10: Grasmere to Patterdale

Weather miserable again today so we kit up for wet weather and head off along the path Nick recommended yesterday (the guy who knew where he was going) - apparently there is a little bridge we are supposed to cross which is out of service, so we are taking a bit different path.  When we got the the bridge, Sarah and Teresa were there trying to work out whether it was safe to cross - yes OK but delicate. 

This might be a good time to let you know about Sarah & Teresa - they are a couple of English friends doing the Coast to Coast to raise money - if you have a few spare dollars go to their website and make a donation - they are two truely fabulous women!  We have spent quite a bit of time with them over the past few days and have the utmost admiration for them.

Anyway onwards and upwards - a gradual but steady climb up the valley.  I seem to be developing blisters on my heels so a quick stop for taping by medic Joe and I am back in business.  As we get to the top, Joe happens to say that we are near the Grisdale Tarn (lake) but it is so misty we can't see a thing!  Then amazingly the mist lifts and this beautiful lake appears within 50 metres. 

It was a beautiful walk down the valley to Patterdale through farms with a lovely creek to our left.  Saw some deer in a little wooded section, a cute little drystone bridge & belted galloway cows.

We arrive at Patterdale around 3.30 pm, our earliest day in, and we're staying at the White Lion.  We have a couple of drinks and chat to the others on the walk - three wild boys from Cambridge need a mention here - they are carrying heavy packs with camping gear, are in their late 30's to 40's, seem to get lost every day and they STINK!!

Joe, Phoebe, Sarah & Teresa

The White Lion is great - an old pub (aren't they all) built right on the side of the road - there is literally about 1 metre from the front door to the road, so those having a big night need to be careful when they leave to avoid getting run down.  Love these old pubs where everyone brings their dogs in.  Oh, & in case you can't work the showers here, there is a switch outside the bathroom that you need to know about to make the hot water work!