.... and what a day we have had today. We set up from our campsite just outside Stonethwaite and merged back onto the trail which started us on our way Keswick. The weather was a little grey and cloudy and a few drops rain fell but not as bad as the first day. The view of Catbells was in the near distance and we were all quite excited to climb it....."If you don't climb the mountain, you don't get to see the view"
Our walk continued through some wonderful woodland and we eventually came to a lovely little village called Grange whet we stopped for a cup of tea whilst the rain passed. Once we had finished our tea we headed off again to Catbells and started the climb to the peak.
My knee held up well and we took our time climbing as the scenery was just mesmerising, and what we were blessed with was a 360 degree view of something rather special. We reached the peak in some high winds but it didn't take away the feeling of getting there, it really did feel like you were standing on top of the world!
As we descended we stopped for some lunch and it was not a bag place to stop at all, we were sheltered from the wind and it was probably the best place I have ever had super noodles....
Derwent water sparked in the sun as it rippled beneath us and the rest of the decent was remarkable as we took everything in around us on the way down. Having not seen the Lake District in all its glory before, for me it was a really inspiring experience.
The remainder of the walk was flat and ran along the side of Derwent water for a while before diverting away to take you round into Keswick. The backdrop was incredible and the sight of Skiddaw was rather intimidating but WOW! I will be certainly coming back to climb it. With the knee that way it is I don't want to aggravate it anymore so a 3000' climb would not be the best thing to do on our day of tomorrow :-)
We are now set up in Keswick overlooking the phenomenal Derwent water and the spectacle of two hawk fighter jets screaming through the valley was spine tingling. I really hope you enjoy the photos because as Russ had described you really have to see for yourself how great this place is, but at least these give you an idea of what we are so lucky to experience :-)
Great post and pics as usual Andrew, although I'm not going to ask about that first pic of Russ and Richard!
ReplyDeleteAmanda I'd thought you'd have realised what they were doing. Read the sign behind them :-) Andrew I'm so glad you're enjoying your trip - that wow feeling never does go away no matter how many times you look at the view - it's always different.
ReplyDeleteHoping your knee improves with your planned rest tomorrow.
Dawn xx
Ah of course! Should have realised ;-)
ReplyDeleteThey don't look like they are playing though they look mid waltz! :-D
ReplyDeleteMore stunning pics Andrew - how you and crooks have the energy to write such lengthy and descriptive blogs at the end of each day is beyond me! You're both very aware of your fans :-D lol.
Just saw the pic you put up this morning - well jel. Enjoy and have a great day x
Beautiful pictures again. Very jealous. Hope the knee holds up Andrew. Hopefully you'll have a more restful day today, perhaps a stroll round the 'Pencil Museum'!! :)xx
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