During the last 3-4 months I’ve been wet and cold rather a lot. A little ironic considering I was remaining north to avoid the southern winter! Today was no exception. The shirt was again stripped off mid-route in favour of the fleece, but happily the weather improved as the day progressed.

Today saw a tough climb early, but it could have been tougher if the option of Helvellyn and Striding Edge was taken. I was disappointed that it wasn’t. It was a pretty enough route though, passing Grisedale Tarn and seeing “The Brother’s Parting”. This was the spot where William Wordsworth last saw his brother before he was drowned at sea. There is also an old barn en route where Wainwright once “illegally” spent the night in 1954…..Coronation Day and the day Everest was conquered. He was a little miffed that Hillary had taken that honour and not himself but alas AW, a fell is not Everest.

The five hours of walking had felt like two and soon we were over the hill and in Glenridding, pear cider in hand (after an hour’s pilates sesh, of course!!)

XXX