Solo Walking in the Lakes - A Conclusion

Back now in the comfort of a proper bed and a roof over my head my mind is still full of images from the last week and a bit. My three visits to this much loved area of Britain have all been very different. The very wet and cold one with some fellow ML trainees, the hot and sunny one with my partner and the last one, the solo solely Wainwright bagging one.

I had set off only knowing I'd stay at Castlerigg campsite near Keswick for a couple of days. That was my very detailed plan. Then see how it goes and make my mind up depending on the weather. At the end I stayed there for all but one night. The campsite is lovely and its people even more so. They knew me by name after a few days and asked about my tours and were always eager for a chat.
The Hayloft is the on-site pub with great food and a very nice atmosphere as well. Been there almost every afternoon for a pint.

Keswick is a great place to be. I'd say it's equal in size to Ambleside but less frantic. Even if it's as busy, people just spread out in the large pedestrian area. Lovely little food shops and a good selection of pubs. I will be back!

The weather is the most discussed topic for fell walkers and righteously so. I've been very very lucky! I expected a mix of rain, cloud and hopefully some sun. I got rain only on one day during my stay and the day I left. Some low cloud here and there, yes, but I chose my walks accordingly and only had three tops without a view at all.

Some stats from my trip:

I've stayed for 9 days with one off-day in between.
I've walked 88.91 miles and equalled the height of Broad Peak in elevation with 26469 ft.
I've bagged 36 new Wainwrights and a number on other hill tops.
The toughest day was my 10 hour circular walk from Rosthwaite with 16.31 mi over 5144 ft of elevation.

My Wainwright count is still pretty sorry with only 60 of 214. But I'm enjoying the walking more than the bagging and you gotta give your body and mind some rest here and there.

Bagged Wainwrights (blue) before my trip

And at the end of my trip

With thunderstorms rolling over the Lake District on Wednesday I decided to call it a day. Even a low level walk in consistent heavy downpours makes little sense on a last day. Especially not when I had such a superb day on Blencathra.

I wouldn't mind going back to the same area next time. I know it pretty well now, but there is still enough to do and see for at least a week.

I don't know yet, when exactly my next adventure will be or where. I've got a week or two up in Scotland planned. Roughly mid-September. But I don't know yet if it will happen or not. We shall see.

Hightlight of the trip: Sharp Edge

The (Very Hot) Grand Finale

With a hot and sunny summer's day forecasted I had planned another big day out. Yes, it was that one day of summer Britain usually gets per year. It was even real real hot!
With very little wind at all I just had to do Sharp Edge. You just won't get a better chance. Got up fairly early and was surprised to be walking uphill by 9am already.

From a lay-by near Scale the path climbed at times steeply through a lot of bracken. Without the slightest breeze at all I was drenched in sweat  before half an hour had passed.

Veered left even steeper uphill into the Glenderamackin valley before the path gradient eased a bit and now climbed gently uphill. I had now my prime objective in full view. Sharp Edge. A short knife edge ridge and a steep and rocky climb up to Atkinson Pike. Wow!

Walked all the way up to the foot of the scramble and couldn't believe I was still all alone. Most of the scramble could be circumvented by using the path. Needless to say I didn't even touch it once, haha.
What a superb grade 1 scramble!!! Lots of choice without any route finding trouble. Stayed as much on the crest as I could and marvelled at the exposure. Took my good time enjoying every bit of it, soaking in the views.
The second part is a scramble of the outcrop of Atkinson Pike. Very different feel to it, but plenty of routes up.

Reaching the top with a big grins I walked over to Blencathra with a spring in my step. Nice views again, but I was still too thrilled by Sharp Edge to really appreciate them.
Walked the squelchy and too long detour to Mungrisdale Common which is indeed quite an unnecessary top surrounded by a huge bog. I'm glad I did it today after a dry spell. It is a Wainwright alright to better get it done today.

Number three was Bowscale Fell. Walked back to the ridge line that is the Blencathra massiv over more bog and then uphill to the top.
Had planned my lunch break up there in the shelter, but it was full of sheep pop and flies. Ewww.

So I kept going delaying refuelling just for a bit until I reached Wainwright number four: Bannerdale Crags. With the sun still blazing above I demolished two cans of fish and a handful of nuts.

What a day. It was only 1pm and I had already done I had planned to do today. So walking back down I decided to make it a full round and bagged Souther Fell on a there-and-back of another hour. Quite liked the view over the plains in the East, Great Mell Fell and the Ullswater fells in the South and Bannerdale Crags just nearby.

Walked back to a fantastic backdrop of some of the most famous fell tops, many of them I had climbed in my time here. What a nice conclusion to my trip.

Popped into the pub in Scale for coffee and Wi-Fi, haha.

Something Not So Very Much Lakes

After more like half a day's walk yesterday I had to up my game again. But with Tuesday hot and sunny with little wind, I didn't want to spend all my energy and preserve some for the grand finale tomorrow.

There is a group of five fell tops just North of the Whinlatter Pass. All of them below 600m which was quite convenient for a day with partially low cloud. So off I went. Again only a 20 minute drive from my campsite I was all ready to go at 10am. 

I started from a plantation and walked quite a bit along a broad gravel road. Without much wind at all I was sweating like a pig in the humid air which must have attracted a lot of flies and whatnot. I was flailing with my arms all the while I walked gently uphill.

I missed the path up to Whinlatter Top which should have been somewhere leading through impenetrable vegetation. I just couldn't be bothered searching for it and simply walked on to a pass between three low hills. Veered right over some boggy ground to the first top, then back down through the plantation and some very nice, but little used mountain bike tracks.

Around mid day I reached my first Wainwright top. Barf. The English surely know how to name their hills. I mean "Barf". Really? Lovely view over Keswick and the surrounding hills again and I stopped for a wee break. Everything above 650m was shrouded in clouds, but the view was still very enjoyable. I think I've now seen it from almost every possible angle.

On I went over slightly boggy terrain to Lords Seat and Broom Hill. The going was easy with the recent lack of rain. I had explicitly waited for this dry spell. Otherwise it would've been a bog fest. Broom Hill offered nice views over the flat fields to the West. 

Down and up I went to the last hill top for today: Graystones. And just when I reached the top, some low cloud swept in and turned the world grey. Ha. So I didn't linger long and went back down one of the steepest paths I've ever walked down on. Took my time and it's really no so bad when you don't do it at the end of a very long strenuous day, hehe.

Had a look at another waterfall which was a bit of a let down, since it was hidden behind trees and stuff. Boo, Back at the car I clocked in 5 hours of lazy walking over eight miles. Got four more Wainwrights ticked off, now having officially summited a quarter of all Wainwrights. Yeah!!!

Although view were not breathtaking today, I quite enjoyed the walk. Nothing too strenuous and Broom Hill and Barf offer nice views. It was not a walk I would associate with the Lake District when more thinking of Langdale, Haystacks or Helvellyn. But today was rolling hills, flat fields and some wood. Quite a nice change from the "Wow, looka that!!!"

Right, so penultimate day tomorrow and the forecast looks great! I'm thinking Sharp Edge maybe. There are thunderstorms expected late afternoon so I don't want to make it a super long day. Another option would be Striding Edge with an early start and then walking down via Sheffield Pike. 

Dunno yet, I'll decide tomorrow morning.

An Unexpectedly Rewarding Easy Walk

After yesterday's super exhausting walk I fancied something easier today. With the best weather of the week so far I probably should've done another long circular walk over numerous peaks, but I just didn't fancy it. After quite a few very long days with lots of mileage and elevation gain I'm slowly feeling a bit fatigued. And my watch telling me my recovery time after yesterday's walk was 120 hours certainly seconded that.

So I drove to the Aira Force National Trust property on Ullswater. On a Sunday with fantastic weather I was well advised to arrive there at 10am.
Quite enjoyed the walk uphill through the wood and along the tumbling Aira river. The waterfall was nice but I don't get the fuzz about waterfalls really.
Once I cleared the woods I kept on walking uphill to the top of Gowbarrow Fell. It's not ridiculously high with 481m but I got quite a nice sweat on in the sun.
The view from the top was a welcome change from the last couple of days. Rolling fields, the Ullswater, Little and Great Mell Fell the only hills in view North and East. And the bleak Pennines on the horizon in the far East.

I followed the path looping clockwise around the hill back towards the Aira Force. The view towards Glenridding and the hills around it was absolutely stunning! This alone was worth it and is easily a highlight of my trip.
I just sat down for a bit looking at the hilltops surrounding Ullswater proud I could name many of them. Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Dollywaggon Pike, Sheffield Pike, St Sunday Crag, Fairfield.
Reluctantly I walked back to the now completely full car park, had a coffee and cake at the tea room there and beamed when I realized I had just saved another £9 on parking since it's free for National Trust members.

Back at the tent I quickly changed and walked down into Keswick. Wanted to check out the opening times of the butcher, get some postcards and do the food shop for dinner tonight and tomorrow night.

Another big day tomorrow. Depending on the weather I've got a few options and plans already laid out. With the recent lack of rain I might do the usually boggy Winlatter round. Also got Sharp Edge on the wishlist for a dry day with little wind. And Eagle Crag and Sergeant Crag would be a third option.

This place is just so amazing. You get a day of good weather and there is almost too much choice! So many walks. It's insane! Just sitting down with a map for half an hour and I can come up with a dozen walks from easy half a day to epic full on knee killing hill bagging. And all within 20 mins by car.

I got three days left now. My body is quite happy to see it ending soon, my mind has just gotten the taste of it.

A Day For the Knees And a Day For the Knees

After the two long days with loads of mileage and loads of load on my back my limbs desperately needed a break. So I didn't do much at all on Friday. Chilled quite long in the tent in the morning and eventually walked slowly into tow. First stop Costa to charge my laptop, phone and camera while having a coffee and doing some stuff, that needed doing.

Then went for a bit of window shopping and actual shopping. Man, I could spend a couple of hundreds here on food. Got some cumberland sausages for brekkie and a nice chilli sauce and some more beef for another chilli.

Found the Keswick Bookshop as well, as I was looking for somewhere to hide from another rain shower. Bad idea!!! Such an abundance of old old books!!! And I love old old books, ahhh. Spent at least half an hour looking through their collection and restrained myself to only buying two books. One complete Shakespeare given to a student at a Carlisle school in 1925 and an equally old book with two people from his time describing the greatness of Charlemagne. Nice!

Rest time over today. The weather was again promised to be reasonably good. Maybe some low cloud, but very likely dry all day. I thought I give a big round from Rosthwaite a go. Heading all the way to Great End and back ticking off some left over Wainwrights from my first visit.

And so I did just another day with 17 miles and over 4000ft elevation gain. I'm proper shot now. Ten hours of walking are enough and the final descent just didn't want to end.
I started off in Rosthwaite and could be convinced to join the National Trust as a member. I think it's a good thing to support their cause, plus I didn't have to pay at all for parking today, which would've been £7 otherwise.

Walked on the Cumbrian Way through Borrowdale and Langstrath valley with prime views ahead to Bow Fell. On the top of Stake Pass I turned right to walk along the back of Rossett Pike, which I had done before, but without actually bagging the peak back then. This time I did and what a pretty sight from it down into Langdale!!! Absolutely superb!. I had been in shorts and shirt so far, but a constant and icy wind forced me to put some layers on.
After a lunch break I went up towards Ore Gap which is a pass between Bow Fell and Esk Pike, but veered right toward an outcrop ridge of Esk Pike. There was a grade 1 scramble to be had and I certainly wanted to have a look. Found a nice grippy first bit of a scramble and started only to realize I was soon stuck on a wet slippery slab, which couldn't be seen from below at all. No hand holds or foot holds that could be trusted. Ah. So gingerly I climbed back down. Phew. Almost had a bit of an epic there. But I'm not taking any risks.

Heading over to the Ore Gap Pass again I found some more steep but grassy slopes and just went up there. I could even throw in some very short and safe scrambles.

Looking back down beautiful Langstrath Valley

Never seen a horde of sheep coming my way on the path

On Rossett Pike. Best view so far!

Scrambly bit up to Esk Pike

I had taken my good time so far and it was already getting a bit late, so I hurried down Esk Pike up to Great End. Another one I had missed a year ago. The wind was getting ever more icy and a right pain in the backside. I sipped some more magic potion sports drink and sped up.
Touched base at the top and was back at the big cross roads and shelter for 4pm gulfing down some canned fish and the rest of my humous. Not a great meal, but I was hungry.

Next up was Allan Crags and Glaramara. I rushed as fast as I dared to, but was getting quite tired and weary by now. I had been on my feet for 7 hours already and was looking at another two. I didn't expect Glaramara to be such a huge rocky bugger. Wow. It could easily be mistaken for a Scottish munro, including at least two false tops. Each being a copy of the actual final big round lump of rock with a cairn on top.
On the way down there was a path forking off which would get me to the end of the valley floor and a bit off the mark. When the path forked I stayed right only to realize my path ended just around the corner. What the.... Also the ridge ahead looked massive and would take me ages! I thought, well better be down somewhere than stumbling on some rock when darkness hits, so I walked back to the path and followed it. Turned out the be the right one in the end and the left turning never came. Stupid path. Not that I made an error at the end of a very long day, noooooo.

Glaramara from Allan Crags

The decent down to the road took forever. My knees and feet were hurting and after walking the last bit of my epic round next to a river I finally got back to my car after 10 hours of walking. I was shot. Dragged myself to the loo and then drove home. Whatever the weather tomorrow, it's gonna be an easier day. Has to!

Skiddaw and Friends

Woke up this morning with stiff and weary limbs but at least we'll rested. The last two days were awesome but hard on my body carrying the fully loaded pack up and down the hills. I've done some serious mileage and elevation gain and payed the price.

Wouldn't have minded a rest day today but the weather was supposed to be sunny with just a few high clouds. I can't sit around on such a day. It was either going to be Skiddaw and the surrounding hills or Blencathra via Halls Fell ridge, a grade 1 scramble. I delayed my decision until I was packed and ready to go. Looking at both biggies I decided to do Skiddaw simply because it had less cloud around its top. That doesn't mean anything if course, but with two to equally rewarding walks I had to make a decision somehow.

Drove the 15 to the car park of Dodd Wood and luckily got some change at the tea room there. How am I supposed to have £6.30 in coins???

Dodd Wood is one of those lovely areas with colour marked routes. I walked north along the yellow route through nice cool woodland all alone. Eventually I reached the open hillside and headed up the ridge that had the first two Wainwrights of the day lined up.

The first one was Ullock Pike, already 692m high. It reminded me of yesterday's Whiteless Pike. A steep ascent to a very prominent sugar loaf shaped top. I loved it every bit. I was in shorts and tank top with the sun blazing above. The mighty bulk of Skiddaw was looming on my left. What a humongous lump of rock that one! I was well impressed. 

Next up was Longside, really a ridge with a little top. Views over Keswick, Derwent Water, Winlatter, all the way to Buttermere and even further to the Scafells... pretty much all of Lakeland laid out at my feet. I could've Sat there all day soaking in the view. Absolutely superb. How can you admire the next top when you've already seen this?

On I went nevertheless. Time for the highlight of the day. The big name in the North Lakes along with Bkencathra. Time to climb Skiddaw. From this side the only way it a fairly steep scree slope. It's not that bad and many walkers' feet have gotten rid of most of the loose rock. Still, it reminded me a bit of the last bit of the Watkin Path on Snowdon.

And icy wind was blowing up on the broad ridge and I kept on going to keep warm. Just quickly touched base and decided to bag Little Man as well. Another conical hill just a little down and up. 

Said and done and another angle on the amazing view. The Blencathra ridge looked very different from the back. Took me a couple of seconds to realize what it actually was, haha.

Unfortunately, I now had to go back up to Skiddaw's back to find my steep screen path again. My knees were grumbling a bit but with the lighter day pack today I still felt not too bad.

Moved down the path ever so slowly. There really was no rush at all today. Arrived at the high pass again chilled for a bit in the sun to give my limbs a rest.

Walked over the top of Carl Side which was quite unspectacular, but although the path down was steeper than I would've liked, I had my stunning view in front of me all the time.

Turned right towards Dodd Wood and decided to bag Wainwright number 6 as well. The little bugger looked higher than it really was, sticking out of the wood. Before I knew it I was on the top of Dodd. There was a path leading down the other side which I soon abandoned as it was simply too overgrown. Coupled with being fairly steep and narrow I saw myself fighting through the underbrush soon and just didn't fancy it. On the plus side there was an abundance of blueberry bushes and I stuffed my face for a bit before I headed back up and took the green path all the way back to the car park.

Clocked in 10 miles today and 4000 ft elevation gain. Wow, so much for an easy day. Still I felt knackered but nowhere near as bad as the day before. What a difference a few kilos on your back make.

Drove back to the campsite, had a pint at the pub and a shower after, before I walked down into Keswick to find the pub that offered gulasch. Too bad it was packed so I ended up at The Wainwright. Busy too, but I found a table and just had a nice steak and ale pie.

Absolutely full now so the 30 min walk back up the hill to the campsite is almost appreciated. Last night I had been asleep by now. Don't think I'll linger around too long tonight either.

Two-Day Buttermere Roundtrip

With a forecast of fairly good weather on Tuesday and not massively bad weather on Wednesday I set off for Buttermere from my campsite near Keswick planning a two-day roundtrip ticking off some 13 Wainwrights on the way.
Had a coffee in town and then walked on the Cumbrian Way to the foot of Cat Bells where I left the long distance path to climb the ridge instead.

The sun was breaking through the cloud time and again and I was soon in shirt and shorts.
Cat Bells is another one of those low hills offering superb views. On such a fine day it was also a popular one. I quite enjoyed it despite a heavy touring pack today with tent and everything. I had only changed plans on the way and instead of camping booked a bed at YHA Buttermere instead. Kind of like a no brainer for a tenner per night.

The constant stream of people eased once off Cat Bells. I was almost along heading on over Maiden Moor on to High Spy. An icy wind was now constantly blowing negating the warmth of the occasional sun. 

Had a proper break (for me that is around 15 minutes) with some food in a nice place down at Dalehead Tarn sheltered from the wind, then it was time for the main actors to step on stage. Dale Head. An impressive bulk of hill sitting right at the end of Newlands valley and the turning point for the Newlands horseshoe. Sipping once more on my rocket fuel drink I lugged m yself and my backpack up to the top at a steady pulse of 90% of my max.
The view from up there was something else! The Newlands valley, the ridge I'd just come up on, the Scafells, Crummock Water and Fleetwith Pike and many more peaks I cannot name yet. The highlight of the day and so far one of my favourite Wainwrights.

Cat Bells ahead

On High Spy

View from Dale Head

Onwards I went to Hindscarth which was a short detour and then the last one for the day: Robinson.
I navigated over a boggy plain and made it down a fairly steep half stream half path.
I was quite knackered when I finally rolled into Buttermere. 23km and 1300m elevation gain with a heavy backpack had taken their toll. I walked straight to the Syke Farm Cafe and got myself some ice cream made on site. Yum.
Then walked over to the YHA, checked in, had a shower and warmed up my chilli from last night in the microwave. Result. No Wi-Fi meant I browsed the magazines in the lounge for a bit. Went to bed early just being too knackered to hang around much longer.

My sleep on the rather comfy bed was only interrupted by a false fire alarm at 1am. 

Got up at 8am and with wifi working again could confirm that today was supposed to be spent in low cloud with almost zero view. There were supposed to be a few gaps in the cloud here and there but that's it. I pondered my options but in the end I thought "Fuck it. The plan is 'Stick to the plan.' Get on with it."
By 9am I was walking up Whiteless Pike. Quite the calf burner for my weary limbs. Once more the MWIS forecast proved to be a bit pessimistic. It was indeed overcast and a bit chilly but the clouds were no lower than maybe 800m intermittently dropping to maybe 700m.
So yay, I had a view! The ridge of Crag Hill and Sail ahead looked menacing while walking over Wandope. Another detour, equally rewarding as Hindscarth the day before. Another Wainwright nothing more.
Unfortunately, the detour to Grasmore proved to be of equal joy. Having seen it cloud free at times on my way up I didn't get lucky and saw nothing but grey fog. The views over Buttermere, Mell Break, Haystacks and Red Pike must be stunning from this prime position. Not so today.

I turned around and walked back down with nothing more than another hill ticked off.
Next up was Crag Hill which is also called Eel Crag. Stunning views opened up north towards Keswick with the remaining ridge perfectly laid out ahead. I could also see the route I had taken yesterday and I am surely getting to know the area very well. I always admire people who can name any hilltop you point to. It is so much easier when you've been on them.
Down I clambered and up again to Sail, onwards to Scar Crags and Causey Pike to finish my round of 13 Wainwrights. Really enjoyed those last two.

View ahead from Whiteless Pike towards Wandope

Looking back up to Crag Hill

Newlands Valley

So far the weather's been good to me. Some drizzle and some icy wind. That's it. On my way down I got into a longer light rain but only got proper soaked as I fought my way through shoulder high bracken. Man...
Proper knackered again I dragged myself into Braithwaite and enjoyed some lovely Lakes ice cream in the sun on a bench outside the village shop.
Got myself a pint o' Thatchers while waiting for the bus and another one in Keswick. With the sun shining I just had a thirst for it.

Great Spontaneous Walk on Day One

So here I am in the Lakes once more and the weather is back to normal. The couple of sunny days I had with Rich End of May were definitely not normal.
Rain persisted all through the night, still I caught one of the rare pauses to make a run for the lol in the morning. From 9 to half 10 it was a continuous downpour. So I stayed in my tent all snug and warm and read, waiting for the rain to ease.
I had planned to do Walla Crag, walk into Keswick for some shopping and then drive over to "The Mell Fells". But as the cloud lifted I decided to just stay up after Walla Crag and walk along the ridge to Bleaberry Fell and High Seat.

I started off in full kit and soon took it off one by one. My delayed start had been the perfect decision. Views from Walla Crag down to Keswick  were stunning and we'll worth the short climb. Often it's not the highest hills that offer the best views.

View from Walla Crag towards Keswick and Derwent Water

Some cloud passed by as I walked the last steep bit up Bleaberry Fell... or should I say "Bleak berry" Fell? It's not a very interesting hill compared to many others in the area.
I still enjoyed it and the sparse views from the top. Not a glimpse yet of Skiddaw or Blencathra. Boo. Stupid clouds.

Bleaberry Fell... kind of... false summit of :)

On Bleaberry Fell

Walked over the very unspectacular and fairly boggy (no wonder after all that rain plateau to High Seat. More clouds robbed me of any view at all so I started the at times steep and slippery descent. Again nice views of Dessert Water and the hills on its other side. Nice preview to tomorrow's walk!

On High Seat, Wainwright number 3 today

Derwent Water, wow.

After almost 8 miles without a break really I was getting a bit tired. The walk along Serpent Water was nice and being fairly hungry I managed to arrive just a few minutes after 3pm in Keswick and there was no pub or cafe that would serve me any food. Kitchen closed until 6pm. Ahhhhh!
Had a coffee instead and got some food for a chilli before I walked uphill back to the campsite.
I was indeed quite knackered, but had genuinely enjoyed the day. Three more Wainwright's off the list.
Shower and food later I felt quite refreshed and went for another local ale to the pub residing directly on the campsite. For the first time all day I even had some sunshine!

Plan on walking the hills on the Western side of Derwent Water to Buttermere tomorrow and back via a different route on Wednesday. At least tomorrow looks like the hilltops are mostly cloud free. Wednesday not so much. Uh well, can't have it all. Weather is gonna stay windy, cloudy and rainy for the next week or two. Yay... So better do what I can in a good weather window.

The plan for the next two days, 14 Wainwrights in a big loop

Hello Again Lake District

Finally here I have to say. What a day. Finished my application for a promotion in the morning, tidied up a bit, packed the last stuff and set off for Justice at 11:30am. How long would the drive be, my colleagues had asked me at work on Friday. Without traffic four hours, I had replied, I'm expecting five. I was quite a bit off the mark. With two accidents on the M6 it took me 7hrs. Seven!!! Google Maps sent me along some nice twisty country roads around Lancaster to avoid the worst and I have to admit I quite enjoyed that.

Quite expected the weather turned from sunny spells to heavy showers between the drizzle. That's why delaying my departure wasn't such a bad idea. Still, after such a long drive the first glimpse of the hills along the A66 when I was closing in to Keswick put a smile onto my face. Even though the higher ones had their tops - more like their upper half - hidden in the low clouds I just loved how their massive shapes surrounded me all of a sudden. My heart rejoices when I see hills. It is a sensation like no other. I immediately want to climb them. Admiring their majestic forms. A respectful visitor, almost careful as to not disturb them, hoping they'd be kind hosts.

I found Castlerigg Farm Camping straight away and it is a very nice one indeed. Nice flat pitching and a decent cafe on site which serves breakfast and evening meals alike.
I checked in for two nights. The weather is shite until tomorrow afternoon, so I'm doing a lower walk tomorrow.
Pitched quickly in a brief pause from the rain and decided to head into town. I just needed a walk. There is a nice looking pub literally a minute's walk from the campsite. I walked further into Keswick though taking a disused railway path half of the way.

View from the camp site

Found a nice bistro in town and had my first taste of a local beer: K5 is a wheat beer from a Keyword brewery and it is lush!!! Quite sweet and almost with a hint of banana. Loved it!!!

In fact I'm just about to finish it and then head back to the campsite before it gets dark. May check out that pub nearby though, hehe. Certainly earned my beers today.

Let's Go to Scotland!!!!... NOT

It's been a while since I've written something here. Well, if you call a month and a half "a while". To me it feels like it's been ages.

You might have guessed it by now... I'm off to somewhere soon and just let you know, because I am sooooo excited. I've got two weeks coming up from tomorrow on, just me, my car and my tent, collecting more munro tops in Scotland. Wait.... that was the ORIGINAL plan. I decided to take part in the IT maintenance works tomorrow. Some extra cash and stuff needs to be done, yeah, but I'd rather be on my way up North! Well... go Sat after work then? Nah, I'm in the middle of writing two applications for promotions at work, so can't really go without finishing them... or without knowing I definitely get Wi-Fi somewhere. ARG. Plus, I had to cut my holidays short by three days at the end to be able to make it to a video shoot.
So in order to save time (about three hours each way) and get the flexibility to just go into a cafe with Wi-Fi, I am now going back to the Lakes!!! Whooop, whooop! Just me, my car and my tent. This way I make the best out of the time I have, I am still flexible and there are 191 Wainwrights to tick off.

My Wainwright map. Blue ones done, red ones not.

So what is the plan? Well, there is none really. Leave early Sunday morning for Keswick, do half a day's walk nearby, then pitch at the campsite and enter a pub. Ha! For the following 10 days it's going to be a mix of day walks from the campsite, relocating somewhere else and multi-day walks connecting clusters of Wainwrights. I'll stay in area around Keswick and just decide what to do depending on weather and mood.

Better start packing now I guess. And then back to my applications.