" The Coast to Coast Walk" with Simon and Clare Part On...

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The Coast to Coast Walk was the brainchild of Alfred Wainwright the well known writer and hill walker, it was devised by him in 1972 and is now one of the most popular long distance walks in the world. The Coast to Coast Walk crosses three National Parks and undoubtedly some of Englands finest scenery. Starting besides the Irish Sea at St Bees Cumbria, you have wonderful walking through the Mountains of the Lake District, across the Pennines and down through Swaledale and finally across the North Yorkshire Moors finishing at the East Coast at Robin Hoods Bay a grand total of 192 miles.
Wainwright devised the walk to be done in 12 days, but this can be adjusted to suit the experience,ability and stanima of the individual walker. The walk is severe and difficult in places and the days walking are long and tiring, but the marjority of those that complete the challenge extoll the rewards and fantastic experience that make it all worth while.

For many months prior to the walk Simon and Clare planned and prepared for the challenge, reading books, studying maps and getting in as many walks as they could. Finally the day of departure arrived and Clare’s Father drove the very excited pair to St Bees where their journey began!

Because their journey is so long I have divided it up into three parts;0)

The 25th July Day 1 St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge 14.5 miles

First the Traditional " Dipping of Feet in the Sea" followed by a picture at the starting post

Exploring some of the Rocks and caves along the beach in true Wrainwright spirit before we set off.
Now lets get going! first stage is across the clifftops, far reaching dramatic sea views across to the I.O.M and Scotland

We continued to follow the steep and stoney path out of the bay, finally reaching the North Head and the Lighthouse which was built in1886

The path now turns inland and the walking mainly lanes and forest paths which led us to Dent Fell which is a strenuous climb of aroung 1250 ft and and a painful descent along a stony forest track., The view from the summit was panoramic!

The walk now brought us to the very pretty valley of Nanny Catch Beck which signifies our arrival in the Lake District National park, the pleasant walk along the beck brought us to the road to Ennerdale Bridge and our B.B for the night. Our first day completed although we were tired and aching a little we were also pleased to have reached todays goal..

Ennerdale to Rosthwaite Day 2 – 15 miles
A rather damp and misty start to the second day, we set off around 9-30 walking alongside the length Ennerdale Waters with fantastic views towards Great Gable .We start the route following Ennerdale Waters

The Weir our first view of Ennerdale Waters.

Forest clad sides of the Valley with low cloud and mists.

The forest road now opens up and follows the River Liza up to the Black Sail Youth Hostel, (a former Shepherds Brothy) where we stop for a welcome break. both rather wet now!

Looking up the valley towards Great Gable covered in mist and Cloud

We now continue a steep rocky ascent out of the Ennerdale valley by the way of Low Beck a strenuous climb of 1000ft in half a mile, finding the route to Low Beck is not easy when the cloud is low and misty

The end of Honister Pass heading towards Seatoller a then Rosthwaite

Views across the valley over Seatoller, Borrowdale begin to appear
“One of the fairiest of lakes and Valleys” according to Wainwright!

On the way to Rosthwaite now!

The last fields before Rosthwaite Village

Outskirts of Village appear

Nook Farm just a lovely little place along the way into Rosthwaite village and our B.B for the night

Rosthwaite To Patterdale Day 3 17 miles

A early start for the long hard days walking ahead of us. Heading for Patterdale but first we take the sign for Stonewaite

Stonewaite Beck again, the clouds are closing in on them hills in the distance aren’t they!

Views of the hills around Borrowdale.

We have now passed Stonewaite and are following the wall and Greenup Gill up the valley!

The path just keeps on going upward leading us towards Lining Crag, its pretty steep but steady route lies ahead

Looking back down the valley we have climbed

The last pull up to Lining Crag can be clearly seen

We have crossed Greenup Edge now and with great views down the valley towards Grasmere

Calf Crag

Grasmere below the ridge walk

The Ridge walk that took in Calf Crag, Gibson Knot and Helm Crag

Helm Crag [The Lion and The Lamb]

The route down was steep and slow going, hard on the knees. legs and feet.

Views of Grisedale Tarn and the next valley

The route down to Grisedale Hause

Mountain rescue just picking someone off Helvelyn

The Valley walk down Griesdale to Ullswater and the last few miles to Patterdale and our B.B. and a place to rest our tired and aching limbs!

Paterdale to Shap Day 4 16 miles
The next day as started and wer’e heading up the flanks of Place Fell to Boardale Hause and the turn off to Angle Tarn, we say a last farewell to Patterdale and Ullswater.

Angle Tarn and views across toward St Sunday Crag area.

High St opens up in front of us

The Knott on the left and Haweswater valley

A stunning view of High St ridge

The mountain terrain is Fab up here!

Th High St ridge and walking heading up it!

We have turned off High St now, but you have to admit it’s tempting to head up and pretend to be a Roman Legionnare Lol

Road to Kidsty Pike which is the second time we have done this Peak.

The rear and downwards flanks Kidsty Hawes

Haweswater Reservoir and the 5 mile hike along it

Taking a Call as we cross the fields to Shap!

Almost reached our destination for the night, Shap Abbey comes ito view!

Shap is where we end our 62.5 miles of walking in the Lake District. tomorrow we start our treck across the Pennines and down into Swalesdale.

Dont forget to join us in Part Two.*

• 27 Aug, 2010
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