile ahead I aimed for that. Finally caught up and passed when they took a break.

Honister Hause Slate mine in the middle distance. The Borrowdale Valley way below up at the top.

Edithe - you have a cottage in Seatoller, only the slate carver misspelled your name 😧

Main problem today was the late start for breakfast, the additional 1/2 hour walk just to get where the route began, and the necessity to be at the Royal Osk in Rosthwaite at 5 pm for the taxi to Grasmere. There was PRESSURE to keep moving.

The legs and feet can only go so fast UP hill (Loft Beck was a STRUGGLE), rocky, slippery surfaces need constant attention.

Had planned on taking a leisurely break at the slate mine for Food, but there was only time for flush toilets, hot water and soap for hands, quick Hello and Good Bye to 2 new trail mates.

Covered that last downhill section to Rosthwaite in 1.5 hours. Arrived at the Royal Oak at 4:45. Taxi arrived at 5 pm on the dot.

40 minute cab ride looping around all the mountains between. The driver drove Fast. Rather scary riding with a local driver, on the wrong side of the road.

Complications on arrival. Taxi company had not received payment from my booking company. Phone calls. Finally the driver took a photo of my bill/statement proving I had paid, but Brigantes had not paid them.

New problem. Couldn't turn on shower. Had to get re-dressed in sweaty clothes, walk across street to main hotel. Lady came and showed how to turn it on. Simple. Possibly Lois was a bit simple or just a bit tired

Again wifi has communication issues in this building. Across the street is fine. Will go there later to post this.