Circle hike out of Grasmere
Helm Crag to Gibson Knot to Calf Crag to Grasmere
5.5 hours hiking
Possibly 8 miles?
They do breakfast nicely here at The Little Inn/ The Inn. Still haven't found out if the buffet was paid in advance for, or tomorrow I will get a surprise bill...but, there were Real Pastry's of my all time favorite - croissant!!!!
Not a Beatrix Potter rabbit in the lounge of the hotel. This one was wearing pink Hunter Wellies.
Lounge where wifi is available for FaceTime chats with Gary. Nice place to connect.
Leisurely got started in the days trek. Might as well be slow because it was pouring rain and my room was dry and warm.
Talked with a guy in the local bookstore (great local books, local hiking guides, local history, local bookseller who wanted to chat). He agreed with my proposed plan for a good hike for the day.
Plan was to climb up Helm Crag. Slight drop as in hundreds to deep drops then up to Gibson Knott. Slight drop then up and down to Calf Crag.
Had done this route 4 years ago, but didn't remember it being so long, so difficult, and of course that day it was sunny and warm. NOT today. Cold, blowing wind, and of course didn't bring the full waterproof suit with me. Cold and Wet Lois!
British Worm
At this point it was raining BELOW me. Why didn't it stay down there??
Looking down to Grasmere.
Hiking path on the right heading toward Gibson Knott.
Looking back towards Gibson Knott on the left and Helm Crag behind that.
Path on the right, stream on left, coming down Far Easedale Gill.
Here the path is totally flowing with water. Of in the distance is an English couple I had chatted with and then they strode off downhill.
Once the high ridge walk ended and joined the main C2C route down from the heights (Only Way Down), it turned into a horribly difficult path to follow. Constantly dropping lower, constantly water flowing over path, constant vigilance needed for each foot placement, continuous bogs everywhere beyond the path. Often there was not even a path visible as it was under flowing water.
The Far Easedale Gill had to be crossed on rocks such as above so many times the count is not important. Stopped trying to keep the boots out of the stream - just began stepping through.
Side note: the black Ahnu's did not leak st all today. I had sprayed them with waterproofing a few times at home, even though they supposedly are waterproof.
Even though the boots are waterproof it doesn't help when the wearer tries to jump across the stream from rock to rock. This trekker slipped on the last rock. Right leg hit a submerged rock, hard, head hit a non-submerged rock, semi hard, poles skidded away. Dragged body up onto edge it had been aiming for. Assessment was taken. Nothing terribly wounded. Well, a bit of soreness, stiffness, and pride, as another couple had suddenly appeared on the opposite side of the steam and witnessed this person's abrupt encounter with rocks and water. They expressed concern, but when I smiled, they continued in their own personal outing for the days.
Bruised leg. Not too bad. Slight bruise on forehead but nothing like that massive lump when falling in the bathroom at home, and of course 4 broken teeth. Hope this will be the end of falls and not the beginning for this walk.
Met no C2C people on the trail but numerous others. All English! Many had done to Coast to Coast in previous years. Lots of people out up on the high ridges, walking, looking off into space at the landscape, sitting behind rocks eating food. Tough British in their full waterproofs and good boots. One lady told me she never goes anywhere, even in august, with out the entire rain suit and thermals
Helm Crag from below, before the entire mass of the mountain is visible.
Long hot shower following by a cleansing of the muddy/sheep dropping covered gaiters. Plan to do some tailoring on them tomorrow night.
Freshened set off to find the B&B I had stayed at twice in 2013 - Bridge End. Located. Rang bell. Lady appeared. Asked if she was Wendy (she looked different). She was Wendy. Told her who I was and instantly she remembered me as the Only One in 30 years who had ever come back and stayed with her. Hugs and photos. Wendy had a hip replacement, but was walking fine, and was Alive.
Set off to be a "tourist" for a day, well one hour.
Bought the obligatory Gingerbread. Yum. Have it already in the backpack for the next couple days as snack food.
Met Jean Pierre on the streets twice (only person I recognized). Asked about his walk today. His reply: "WET". Learned he is camping at the Youth Hostel. 2nd time I ran into him he was looking for help with his cell phone (no adapter for Britain). Couldn't help him.
Revisited William Wordsworth and the spot where his bones are reclining, and his wife. Also went in St Oswald's church.
Again looked at Dove Cottage where the poet lived and wrote with the view of the Lake out of his windows.
Old photo from the Victorian era of tourists out being tourists. I like how the horses and coaches travel by boat.
Acquired another "buff". Great wool item that can be worn around the neck, head, twisted up in the hair.
Tonight's food from the Co-Op: chicken salad sandwich, West Country Cheddar and Red Onion Chutney crisps (chips), and olives.
I think there is no insulation between the rooms in this place as I can clearly hear conversations from three different rooms. The two girls behind my head seem very intent on getting their hair to be perfect.
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