Wednesday 6th September 2023
Day 5
Castlerigg Farm to Brown Hills – 13 miles
07:35
Morning all, and yet again it’s a lovely glorious start. I had a wonderful night here at Castlerigg Farm; I managed a good six hours of sleep and I’m feeling pretty good except for my right foot, which is still sore after that epic walk from Buttermere yesterday. It’s been a very lazy start to make the most of the wonderful facilities; the showers are free and very roomy, so I couldn’t resist having another dip before breakfast. Sadly it’s plain old pasta and soup again, but I do have a nice variety of snacks for my walk today to Brown Hills.
08:40
I’ve been sat here for an hour now, chatting away with fellow campers and just chilling. Anyone would think I was on holiday! Anyway, I’d best start packing my gear and preparing myself for another hot day of walking on the Lakeland Way.
10:00
How do you move two horses from a gate? They were actually in separate fields but have obviously come together for a good old natter. I couldn’t encourage them to move, so in the end I had to climb over a stone wall. I hope no one saw this fiasco!
I didn’t want to leave the campsite to be honest; I actually hung around long enough for the tent to completely dry and I finally left at 9:30am. I’m now on the track heading east from the campsite, where Blencathra dominates the scene ahead.
10:45
I’m just sat on a rocky outcrop looking back towards Castle Rigg (the campsite is out of view being on the other side of the ridge). Walking over these grassy open fields was a delight this morning, and my feet are certainly thankful for it. However, this feeling won’t last for long, a mile away is the beginning of the Old Coach Road, which is a five-mile stony track all the way to Dockray. Firstly though, it’s a visit to St John’s Church.
11:00
I’ve just arrived at the church only to find that their tap, on the outside of the building, is “out of order”. Yet again I make another silly mistake by expecting things to be as they were on previous visits, just like I did with the shop in Braithwaite. I didn’t carry much water with me from the campsite, and I know any water collected from along the Old Coach Road will not be decent, and will be very brown and peaty. Thankfully though, the chaps from the hostel/adventure place next door helped me out by topping up my bottles, and after a good chat about all things outdoors, I was soon on my way and heading for St John’s in the Vale.
11:20
Selfie time! It’s getting very warm now and the shorts are back on; these white legs are sure to sparkle and blind fellow walkers! Anyhow, needs must in this heat.
12:15
I’ve now reached the beginning of the Old Coach Road and two gents have stopped for a chat. They’ve been walking over the “Dodds”, a group of fells to the south of the road and were just about to finish their walk to avoid the afternoon heat. One of them asked me where I was heading and I said: “I’m walking the full length of the Old Coach Road to Dockray, and then I’m going to wild camp on Brown Hills looking out over Ullswater”, and he replied: “What, this track, in this heat? It’s horrible!” Well, I suppose it is like Marmite, but personally I don’t mind it. After all, the great benefit of walking the Lakeland Way is experiencing and negotiating different terrains that the Lake District has to offer.
After the first half-mile the road is much steeper, and in places very rough, but it soon becomes more bearable underfoot when it levels out beyond the quarries and spoil heaps. The worst of the rough sections can be avoided by walking on the grass verge on the left.
The dominant view from the Old Coach Road is the finest aspect of Blencathra, the southern face bearing its many gills and ridges.
13:10
I’m now on Hausewell Brow, a section of the road that rises gently over Threlkeld Common. The usual meaning of “hause” is a high pass or col between two mountains; however, in this case it’s probably referring to a high road. The “well” is a spring from which the fell ponies are seen here drinking from, while “brow” is referring to the northern slope of Clough Head.
13:20
I’ve now reached the summit of Hausewell Brow and the highest point of today’s walk. I can see the rest of the road ahead skirting below the escarpment of fells as it continues its journey towards Dockray. I’m at the two-mile point so there’s three miles to go before reaching tarmac. It’s getting very hot now, but I have enough water and thankfully the road is much easier to walk along from this point onwards.
13:50
It’s always nice to look back and witness the scenery from a different angle. Here, a grand view of Clough Head is seen from Barbary Rigg, while the gentle undulation of the road is quite striking.
14:35
What a pleasure it is to finally reach smoother ground. I’m now marching on down the road towards Dockray. However, I’ll be leaving the road just before it reaches the village to take a diversion to visit the wonderful Matterdale Church.
14:50
The diversion to the church looks a little unorthodox on the map, but after walking five miles over rough stony ground, followed by a mile of tarmac, your feet will be thankful for these lovely green pastures at the head of Matterdale. This extra mile is a delight, and a visit to the church is highly recommended.
It’s worth noting that Matterdale Church is the furthest point, as the crow flies, from Ravenglass on the Lakeland Way. From the church you are officially heading back to Ravenglass.
15:45
I arrived at the Royal Hotel just before 3pm, only to find that they stopped serving meals at “2:15pm”! Never mind though, a pint of Pepsi and ice water, crisps and a packet of pork scratchings will do for this adventurer. It was also a great opportunity to freshen up, relax, and to charge all my batteries. Thanks to the Royal for allowing me to do so.
17:15
It was 4:30pm when I left the hotel, and I’m now on the path through Gowbarrow Park and following the cascades all the way down to the Lake District’s most popular waterfall, Aira Force.
The view from the upper stone bridge, which spans over the main waterfall, is spectacular. Seen rising from the lower bridge are the steep steps that I’ll be taking to the final section of my walk.
17:30
The walk down from Dockray to Aira Force was delightful. It was also nice to walk in some shade and escape the heat for once. I’ve just arrived at the lower stone bridge at the foot of the main waterfall, and there’s two ladies swimming in the main pool which is rather nice. It was also nice to see the area not too busy, as it can get overcrowded at times.
The two ladies caught up with me as I was taking so long to climb the steep steps to the car park above. After a brief exchange of banter, they asked if I wanted to go for a swim with them “down at the lake”. Now, two beautiful women ask you to join them for an evening swim, I stink, I’m hot, I’m tired, and I’m sick of carrying this bloody heavy rucksack! So, guess what I said? Yes you guessed it, I said no and I continued on my miserable way. What a boring sod they must have thought!
17:50
I’m now walking along the path that traverses through Glencoyne Park, which is an ancient deer park that flanks the northern shore of Ullswater. The path is easy to follow but it’s well overgrown on each side, mainly with tall bracken which is now starting to turn brown. Cattle roam free here and tend to walk along this path, churning it up and leaving presents along the way!
18:15
It’s getting hazy now and I’m starting to lose the light in Glencoyne Park. I’m over halfway along the path and I’ve just stopped to collect some water from Far Swan Beck, and then it’ll be a final push to Brown Hills where I’ll be spending the night. Ullswater of course dominates the scene, but the distant fells are still identifiable through the haze.
19:45
That last steep climb to Brown Hills was a right killer. It was very hot and my energy levels were running very low at the end. It seemed to go on forever, and at one point I was crawling! I reached the summit at 7pm, exactly the same time I arrived at the campsite the night before. I quickly pitched up, took my boots off, and simply just collapsed in the tent. I’ve been laid here since then, and I’ve not even unpacked anything yet. Anyway, it was worth it, just look at that view over Ullswater! What a great place to spend the night and to have my first Lakeland Way wild camp.
Well that was another hot day on my Lakeland journey. Apparently the forecast for tomorrow is warm, with high cloud and “extensive” haze, so I’m expecting it being a little cooler but not a good camera day.
Goodnight folks, and will see you tomorrow. Now, where’s my damn stove?
Thursday 7th September
Day 6
Brown Hills to Sykeside – 10.5 miles
08:00
Morning from the summit of Brown Hills, and what a contrast from the last five days. I woke at 6am only to witness a poor sunrise due to extensive cloud and haze, and then shortly after that, I found myself falling back to sleep, which is something I rarely do when out wild camping. I then came back to life again at 07:45. Despite the change in conditions, the views are still spectacular looking out over a very still Ullswater. It’s moments like this that stay with you.
08:30
I am an experienced wild camper, so to stick with the code of “arrive late and leave early”, without hesitation I packed up in a record time of 25 minutes and then decided that I will eat my breakfast on the go. As predicted, today is not going to be a good day for photos due to the amount of haze, so my camera is packed away and instead I’ll just use my mobile to capture any points of interest.
In the distance I can just make out the valley of Patterdale which is my destination for tonight’s base camp; I must admit, I’m really looking forward to a nice hot shower and a hearty pub meal. Firstly though, I have over ten miles to walk, which will include visiting the three valleys of Glenridding, Grisedale and Patterdale.
“Morning!”
So the following chorus was stuck in my head for the next 20 minutes!
“Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann
Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann
Take my hand
Barbara Ann
You got me rockin’ and a rollin’
Rockin’ and a reelin’
Barbara Ann
Ba-Ba-Ba-Barbara Ann!”
Damn, I’m losing control of my mind! Anyway, off I go leaving the summit of Brown Hills. I’m feeling okay this morning, and my feet are a little better now. However, I really need to get some Compeed plasters if I’m going to complete the whole twelve days of the Lakeland Way; my initial thoughts are to take a detour off the route to the village shop in Glenridding. They also sell pies there!
09:15
My first objective this morning is to collect some water, and then continue along the old miners’ path to the mountain pass of Nick Head (seen on the left). This very narrow path, which traverses all the way around the head of Glencoyne Valley, was created and used by miners travelling from their homes to Greenside Mine, located over the pass in the neighbouring valley of Glenridding. Imagine that in all weathers!
09:30
One hour after leaving Brown Hills I’ve arrived at these wonderful cascades in Wintergroove Gill; what a wonderful name and location, and taste! You simply cannot beat drinking from a Lakeland beck.
Bottle full now and enough to last me until I reach civilisation in Glenridding or Patterdale; I don’t want to drink from the water sources on the other side of Nick Head due to contamination from the old mine workings.
09:50
Well here I am sat resting at the head of Glencoyne Valley, and what a view it is. When the sun briefly peaks through the high cloud, it soon warms up the air, but generally it is much cooler than the previous five days.
10:25
I’ve arrived at the mountain pass of Nick Head, which is the highest point of today’s walk. I’m rewarded with a fine view of Helvellyn and Raise before I begin my descent into the next valley.
10:50
After visiting various sites amongst the upper workings of Greenside Mine, I’ve now arrived at the beginning of the final descent into the valley of Glenridding. Although very rough underfoot, the steepness is aided by an old mine road that twists its way through the boulder field.
When I reach Gillside further down the valley, my plan is to divert to the village of Glenridding to pick up a few essentials. I will then return and reunite with the Lakeland Way path to Patterdale. This will only add a little over a mile to my walk today. There is no rush though, today is a gentle 10 miles or so to the campsite at Sykeside in Patterdale.
11:30
I was just about to walk past the youth hostel, at the foot of Greenside Mine, and I noticed a sign saying: “Cafe and Bar”. Well, I couldn’t resist of course.
Inside I met the first human of the day, a really nice chap from Oxford, called Jamie. He had climbed Helvellyn yesterday and twisted his ankle coming down Swirrel Edge, so today he was just lounging around the hostel. We sat chatting away for some time, and even compared our wounds like a scene from the film Jaws. I mentioned that I’m going to take a detour to the village for some Compeed, but then Jamie very kindly offered to take me in his car. “Are you sure matey, with your bad ankle?” I asked. “Yes, of course”, he said, “I drive an automatic anyway!” “Well, please allow me to buy you a pie for your trouble” I replied. Both now drooling with excitement, we were soon heading our way down Greenside Road. In the village we sat eating our pies and had a right good old natter about our outdoor adventures, and it wasn’t until 1pm when I finally re-joined the Lakeland Way.
What a wonderful feeling it is to have the comfort of Compeed plasters. Many thanks Jamie for being an absolute star.
13:20
I’ve just reached the footbridge over Glenridding Beck and I can feel a change in the air; when we had returned back to the hostel, the chap at the café bar had mentioned that “thunderstorms are predicted for the afternoon”. To be honest, some rain would certainly be welcome to clear the air.
13:50
When I arrived at the ‘seat with a view’ near Lanty’s Tarn, having just ascended out of the valley, I met these two lovely people who were heading for the summit of Keldas. We were just chatting away and suddenly the wife turned to her husband and said: “Oh no, it’s raining!” They then had to endure the sight of me dancing about like a lunatic in sheer joy, having felt my first rain drops on my Lakeland Way journey. The rain only lasted for ten minutes, but it felt so wonderful!
It was nice to see that the path through the wooded area around Lanty’s Tarn had been cleared of fallen trees. Severe storms had caused much damage and the whole area had been closed for a couple of years. Lanty’s Tarn looks a bit drab today, but deep in autumn on a clear sunny day, it’s a magnificent place to visit.
14:10
I’ve now dropped down into the valley of Grisedale. It is a straightforward down and then up as I cross this valley and then enter the next one.
15:35
Following a brief stop at the Patterdale Hotel for a pint of lemonade, I continued on my way into the valley of Patterdale. This wonderful old packhorse route on the eastern side of the valley, leading towards the hamlet of Hartsop, is one of my favourite tracks on the Lakeland Way.
16:15
After arriving at Hartsop, I left the Lakeland Way path and followed the Brothers Water shoreline to Sykeside Campsite. This diversion, which I’ll reverse in the morning, only adds about 1.5 miles to the overall route.
18:15
I arrived at the campsite at 4:30pm, which is a lovely change from my two previous finishes of 7pm. This gave me plenty of time to relax and sort out my feet, which have been rewarded for their effort with Compeed plasters today; so let’s see how they cope with the rest of the journey. The showers are very nice here, and the shop is well-stocked and full of treats and essentials. One thing I never thought I’d miss on this trip is an orange; I’ve had no fruit at all for nearly a week, so this was a welcome treat.
A few other items I bought from the shop were shampoo, deodorant, kitchen roll and a tin of Spam for breakfast! After I pitched the tent, I limped to the showers with my new bottle of shampoo; I didn’t bother taking soap because I thought I would wash all over in said shampoo. However, after a good dollop was applied I soon discovered it was conditioner, which is not a great product for washing body parts that have been baked in mud, sweat and sun cream for 12 hours! This was followed by the application of my deodorant, only to find that I’d actually bought antiperspirant!
20:30
I’ve just returned back to the tent after having a lovely meal at the Brotherswater Inn. I had Cumberland sausage with roast potatoes and veg, all washed down with a refreshing pint of cider. This was a well-deserved treat don’t you think? I got chatting with this lady on the next table who was doing one of those ‘on a whim’ holidays, and not planned any routes or booked any accommodation. I found her story very interesting, but sitting so close together I wonder what she thought of my scent of Alberto “coconut and lychee” conditioner, with a hint of Lynx “The G.O.A.T. of Fragrance” antiperspirant?
Well, I’m at the halfway stage of the Lakeland Way. That’s six days completed with six to go.
Goodnight all.
Friday 8th September
Day 7
Sykeside to Robin Lane – 12.5 miles
06:35
Morning campers!
It is a very wet and misty start to the day; my tent is saturated and the sun won’t hit this part of the valley until much later in the morning. This will result in a heavy pack again, but I’ll find a suitable location further along the route to dry my gear out.
I didn’t sleep that well last night. I was really unsettled, and it wasn’t helped by a late arrival at 11pm, who had no regard for anyone else on the site, and as a result he was finally booted off by the owner. Plus, even though they weren’t close to my tent, a small group were talking and laughing loudly until well after midnight. I suppose some noise is to be expected at times, so I hope they didn’t mind me ‘accidently’ knocking over their table of empty beer bottles at 6am this morning!
Generally, it’s a very nice campsite with great facilities, and even though it’s not exactly on the Lakeland Way path, the beautiful location is a wonderful reward for the short detour to reach it.
07:00
A few things did amuse me this morning: in the toilet block I saw a chap washing his face wearing a big woolly hat, and then whilst walking back to my tent I spotted a bright red tent with camouflage mesh thrown over it. However, the highlight of the morning, while sat tucking into my Spam and pasta breakfast (yuk!), was watching all the crows raiding the unoccupied tents; these highly intelligent birds have got into the habit of watching the campers go to the toilets each morning, and then flying into their tents and taking anything they can manage to fly away with. This was fantastic entertainment!
09:05
It was 8:15am when I left the campsite, and what followed was a lovely peaceful walk along the eastern shore of Brothers Water and through the hamlet of Hartsop. From the gate on leaving the village, Gray Crag is seen here in the early morning haze. Yet again, it looks like it’s going to be another very hot day, and on this section I’ll be heading over the high fells where water will be at a premium. With that in mind, I plan to fill my bottles and dry the tent out somewhere in Haweswater Gill.
09:45
I’ve finally reached the footbridge that spans Haweswater Beck; even though it’s only a steady incline, my progress was very slow along the stony track that runs parallel with the gill. The heat was unbearable! Anyhow, I’m here now, and I’ve just finished putting my washing out. It is perfect for the job, however, I don’t want to spoil anyone else’s day by creating such an eyesore so I won’t hang around for too long. One couple did pass, and I did apologise for my mess, but they thought it was quite amusing.
10:30
It wasn’t long until I was back on the walk. All my gear is now completely dry and packed away nicely for the journey to Troutbeck. Ahead of me I see the steep climb to The Knott, which had been on my mind all morning. The old packhorse route originally took a zigzag course up the steep grassy slope, but that is now long gone and is hardly visible anymore. A new route, created by walkers using it more in descent, is direct and can be a tedious journey up to the escarpment above.
11:30
It took me 45 minutes to reach the escarpment path, which wasn’t bad timing really considering the heat. I’m so glad that climb is over though, and to be joining the Coast to Coast path and meeting up with fellow long-distance walkers. It’s always nice to hear about their journeys, and it was a great opportunity for me to tell them about this new super-duper long-distance walk that I was on.
The walk is now a lot more pleasurable as it only undulates a little following the escarpment towards High Street. I have to be careful though, for I’ll be facing the sun all the way along these tops with no water source available. I have one full bottle left to last me until I reach the spring on the descent into the valley of Troutbeck.
12:30
I’m now sat here at the trig point on High Street. This summit is the highest point of the Lakeland Way, at 828m/2716ft. The heat is a little more bearable due to a light breeze from the south. The haze is horrible though, so there’s not much of photography, but I am feeling pretty good; my fitness is good, and my feet are coping far better since applying the Compeed plasters. It’s very hard to explain, but it now feels like I’m walking back to Ravenglass.
13:45
Look at that haze! I’ve reached the point where the Roman Road starts its descent into the valley of Troutbeck. Looking ahead I can hardly see the valley floor for the haze. I am also aware that the temperature down there is going to be much higher than what I’ve had on the tops, so I’d best find my water source and fill up my bottles.
There’s no better taste or reward for all your effort. I’ve never felt so alive!
14:30
I reached the valley floor for mid afternoon which I’m pleased with, especially considering the heat. I only have a little over three miles of flat walking to do now to reach the pub in Troutbeck. My table is booked for 17:00, so there’s no rush; it’s mainly about keeping hydrated and taking it steady along the valley floor, and for entertainment I have the pleasure of watching the farmers gathering up their sheep.
15:45
I reached the Mortal Man in Troutbeck a lot quicker than I thought I would, and one hour before dinner is served. Never mind though, I can have a really good rest here and catch up with the family and social media. I cannot describe how nice a pint of Pepsi and a pint of ice and water is after a walk like that; not sure about the Lancashire crisps though!
After my Lancashire starter, I had a nice plate of fish and chips with an extra portion of onion rings (think I deserved it). Staying here so long gave me the opportunity to fully charge my phone, camera and power bank. I cannot thank the staff enough for such wonderful hospitality.
18:15
With it being such a lovely evening here in the valley, I thought I would take the opportunity to visit the church a little further along the path. Incredibly I had spent over two hours in the pub, but I still have plenty of time left and it’s not too far to my pitch on Robin Lane. I’ve collected all the water I need from the pub, plus a few other “wild” essentials, like chocolate and a can of pop!
19:30
My initial plan was to wild camp next to the survey pillar slightly above Robin Lane. It is located on open access land, but all the sheep in the field had congregated around the pillar. So not to disturb them, I used a bit of common sense and pitched a little further along the track, just above the bridleway on a grassy mound looking out to Windermere. I’m not actually on open access land, but if the land owner arrives I’ll just explain my reasoning behind this decision.
Tomorrow is a touristy day, which will include walking through Ambleside, Rydal and Grasmere, before reaching my next wild camping spot on Dow Bank.
Goodnight from me.
Saturday 9th September
Day 8
Robin Lane to Dow Bank – 9.5 miles
06:55
Morning!
Where has Windermere gone? Never mind, I have a wall and a few trees to admire while tucking into my breakfast. I woke at 6:30am; I did manage more sleep than the previous night, but it was so warm in the tent. I slept on my bag and just in my pants! My feet are feeling much better this morning, and today’s easy low-level walk through Ambleside, Rydal and Grasmere will certainly give them a well-earned easier day.
There’s no surprise that the sheep are so silent this morning, after their busy night of stomach rumbling and moaning to themselves. One was playing music with a metal gate at 2am, and for one other, have you ever heard a cat coughing up a hairball? Well, I’m not sure what this sheep was trying to bring up, but it went on for an hour or so.
Anyhow, I’m not far from Ambleside where I’ve booked a table for a full English breakfast, which of course will go down very well after this Minestrone starter! Firstly though, I must get up and start packing away my gear.
Yet again I have a saturated tent. It’s amazing to think that it’s not actually seen a drop of rain yet during this trip, which isn’t bad after seven nights in Lakeland! However, with the fly being made of silnylon it does soak up the morning dew like a sponge. Sadly on today’s walk it’s limited where I can dry it out, so it looks like I’ll have to carry the extra weight all the way to my wild camp on Dow Bank.
09:00
Robin Lane and Skelghyll Lane, linking Troutbeck with Ambleside, are wonderful tracks to walk along. They never disappoint, even on a morning like this in thick mist. It is these tracks and the Coffin Route further along, that inspired me to develop a long-distance walk in the Lake District.
10:00
I reached Ambleside for 9:30am and headed straight for the Spar garage to pick up my parcel of goodies, which, like my previous parcel at Keswick, includes enough fresh clothes and food for the final four days. I’m now sat in Stiles Cafe Bar where I had pre-booked a table; I’m so ready for this, and I even ate my tomato!
The parcel included: meals and snacks for the next four days, a gas canister, two base layers, razor and gel, walking trousers, undercrackers and two pairs of socks. My wife will have the pleasure of opening the return parcel.
12:15
Wow, that breakfast was fantastic, but what followed was even better for this solo walker. I took the opportunity to have a nice hot shower and a good long rest at the YHA Ambleside. I’m now totally refreshed and ready to continue on my journey. It was a bit of a walk down to the hostel at Waterhead, but it was well worth the detour. The hostel is more than happy to provide a free hot shower for anyone passing through on a walk like I am. Thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality guys!
13:00
I finally left Ambleside, so that was three and half hours of stuffing, scrubbing and shopping. This section of the Lakeland Way, Day 8, is more like a “rest” day really, even though it still includes ten miles of walking. The route is fairly easy, and is one of the loveliest walks in the Lake District. Combine this day with Day 9, personally I think they are the best two sections on the Lakeland Way.
I’m now on the track leading to the wonderful gardens on the Rydal Estate.
13:30
I’ve just arrived at the bridge that provides a good view of Grot House and the main waterfall in Rydal Gill. What a wonderful setting. There’s a café here and woodlands to explore if you have the time.
The short diversion through Rydal Woodlands is well worth it. These are the Jubilee Figures by Keith Western and Neil Powell as part of their campaign to highlight the effects of third world debt.
13:50
I’m now on the Coffin Route heading towards the village of Grasmere. The mist has now cleared and it’s becoming very warm again. I love this track in the way it traverses and undulates above the busy traffic below. It’s a dream to walk along.
14:30
I’ve arrived in Grasmere. There’s plenty to do here, including a walk around the shops, visit the Wordsworth graves, or spend the rest of the afternoon feasting on gingerbread.
15:00
I have just sat down in the middle of the village green to relax and enjoy these grapes bought from the nearby Co-op. Behind me are two banjo players providing the afternoon’s entertainment. The sun is out, the village is bustling with tourists, and I’m just laid here thinking about my journey. This is bliss, and I don’t want it to end.
15:30
Well that was very relaxing; I’ve never had such a lazy and pampered walking day. I’m now walking out of Grasmere down Red Bank Road. I can see ahead of me Dow Bank, the ridge where I plan to wild camp for the night. I have all the water I need and a few snacks from the shop.
16:10
The route I’m now following is an ancient road that linked Grasmere with the villages of Chapel Stile and Elterwater in the next valley. It’s long been forgotten as a “road”, and is probably not used by many walkers, but I personally think it’s a wonderful route that should be brought back to life. Walking through the wooded area is a delight, and includes some very impressive beech trees.
18:30
I reached the summit at 5pm and hung about a bit, but some dark clouds were moving in from the south so I pitched the tent a bit earlier than I would like; I got lucky and found a lovely spot looking out over the villages of Elterwater and Chapel Stile. I just finished tightening the flysheet when it started to rain. It lasted for only 10 minutes, just like it did at Lanty’s Tarn on Day 6. So in total, that’s 20 minutes of rain over eight days and seven nights in Lakeland!
19:10
After some dinner I could see some clear skies forming over to the west. I quickly got the boots back on and witnessed a fantastic sunset.
Tomorrow’s walk is my personal favourite section of the Lakeland Way. It has forecast possible thunderstorms for midday onwards and throughout the night, so I best be careful and have all my waterproofs handy. Thankfully, I have a pitch pre-booked in the field at the Coniston Sports Club, so I’ll not be wild camping tomorrow night.
Goodnight folks!