Day1

Day 0+1/2

St Bees: Amazingly we all met up as scheduled. I picked Don up at a service area on the M6 Motorway and Colin arrived in St Bees at 2 p.m. by train so we started our hike around the headland at 2.30. Although it had been pouring all morning the rail cleared and we actually saw some blue sky – Isle of Man, however, was still a misty blur on the horizon. Walk was uneventful except for a field of frisky bullocks where Don hurriedly hid his red backpack. It was a bit more undulating than I remember from last time and the path a lot more eroded but still a pleasant initial stroll. Did 5 miles to Sandwith.

We got a taxi back to St Bees where Colin visited the 12^th century bridge (with inclined columns) and then joined us for a couple of pints of Jennings bitter with Dinner.

Day 1.Cloudy but no rain. Left Sandwith at 9.30. Undulating through farmland for first 5 miles. Got a bit confused in a couple of places but after joint consultation, and a bit of help from dogwalking local we kept on correct path. Spent a few minutes inspecting an old skewed arch bridge on the disused railway.

First serious climb was up Dent on a muddy path through forest. Good views from top in all directions although lakes hills were in cloud.

 Seriuosly steep descent od Dent to Nannycatch Gate (lovely name). Lunch beside beck, chattered to two other C2C groups. Reached Ennerdale 2.30 so decided to do another 1.5 miles to the lake. Picked up there by pub owner (Stork in Rowrah). Triple room – very cosy!

Fingers crossed – no need for rain gear yet although pub owner said sleet was expected tomorrow – hope he was joking.