I've upped my Wainwright count from 7 to 23 and with four so different walks we've seen a lot this time and enjoyed it very much.
The Location - Grasmere
Grasmere was the perfect location for us. So easy to get there and the village itself is small but has a good selection of little cafes, outdoor shops and a Co-op. Nowhere near as busy as Ambleside, which is good.It's also very central and you can get to almost anywhere in the Lakes within an hour's drive if need be. We started two of our walks straight from Grasmere and there are loads more.
Camping at the YHA is best of both worlds. You get budget accommodation with a self-catering kitchen, a drying room, wi-fi, showers and toilets, but you still have your own space with a tent. No one comes in late at night turning the lights on or starts rummaging early in the morning.
Highlights
Scrambling on Helm Crag, The Old Man's humongous piles of slate, the views from Catstye Cam, basking in the sun with a pint of cider. These are easily my highlights of the trip. But there were so many more great moments.Food
The Priest Hole in Ambleside, The Red Lion Hotel in Grasmere and The Badger Bar are our recommendations for food.
Next Time?
Well, there are 191 Wainwrights left to conquer. So, yeah, I'll be back for sure!!! The thing with bagging Wainwrights (or munros in Scotland) is that it's a perfect excuse for getting around a lot and seeing most of the area.So far I've been mainly to the central part of the Lake District. The higher and wilder western fells are certainly very appealing to me and I've got a three day, two night's wild camp round trip around Black Sail YHA already planned out. But the less frequented far eastern fells are equally worth exploring.
And finally... there are many more scrambles to do. Sharp Edge and Striding Edge are only the most popular two of a long list.
So yes, I will be back!!! Maybe in September, maybe next year. Maybe on a long weekend? Who knows.
