Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Walking in the Lake District 2012 - Day 1

Day 1 in the Lakes. Sun-03-Jun-12. Wansfell Pike (482m) and back via Troutbeck. Slightly longer than planned due to poor signage / dodgy navigation. Graded moderate, 8 miles in almost exactly 5 hours.

Wansfell Pike - Stockghyll Force
Stockghyll Force waterfall

This is the first serious walking we have done since Lands End to Penzance last October and the first since Mary's bunion operation. So this was a test of both fitness and capability; plus the first use of the boots I bought Mary for Christmas. The fact that Mary was still recovering from a very bad cold wasn't going to stop her!

Wansfell Pike - summit
Wansfell Pike summit

The ascent was fine with excellent views back down towards Lake Windermere.

Wansfell Pike - Lake Windermere
View of Lake Windermere

Lunch was at the Mortal Man Inn in Troutbeck and then the return leg where it all went a little pear-shaped.

Wansfell Pike - Local resident
A local peers at us

We were so busy admiring the locals that we missed the path and went uphill to try and pick it up again. Big mistake! Eventually picked up the right path again half an hour and an extra mile later.

Wansfell Pike - High Skelghyll
High Skelghyll

After that it was a smooth run back through woodland and a photo opportunity at Jenkin Crag.

Wansfell Pike - Jenkin Crag
Jenkin Crag

Mary did fine but one of the screws from her bunion operation is a little proud and the boots were not forgiving so there was some pain. The surgeon has said that it is a minor procedure to correct it and this proves that it will be necessary.

The evening meal was  at the excellent Hooked seafood restaurant. We found it by wandering around town and although fully booked was able to squeeze us in a table by the door. Fresh fish and a sign in the window that said "We do not do fish and chips!" - it is a far classier restaurant than that.

No comments: