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Jack Prime (Technolog) and I will be meeting up on 2nd September at St Bees just south of Whitehaven in Cumbria. Our mission is to complete the Coast to Coast Walk from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood Bay on the North Sea near Whitby.

Distances quoted vary on different sites from 192 miles to 200 miles in distance (by our measurement for our route chosen it is approx. 196 miles) across  England through 3 National Parks - Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors..

This is probably the best site for route and general info.

http://walkingplaces.co.uk/c2c/route.htm

We plan to complete this over 15 days – 3rd September to 17th September which includes a 2 day break at Richmond midway through.

We shall mostly be wild camping, working a 2 night out, one night (b&b) in rota.

We thought it a good idea to record our trip here for ease of updating when we can and are aware that a few on the forum would be interested in our efforts to do this, some in the hope that we fail, but most to encourage us on our way and the fact that the blondites like a good story. Hopefully we can provide just that. Having good access to the forum is not guaranteed but we will be trying our utmost to keep you all updated as often as we can, this may even be done through 3rd parties.

Why?

I’ll let Jack answer for himself, however for me it’s quite simple. As most of you know I am an ex Infantry SNCO and completed 23years service in 2001. Since then I have done very little to continue to challenge myself and probably had no reason to. I maintained a decent level of fitness by continuing to play football/basketball for a few years but a knee injury put an end to that a couple of years ago.

Since 2001 I have been employed with a Pensions company as an administrator/trainer/mentor and especially over the last couple of years have been totally engrossed by work and I got lazy.

The blonde walking club thread was stuck up in September last year and I seen this from Jack:

"Right, now I've been outted as a saddo (again), I'm going to be doing the Coast to Coast walk sometime next year. I imagine most of you have heard of it; it's around a 200 mile stroll from St Bees in the west to Robin Hood's Bay in the east, taking in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors."

How could I resist. Having had a good look around the various sites for this and garnered enough info I cleared it with Mrs Geo, booked the time off in advance and then let Jack know I was interested. So we’ve been preparing since then, slowly at first and with increasing frequency within the last month or so, details of preparation to follow. Question or flame away.

Geo

glglgl

Thanks Vinny.

Over the next few days we will list details of preparations - itinerary - packing lists and details of preparatory walks done with photos. We obviously intend to include lots of photos during our walk.

Geo

souds like it will be a great time

GL both

Have you done any specific training for this?

gl and have a great time chaps!

Good luck with this gents, looks a cool idea

Any charity involved? If so, post a link to a justgiving page!

Best of British.

Hi Del, hope the family are all well.

Wouldn't be attempting something like this straight off the bat at my age.

For my part I am extremely lucky to live just beneath the Pentland Hill range here in Edinburgh. I have been using some of the routes there as practice.

My pack is almost complete so I have been walking to and from work for a while now carrying close to the equivalent weight I will be on the walk. The distance to work from home is 3.6 miles and covering this very comfortably in 45-50 mins.

Jack and I have had a wee private forum running for a while were we have arranged everything from accom to kit to transport arrangements. We have also done a couple of trip reports of walks done.

I will copy a couple over tonight when I get finished at work.

Geo

We haven't actually discussed whether we were going to charitise this Dan. I'm not the biggest fan of shoving charities into people's faces as you probably know. Personally I have 3 charities where I have a standing monthly amount debited to and help the wife on her yearly spots collecting here at work but apart from that the odd case that I feel needs my donation and hopefully not swallowed up by admin fees.

Any thoughts Jack?

I know Mo will hate me for saying but if anything, possible donations to the Reece fund, after all his thread has given us here at blonde as much drama, joy, frustration and at times sadness as any.

Thoughts please

Geo

Good Luck chaps
And have fun

GL with this...I can see Geo grind this out as he's a hard b*****d but Jack needs to lose a few lbs as he's a soft, cuddly, chubby monkey. :)

In on page 1.

Looks interesting Geo, will be following. Ive always liked the way you sign off every post with your name. I think in your honour we should all do the same in this thread.

Alex

As you would have seen recently, he's not the chubby loveable rogue we once knew...........just a lovable rogue now

One bonus though, I doubt I'll have to suffer the sight of that orange fleece of his, unless he intends using it as his basha  ;)

Geo

I seriously need to stop making pizzas   ::)

Thanks Alex,

It actually tilts one person that I know of, which doesn't bother me as most of his posts tilt me anyway. Mpower does the same with his regards and I quite like it, adds a wee bit of uniqueness (is that a legit word?)

Geo

siiiiiiiiiggghhhhhhhhhhh,

haven't seen him since Newcastle, please don't let the orange fleece be a possibility. I have a nice Green Karrimor one that should fit him perfectly well. I'll bring it with me. It's actually a cracking jacket, deliberately bought about 3 sizes too big to fit over my gear to keep me warm during the cold Gulf nights

Geo

Wow, what a wonderful thing to do.

I might just add this to my Bucket List for next year. I adore the North Yorkshire Moors, & the Yorkshire Dales & visit frequently, but I'm a bit of a stranger to the Lake District.

I wish you well with this, & can't wait to see the photos & trip reports.

What an awesome thing to do!

FYP.

Can everyone please start signing off their posts itt?!

Alex

GL, have a good time :)

Paul

looks like a good challenge and very enjoyable best of luck

Lee

Well, when I first mooted the idea it seemed like an simple stroll, more of a relaxing holiday than a feat of endurance deserving charitable donations and I'd have been embarrassed to ask. I'd done a few multi-day walks between 80 & 110 miles and I was a couple of stone lighter and correspondingly fitter. I was hoping I'd be 15st or less when we headed off from St Bees - damn those home-made pizzas  :tikay: - but I'll be comfortably above the 16st mark it seems :).

Still, I've done a few 17 mile walks recently and am happy enough with my fitness, completing it in just under 5 hours which is pretty good going for walking through fields & woods and climbing over stiles.

So I'm happy enough to ask people to pledge money per mile or to simply make a donation. The Reece idea is a good one. Perhaps we could each set up a Justgiving page for a charity of our choice too. We'd probably struggle to make £100 but every little helps I suppose. I'd probably go for the British Heart Foundation as my mom mum died of a heart attack.

Have no fear you hirsute, German dwarf. I'm gonna eat this! Along with everything else :)

What day are you hitting Richmond for your two day stopover?

In  rotflmfao

Seriously though, great idea, have fun, should definitely do it for a charity imo.

Raymond

Ger had already expressed interest in meeting up with us somewhere along the route some time ago, there are a couple of others done likewise. Here is our plan with dates, night stops and b&b details on the days we stay in. If you feel you would like to join us somewhere along the way feel free to give us a shout and we can arrange more accurate details.

Not too good at the old formatting maybe a kind MOD with the ability could tidy it up thanks.

Date                                 Start                                              Finish                                 Accommodation   Notes
02/09/2011   Fri      Meet-up                                              St Bees                                  Tomlin Guest House
   
03/09/2011   Sat      St Bees                                              Ennerdale Bridge                  Out   

04/09/2011   Sun      Ennerdale Bridge                              Rosthwaite                          Out   

05/09/2011   Mon      Rosthwaite                                              Patterdale                          Home Farm   

06/09/2011   Tue      Patterdale                                              Bampton                                  Out
   
07/09/2011   Wed      Bampton                                              Newbigging on Lune          Out   

08/09/2011   Thu      Newbigging on Lune                              Keld                                  Keld Lodge   

09/09/2011   Fri      Keld                                                      Reeth                                  Out   

10/09/2011   Sat      Reeth                                              Richmond                          Frenchgate Guest House

11/09/2011   Sun      Richmond                                              Richmond                          Frenchgate Guest House   Halfway stopover

12/09/2011   Mon      Richmond                                              Danby Wiske                          Out   

13/09/2011   Tue      Danby Wiske                                      Carlton Bank                          Out   

14/09/2011   Wed      Carlton Bank                                      Church Houses                  Feversham Arms Inn   

15/09/2011   Thu      Church Houses                                      Grosmont                          Out   

16/09/2011   Fri      Grosmont                                              High Hawsker                          Out   

17/09/2011   Sat      High Hawsker                                      Robin Hoods Bay                  Northcliff B&B

18/09/2011   Sun      Robin Hoods Bay                              Depart   -   -

Geo

As well as the daily jaunt to and from work, I have been making use of the Pentland Hill range, an area I know well from my Army days. There is a military training and range area within the hills with many walks of varying degrees of difficulty throughout. To follow are 2 of the trip reports I did with pics. Ideally Jack and I hope to update throughout the walk with similar.

Swanston - Allermuir - Castlew - Turnhouse Hill and return (approx 14 miles)

Weather was blazing and put in a few additonal stops that I normally wouldn't have. Left at 10 and was back for 5:30 so all in 7 1/2 hours although I did spend about an hour at top of Castlelaw having lunch and chatting to a young Chinese lady who was part of a group on a guided walk.

The leader of the group didn't have much clue about the area and landmarks so I sat with my map and burdened the young lady with stories of the area and my times in these hills. All the while her mum (I think) was constantly taking photos of the both of us. I didn't even think to give them my email address to get some of the photos sent on................doh!!

Got some half decent photos although I only had my phone with me.

First stage from Swanston to Allermuir. Swanston is about 20 min walk from my home and is a good start point at the foot of the Pentlands.

I had decided to take the direct routes up Allermuir and Castlelaw as I knew they would be a good test.

The pic is the start up Allermuir

Geo

At the top of Allermuir sits a trig point and also a cairn, on top of which is a metal dial with pointers to all the various landmarks and major hills that could be viewed from this point. The views, both to Edinburgh and also into the Pentland Range were outstanding.

Geo

The dial on top of the Cairn, Jack assures me it's called a toposcope

Geo

Stage 2:

The view from Allermuir to my next stop on Castlelaw

Geo

Part way from Allermuir to Castlelaw

Geo

The top of Castlelaw.

Have a bit of history with this wee bothy. It's a basic breeze block "sentry box." The pole has a Red flag on it which is raised whenever the Army are live firing on the ranges at the bottom of the other side of the hill. There are also 2 red lights atop the pole which are switched on when night time firing is happening.

I spent many lonely hours stuck up there as during live firing a sentry is posted at the top in case walkers stray a bit too close. The biggest problem was that most range days were cold, wet and windy and atop the highest hill in that area the effects were doubled.

Geo

Had my lunch here, nice strong and sweet brew with a slice of my own-made Toffee cake.

Geo

View of the next stage down to Glencorse Reservoir and on to Turnhouse Hill. There is actually a Chapel that is now submerged beneath the reservoir

http://www.skt.org.uk/CJdeM1314/Glencorse_Chapel.html

Geo

Information posts for walkers passing through the military range area.

Geo

Just me for those who want to put a face to the name.

Geo

gl with this guys

Hugh

On this trip I set off carrying a lighter pack as the forecast for later wasn't too good and I could get off the hills quicker if needs be.

I decided to start at Bonaly and take the low route to Glencorse reservoir and then return on the route I did last week - Castlelaw - Allermuir and home.

About a 2 mile walk to the start point at Bonaly

Geo

Looking back to Edinburgh from Bonaly

Geo

The reservoir at Bonaly

Geo

This is part of the Pentland Path. There are literally hundreds of paths crossing the Pentland ranges with some great walks.

Geo

The route from Bonaly Reservoir to Glencorse is fairly flat so decided to run for the best part of the run, obviously not an option if I had been carrying the larger pack

Geo

Reading Geo's preparation is impressive.

Jack - Good luck lad (-_-) he's running on the flat bits....

This route took me past the other side of Castlelaw, the dot on top is the bothy and flagpole I stopped off at last week for lunch

Geo

Glencorse Reservoir, quite like this pic

Geo

To the other side of Glencorse Reservoir is what the Army call the 5 peaks challenge. Turnhouse Hill - Carnethy Hill - Scald Law - Hare Hill - Black Hill. A route they use on the commanders courses and a real test for the soldiers with full packs and a time limit.

Would like to walk this before C2C but will only attempt if the weather is decent. Large peaks and very barren with little cover. Weather forecast looks decent for the weekend so may give this a go.

Geo

From Glencorse to Castlelaw I cut through a wooded area that we used to use many years ago to set up a dry training CQBR (close quarter battle range) Looks like todays soldiers are still doing the same

Geo

I have always passed this place named Castlelaw Fort but never visited it as expected to see just a bunch of rubble. The Fort is gone but these underground chambers/cellars remain. Quite impressive when I think of the age of them

Geo

Main entrance to the chambers

Geo

Passageway inside, off of which are small underground storage chambers

Geo

Inside one of the chambers, quite difficult to get a good pic

Geo

The shooting ranges at the bottom of Castelaw

Geo

Castlelaw to Allermuir route

Geo

At the top of Allermuir I stopped off for a brew and another slice of my immense toffee loaf. Decided to take this, a slightly different route than I would normally. Half way down I found out why it's not such a popular route as it was very steep and I ended on my arse 3 times.

Geo

Bloody hell Geo! For someone who wasn't sure they wanted to do a thread on our exploits you've certainly picked it up and run with it!

Jack

Am heading back up the hills at the weekend. Forecast is pretty good so I'll be looking at staying out overnight. This will give me practice in putting up the Basha so I can get pics to Jack of what his accommodation will be for the most of next month. No gardening or power washers required.

Apart from a couple of items I am fully packed and been walking the last couple of weeks with this re-acclimatising to the weight and am happy that I've been able to stick to the middle size pack (about 55/60 litre) and currently only weighs about 9k. Once complete with food and water am estimating 12/13k.

Geo

I'll be fine. I'll have put 75 miles in over the course of 5 weeks after this weekend and I'm gonna do a daily 4 miles starting Monday too. I'm a bit heavier than I'd like but the fitness and stamina are there.

Oops, wanted to get as much up before Saturday as I'll probaly be gone till Sunday night, apologies and over to you.

Geo

No need to apologise yer fool, I'm pleased you're posting so much. Just hope we get a decent signal along the way so we can post as much at the time.

Gotta give you props for your route planning looks great, although you are going 200 bloody miles so I guess some parts are going to look good - enjoy yourselves, something you can be pretty proud to say you done.

Really? That's how long it took?

That's nothing, I've started giving out to people too.

Oh and gfy

:)

Setting off tomorrow on a bit of a toughie.

Forecast is pretty good, but hoping there might be a wee bit of a breeze to help keep me cool.

Will be setting off and completing the first route detailed earlier on the thread. Allermuir - Castlelaw - Glencorse Reservoir.

From there I will continue up along the 5 peaks of Turnhouse - Carnethy - Scald Law - East Kip - West Kip

From there I will move down to a wooded area named Kips Wood where I will Bivi up overnight  and then return via the reverse route on Sunday

Scald Law will be the highest point at 579 metres, just under 1900 feet.

I attach a map with the route marked in red for those interested.

Hopefully I can put up a good trip report on my return on Sunday.

Have a good weekend

Geo

That looks pretty tough Geo - but fun! How far is it?

I wish we had some bigger peaks round here. The highest in Leicestershire is Bardon Hill at 278m (912ft). I'm doing my usual 17½ mile 'training' route this morning which takes in Bradgate Park, the highest point of which is nearly 200m (656ft).

I should have listened to Aesop. Set off like a hare and got overtaken by the tortoise about 3 miles from home. I was running on fumes when I got home. Still did the 17½ miles in 5 hours including the coffee & cake stop (a cheeky little slice of raspberry-topped cheesecake) which is only 5 minutes slower than my best. That's an average walking speed of 3.7 mph which is way faster than we'll be going on the Coast to Coast. With all the scenery to gawp at and take photos of we'll be having regular stops too. We're doing an average of 14 miles per day and there's no reason why we can't take 8 hours to do it. So, while I'm sure it's going to be tough in spots, I'm confident I'm fit enough to get it done without too much bother.

That's my last big walk before we set off on September 2nd. We're away next weekend for the APAT WCOAP at Dusk Till Dawn. I'm going to do a little route of nearly 4 miles near home every day, just to get a few more miles on the clock and make sure I'm ready.

And I promise to try not to make pizzas before ya go.

I'm not sure how heavy it was Lee. Certainly not very; jacket, hat, 1 litre of water, long-sleeved top, some batteries and a few odds & sods - let's say about 5kg.

17½ miles in 4.75 hours Lee ffs!

Good Luck with this both of you!

reenot

You'll be carrying between 11/12kg and for good parts of the C2C we are quite often climbing to 400/500m. Be prepared for 9-10 hour days.

This weekends trip report to follow should give you some idea of what we face.

Geo

This weekends trip as expected, was to prove a bit of a toughie. Walked over to Flotterstone by Glencorse Reservoir via route previously posted. My start point for the 2nd leg was the Ranger/Information station at Flotterstone.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/001.jpg)


Each day they post details of expected weather etc and it would be here that any warnings of potential hazards, bad weather and such are posted daily. Todays was decent weather with a bit of a breeze especially at the higher peaks which was to prove the case.

Whilst having the breeze hoped for I remained conscious of the fact that this can be deceiving for those not covering themselves against the sun. The breeze obviously lessens the feeling of the heat on the body but does not stop the rays reaching you and far too often people are burnt and then wonder how come as they hadn't really felt the heat of the sun.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/002.jpg)

First big challenge of the day - Turnhouse Hill. Steep climb rising to 506 metres to the cairn just beyond.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/005.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/006.jpg)

Good luck with this!

Isn't traditional to take a stone from the West beach and deposit it on the beach at the end?

Thanks Robert,

We're taking the stones back from East to West, always like to restore the balance  ;)

Geo

This is the view from half way up Turnhouse back to Castlelaw and the range area. Stopping to take photos is a great way of hiding that you're blowing out your arse and need a rest.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/008.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/009.jpg)

There is a similar albeit smaller ridge which runs parallel to this route at the other side of the valley

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/011.jpg)

The route to Carnethy Hill

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/012.jpg)


(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/013.jpg)

The view from Carnethy back towards the Bonaly route I completed last week

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/015-1.jpg)

From Carnethy Hill looking back to Turnhouse

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/017-1.jpg)

They call it a cairn, much more a dumping of stones at the top of Carnethy

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/022-1.jpg)

Loganlea Reservoir from Carnethy and with anglers out for a days fishing

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/020-1.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/018-1.jpg)

Carnethy to Scald Law. This was to the highest point of my walk, it certainly wasn't the hardest part.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/023-1.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/024-1.jpg)

From the bottom of Scald Law. The pics don't do it that much justice as when the sun hits it's a blaze of purple heather, however a prolific spot for these damn flying ants. Where did these things come from? I can't remember them so much when I used to tab these hills a few years back.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/025-1.jpg)

Half way up Scald Law looking back to Carnethy. Looks quite daunting, cover me I'm going in. If I don't post again after an hour sound out a search party

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/029-1.jpg)

The top of Scald Law, thought the hardest part was done, very bad read on the map reading, although I had only really looked at the map to plot the route for the post on Friday. That said, it was a route I had done as a young soldier I had been to "The Kips" before.

It did afford me the opportunity to get the silly hat pic, obligatory to walking threads. Taken by a Polish lad I spoke to at the top.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/030-1.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/031.jpg)

A look back across the route completed so far

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/032.jpg)

The route to East and West Kip. The climb up both of these are much steeper than anything previous and was a real teeth gritting period for me. At this point I was obviously tiring but knew I was on the final part of the route. I wasn't stopping for many more photos during this phase

Scald Law to East Kip

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/034-1.jpg)

Looking back to Scald Law from East Kip


(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/035-1.jpg)

From the top of East Kip, the route to West Kip, last part of my journey

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/036-1.jpg)

Doh!

From West Kip down to Kip Woods, Geo's version of Day's Inn

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/041-1.jpg)

Got myself into the woods and took about 15 minutes looking for a decent spot to camp down. Once I found the spot I cleared the area of any fallen branches and stones, checked for any beastie nests etc and started preparing for my stay.

My Basha kit. DPM Groundsheet and a few bunjees

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/060.jpg)

Sleeping kit. Lightweight sleeping bag and a goretex Bivi bag, once correctly rolled up and fastened, not much bigger that a drinking flask

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/064.jpg)

Put them together and we are ready for a good nights kip once the admin for the day is complete. I have deliberately raised the Basha a bit more than normal to get a decent pic of the set up

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/047.jpg)

The regards thing tilts me but signing off doesn't even though I don't see a massive need for it since every poster has their name on each post. Luckily I have no idea which poster it is who's posts tilt you :P

Good luck with the walk, sounds great.

Admin:

Typical routine is to get the shelter and sleeping bay sorted out then onto hygiene. As my evening meal was going to take 25-30 minutes cooking I decided to prepare the food first and once it was cooking, get down to the hygiene.

My cooking kit:

Stove

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/048.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/049.jpg)

Cooking pot with lid that doubles as a frying pan

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/050.jpg)

My meal of choice tonight was chicken and sweetcorn soup. Ingredients - 3 chicken thighs pre-prepared in a sealed bag before I left home with garlic, mixed herbs, salt and pepper to which I added spring onion and sweetcorn. I also carried a bag of rice 2 chicken stock cubes and water.

I had carried a flask of tea and a flask of drinking water as well as 2 bottles of Lucozade sport. I kept one of the Lucozade bottles and filled with water from a stream on route, this is the water I used for the cooking. Where possible I always avoid drinking water straight from the stream but when required as drinking water will always boil and allow to cool or use puritabs although the tabs tend to chlorify the water and taste horrble.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/051.jpg)

Inside the bag I also had a slice of lard for frying off the chicken

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/052.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/053.jpg)

Once browned I added the rice, stock cubes, sweetcorn and spring onions and covered in water

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/055.jpg)

I then covered and left to simmer away for about 25 minutes whilst I set the table

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/056.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/058.jpg)

This left me plenty of time to clean up and change out of my walking boots into a pair of light trainers after having checked my feet for any blisters (none thankfully) and powder them. I'll spare you those pics.

By this time my evening meal was ready

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/059.jpg)

Apologies to Alex for the meagre table setting, however I wasn't going to risk breaking the crystal.

How often have you been caught out thinking a certain person had posted on a thread and at a later time realised it wasn't them because you had went by the avatar, not realising they had changed there avatar to match someone else's?

I have, especially when at one point half the forum were sporting your pic as an avatar, why anyone would have done that is beyond me............. ;nana;

Geo

After eating I had a wee wander as the sun started to settle in the hope of maybe seeing some sort of wildlife, nothing to report bar a few cows and sheep. I did come across this mushroom though. At first I thought it had been knocked upside down, however it appeared to be fairly set in the ground and growing this way............any ideas?

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/042.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/043.jpg)

I settled down and got a decent nights kip, waking a couple of times through the night but managing to drop off again quite quickly. There was a wee bit of rain during the night that wasn't any bother either.

I got up about 6 and prepared my breakfast. Black pudding, Lorne sausage, link sausage and egg.

The egg was tricky as I didn't have a spatula so opted to half scramble it and it was ok. Ended up with a triple decker roll (Lorne/Black Pudding and egg) with a single sausage on the side (cue Geo likes a sausage on the side puns.)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/061.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/062.jpg)

I then started off on the return journey which you can view by going backwards through the report. I did go down to the road and took a few pics of the ridge from the side detailing the route.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/065.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/066.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/067.jpg)

Hope everyone had as an enjoyable and productive weekend as I did and thanks for viewing

Geo

Fantastic report Geo! I'm raring to go now.

Been asked what boots I have. I have 2 pairs. One are leather Neebee (company no longer exist) I've had since about 1999 and are quite heavy, good for short wintry trips. The other are a pair of Goretex walking boots that I got for £20 from the sale at Mountain Warehouse the make is Outdoor Essentials.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/070.jpg)

Geo

Puts the "Rate my Fry up thread" on a new scale :)

Absolute Quality Geo

Good stuff so far Geo,all the best to you both for the C2C.

Great Read, Abs Quality

Fantastic read Geo.

Thanks for sharing your adventures. I particularly enjoyed the picture of a mushroom next to what appears to be a small pile of shit.

Matt

TBH I giggled a bit once I seen the full photo after uploading.

we have a saying when communication is bad and we are not being kept in the loop or receiving very litlle information:

Feel like a mushroom.................kept in the dark and fed on shit.

Geo

Great read, the sort of thing I should get off my butt and do! Loved the line i've quoted, it made me giggle alot.


What's the skills to pack a large rucksack with so much stuff? how do you order it, by weight/likelihood of needing it etc?!

Very good question to be honest mate as a lot of people don't think about it and it can lead to frustration and at times loss of kit. They pack things they will always need at the bottom and end up having to empty their whole rucksack and inevitably lose stuff.

I try to compartmentalise to type of equipment i.e keep all cooking gear together, sleeping system together etc.

I have been using a 50 litre daysack as shown in a previous post and had it packed as below. However I am probably going to use an 85 litre one I have as I'll need to carry a bit more than I have been as mostly I have just been doing overnight trips at most. Currently carrying 9/10kgs but will probs have between 12/14kgs for the walk.

Left side pouch

Cooking stove, utensils, meal and water maybe chocolate bars/sweets

Right side pouch - Headtorch, torch, wooly hat, gloves, neckwarmer/mossy protector combo (all things I may need quick easy access to) more chocolate bars/sweets

Main pack - from bottom to top (try to pack least likely to be used at the bottom most likely to use to top)

Spare clothing including socks/underwear x2 and a pair of light trainer type shoes - working on the principal of wearing 1 set, a set for the wash and a spare set (if that makes sense)

Cooking pots

Sleeping system

Waterproofs

Flasks of Tea/water

Pouch on top of daysack holds my washing kit/first aid kit and the odd accessory where applicable (Currently a cigarette tin and mini tripod for my camera which I've still to use but have plans for on the walk)

Hopefully gives a general idea and obviously try to balance the weight in left and right pouches.

Here is our basic packing list.



Daily Wear

Thermal shirt or Norwegian or T shirt
Underwear, soft cotton
Trousers lightweight – preferably walking type, not jeans and windproof if possible
Good thick socks
Waterproof walking boots (ankle high minimum, preferably not shoe type)

Weather Dependant

Fleece jacket/Softie/windproof smock
or
Waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers if wet
Hat – lightweight cap for normal to warm days, woollen hat for wet/cold days
Gloves x2 (1 lightweight usually wool/cotton and one heavyweight waterproof pair for those wetter/colder days)


In Rucksack

Spare clothing

I usually carry x2 of the daily wear (less boots)
Spare cap/hat
Spare fleece/Softie/Windproof smock
Lightweight shoes usually trainer type, not quite full trainer but more than a plimsoll
(I get the boots off at end of day and wear these throughout the night)
Set of clothes for the days off (Jeans/Polo shirt/Jumper)

Bedding

Basha
1 x sleeping bag with 1 x Bivi bag (with a bivi bag the need for a cumbersome sleeping bag is reduced.)
Sleeping mat (still to get)

Cooking

Stove (I carry merely a stove top which screws directly to gas canister)
Gas canisters x2
Mess tins/pots x2
Eating utensils I have a metal fold away set with various attachments, screwdriver and the like (I have a few plastic sporks for emergencies)

Washing

2 x towels (the camping travel ones that you can almost immediately wring dry are best)
Wash bag containing:
Soap
Shampoo
Flannel
Toothpaste/Toothbrush
Foot powder or spray (have found Mycil powder/sprays to be best)
Good pair of scissors

Other accessories

Torch
Head torch
Small medical kit (mostly headache tablets/aspirin, plasters, antiseptic cream and bandage material)
Mossy repellent
2 x Flasks and another metal water flask

Maps
Compass      All of these usually carried on person
GPS
Whistle
Binoculars
Swiss Army knife (I have the discovery which is small enough with enough attachments)

Those pics and descriptions were great to read. I love reading about someones expertise in a field you know nothing about yourself.

Thanks

Me too!

:)

cute little meaty robot face imo :)

Looks a bit like Vinny tbh

Geo has more stuff in his bag than I have in my room lol

Paul

+1


I'm a big fan of camping just don't go very often. Thanks for the breakdown, v interesting!

Glad I wasn't the only one to think this.

no need to diss the robot, dude.

(http://www.4outof10.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/sacha-baron-cohen-bruno.jpg)

ahaaaahaha I was thinking of doing something like that myself or of putting 'camping it up' crossed out but I decided to be mature and instead you've lowered this thread!!!


I say

(http://bigrab.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/carry_on_camping300.jpg)

Someone (not mentioning names) stepped on a wasp the other night.  The wasp kicked his arse.  Or toe, as the case may be. 

(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Laxie/IMAG0514.jpg)


Wee comparison shot....

(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Laxie/IMAG0516.jpg)


Injured party has been to the doc today and should be ok in time for his 2 weeks of walking.  Proberly.

Not sure whats worse the camp pic or Jacks tootsies

Geo

Notice the white speck of paint in the corner?  Turns out I'm not the only one around here who gets paint on their feet.

My bad, I was thinking he had done a bad job of nail varnish removal before the pic was taken  :)up

Geo

Just taken possession of 4 Army ration packs to be packed for emergencies, in case due to really bad weather it is safer for Jack and I to remain in situ for a while. It's enough grub for 2 days (and probs more tbh.) Supplied by a good mate of mine along with a few additional items that will come in very handy.

The menus?

Vegetarian all day breakfast

Tuna in Light Mayonnaise

Lamb Tajine (Halal)

Chicken with Dahl (Halal)

Mushroom Omelette

Fruit and Oats snack bar

And some of the old favourites - chocolate bar, boiled sweets and additional "sundries" tea/chocolate drink/coffee/whitener/windproof matches and striker.

How times change.

The Sarge in his day had to do with

Oatmeal block/porage
Compo sausages that where more cereal than meat
Bacon grill, basically a horrible salty packed pork leftovers type block of disgustingness
Beans and Sausage
Processed cheese (again digustingly bad)
Dehydrated egg powder thingy that was just about the worst thing I ever had the misfortune to eat.

But hey, at least the old hard tack biscuits are still there.

Who says the soldiers have it tough these days?   :P


Geo

Lol, guts like iron you must have Lee. Couldn't eat half the crap in my time, bonus is I retain this slight frame  ;whistle;

Geo

All 31 maps for the walk printed out twice - once with the route marked on and once without - and laminated back to back.

All packed and ready to go. Train at 12:15 tomorrow getting to St Bees about 15:36, Jack gets there about an hour later.

Tomorrow night will be spent rechecking and probably repacking and transposing info to the main maps we will be using.


(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/009-1.jpg)

More than likely every couple of days for updates dependant on web availability.

Geo

reason for stick please? dodgy knees, balance, weapon, looking cool or litter picking

[ ] Jack has packed too...

(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Laxie/IMAG0517.jpg)

Sigh.

Banning ye from phone calls tonight until he's totally packed and ready.

Jack and I spoke about this last night, I only carry the one as my right knee is the dodgy one and it helps take the weight off a bit in the steeper climbs. I did also mention I can use it as a weapon as a joke, in reality it can be used for various things including hunting/fishing, basha pole and I'm sure you can think of a few more.

Geo

Lol,

I did tell him to just make sure he had everything he was to bring and just stuff it in as we'll need to repack his once I give him the stuff I am bringing for him.

Geo

And if that big orange thing is the mat and can't go to half that size at least, I'd tell him to dig out the receipt and return it  ;D

Geo

photos of you hunting with stick required please

in fact will you be doing any trapping, hunting, fishing or foraging?

That wee orange thing rolled up and safely tucked away in it's carry case?  It's meant to be smaller again than that?  Uh oh.  Looks like he'll be carrying more than you on this trip because I don't see him going without it.  lol

What's the weather forecast?I guess this make a difference to the challenge/enjoyment of the trip.

glglglgl take loads of photos please.

Nothing like that planned Gats, although given the opportunity it could be fun

Geo

comfort blanket?

Only looked at the next 5 days and Saturday is the wettest which is our first day which is probably the easiest day of the trip. Weather shouldn't make any difference unless it makes it too risky on a climb.

Jack has produced some cracking maps with various alternate routes which will assist if we need to change tack.

Geo

Should be ok but ask him if it can be folded outwith the bag to a reasonable size. As it is it looks about the size of 6/8 gas cannisters as seen in pic

Geo

Just checked and it's deffo the size of 4 of his gas cannisters so will point him this direction when he gets home from work.

Thats ok, maybe just the way it looks in the pic.

Geo

Right, here is everything I'm taking (in the seemingly unlikely event I can fit it all in my rucksack :)):

Walking Gear

Rucksack 65+15 litre
Boots
3 x walking socks
3 x walking trousers
2 x long-sleeved T-shirts
2 x short-sleeved T-shirts
Sun hat (we live in hope)
Balaclava (but we're realists)
Thinsulate woolen gloves
Waterproof gloves
Coat

Camping gear

Sleeping mat (confirmed to be the volume of 4 gas canisters approx)
2 x C500 gas canisters
1 x stove top for above
Insect repellant
First aid kit
Folding trowel
Penknife
Toilet roll
Baby wipes
Travel towel
Water purifying tablets
2 x 24" bungee cords

Other clothing

1 x walking trousers
1 x T-shirt
1 x pair of thin socks
Pair of light trainers
3 x pairs of boxers

Toiletries

Soap
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Foot powder
Razor
Flannel

Navigational gear

Handheld GPS
Silva compass
32 A4 laminated maps, double-sided (identical but with route marked on one side only
OL33 &OL34 OS Coast to Coast strip maps (out of date but could be useful)
Coast to Coast Path guidebook by Henry Stedman
A Coast To Coast Walk by A.Wainwright
Navigation pocket book (to back-up Geo's tuition)

Miscellaneous

Mains phone charger
Battery powered phone charger (takes 4 x AA batteries)
30 x AA batteries (for GPS & phone charger)
16 x AAA batteries for LED head torch (with Geo atm)
2 x 2 litre water bottles
4 x 500 millilitre water bottles
2 x waterproof rucksack liners
2.5 litre tupperware container
Camera
Spare battery for camera (seem to last forever - may not need it)
Memory stick with maps in pdf form
Ear plugs
Reading glasses
Phone
Cash, debit & credit cards
2 x Chapsticks
Train tickets
SPF30 sun cream (yes, I know)
2 x spare memory cards for phone

Optional - full size paper OS maps 1:25K covering the whole route

Imma mostly giggle lots watching him try to cram it all in his bag.

The bag is packed...kind of.
(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Laxie/IMAG0518.jpg)

Reason for 'kind of'?  So far it weighs about 40lbs and Jack still hasn't filled the 2 - 2 litre bottles with water yet.  He also needs to add the things Geo is bringing to him.  Reckon it'll going to be a whopper when he's officially packed.

Ah well...least he's still smiling...

(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Laxie/IMAG0521.jpg)

So, it all kicks off today, heading to the train station in a couple of hours and meet up with Jack this afternoon at St Bees. An evening of last minute re-packing and off we go.

A wee preview of us at St Bees

Geo

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHjT-TEqLBs

;goodluck;

Have a great time.  Nice of you to pack those ear plugs for Geo as well Jack ;)

All ready. Just waiting for a lift to the station from my mate.

Hoping to post updates at regular intervals along the trek but we're at the mercy of reportedly patchy phone coverage. Posting pics might be even more of a problem. The camera on my phone packed up a couple of weeks ago and Geo doesn't have (cheap) internet access on his. We'll be taking plenty but not sure how many we'll be able to post till we're back.

I did mention ear plugs to Geo but he didn't seem to think he'd need 'em. We'll see :)

I'm really looking forward to it, especially the wild camping (said like a true noob!) and the Lakeland sections. So much to look forward to but they're the highlights for me.

Good luck to us both.

Have fun guys

I'm sure you'll find some pubs on the way with wi-fi so you can upload pics - make sure you do!!

GL and enjoy.

When you complete the UK Coast to Coast, is the US one next on your list?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Discovery_Trail

We're underway. Currently sat on a train passing Uttoxeter racecourse on the way to St Bees.

that looks awesome

Next trip

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/34/other-other-topics/i-hiked-pacific-crest-trail-903537/

some good pics

Very nice... it's the camping that would put me right off. Walking through the wilderness is one thing, sleeping in a tent and not having a hot shower every day is quite another.

George has arrived and I'm 20 minutes away.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/2011-09-02_154701.jpg)

Safe and sound at Ger's.  Liver will probably disagree before long, but nvm.  lol  Have a fab trip Lads and take loads of pics!  x

Arrived on schedule, donned the rucksack bergen for the first time and yomped the half  mile to the digs. After redistributing kit, repacking and filling water bottles, it is now officially 'heavy'.

I estimate it weighs about 60 lbs. Never mind, it's making the 200 mile journey with me.

Geo has been passing on his wisdom. He said 'there's no such thing as a stupid question'. Not sure he'll still be saying it at the end of the trip :)

Just getting something to eat whilst watching the England game. After that it's an early night followed by the earliest start our breakfast affords.

gl fellas  - enjoy it!

was really surprised to see how much you are carrying (only that I wouldnt of other wise had a clue - not criticism)

We had a nice meal at The Queen's Hotel. The food was lovely but the service was a bit slow and it was a bit raucous in the bar.

I had mushroom wellington and Geo had giant Yorkshire pudding with Cumberland sausage. We both resisted the temptation of either starters or pud, which will come as something of a surprise to Dawn I'm sure.

Breakfast is booked for 8am - I'm having porridge, Geo's having the Cumbrian Grill (fry-up) - so hopefully we'll be underway for 9.

A nice easy 14 miles to Ennerdale Bridge, over predominantly flat ground, to start us off.

Anyway, it's going up for 1am and the alarm's set for 7 so it's time for some shut-eye.

As expected we've woken to a wet & windy Cumbrian morning. Time to test the waterproof leggings Geo's lent me.

Am I the only one out there secretly hoping for a hurricane?

Enjoying this thread a lot and very jealous of you both. Pictures of camps and meals you cook please.

No starter or pudding?!  WTF  Can't possibly be Jack posting on that account.  Geo...what have ya done with him?!

Seriously though, worried a bit about that bag.  Please mind yerself.  x

Good luck boys.

Update on how it's going when you can please.

No word here either, so they must be on radio silence at the minute.  They'd better be anyway....... ;nemesis;

obv flown to vegas

wp boys

Little or no signal on days out.  Need to rely on WiFi on stop in days.  Now at patterdale. Updated soon its f n murder.

Sorry gorgeous, no phone signal on the overnight stops and ju
st no time to check for signal along the route. Every minute needed for walking. And resting. This is tough. Will try to ring tomorrow when we leave the Lakes xxx

This is really tough.  Jack will be first to admit his admin wasn't the best so the meet up night was spent transferring kit and packing rucksacks into a resemblance of order.  I was shocked at the finishing weights of the packs.

Whilst I was expecting us to add time to our days due to this,  I was not prepared for just how difficult these routes are. I had looked over the maps a few times before leaving and had discussed areas I thought we should look at again and was happy with the route plotted.  What really changes it all is the pathways themselves.

Whilst maps give you heights and gradients etc, they don't prepare you for underfoot conditions.  Fuckin savage I would describe it.  Mostly broken stones and either marsh underneath or for these 3 days the paths are now mainly rivers and no form of waterproofing is keeping your feet dry.

Geo

Geo's experiencing technical difficulties but hopefully you get the gist. We'll try to update more fully tomorrow.

No worries.  Just be careful and mind the back.  Miss you!!!  xx

Can you keep this soppy shit to pm's please, I'd like to follow this, kthxbye.

 rotflmfao  Soz for the sop.  Back to proper bloke chat from here on out.   ;D

Hang in there you two!

What an awesome thing this is, & what pride & satisfaction you will have when it is finished.

Most of us can but read in awe.

Stay strong, you know you can do it.

Thanks for the messages of support. Geo's just uploading some pics and we'll get some sort of trip report done.

what he said!

I have tidied up my gobbledygook post from last night, hope it makes sense now.

Bad day for me yesterday. throughout the walk, I've been on my arse more often that Frank Bruno. I had chosen my lightweight goretex boots over the good Leather Ceebees which has proved to be a big error. With the heavier boot I'd probably keep more purchase with the ground and wouldn't feel the effects of some of the sharper stones underfoot.

Anyway, yesterday we set off on the 3rd day of walking. A total of 17 miles was expected from Rosethwaite to Patterdale. The weather once again was pretty poor and we knew we had an immediate climb of some 520m in just under 3 miles. Again following the "Beck" which apparently is an English term for a stream/river running down a valley.

As you can guess the water was really flowing down this Beck which was in fact our pathway. It was impossible to move away too far from the Beck as you were into marsh which provided more hazards and just as much wetness.

Throughout this arduous climb it blew constantly which was a bit of a blessing, however for most of the climb it also carried a lot of rain. This took us about 2 and a half hours of graft. On reaching the top it levelled out somewhat before our descent to Grasmere.

The pic below shows Jack on one of the Becks in better weather

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/2011-09-04145413.jpg)

At the top of this climb although level, as you would expect there was a lot of standing water, which together with marshland made for bad conditions underfoot. It was here we had our first incident of the day when the ground gave way under Jack and he finished knee deep and trapped in almost quicksand conditions. He tells me he had to curl his toes to keep his boots from being sucked into the marsh as we removed his pack and he managed to wiggle free back onto terra firma.

We began our descent and as mentioned, at times the descents are as difficult as the climbs. It was here that I took a further 3 tumbles, one of which seen the leg bend with my knee trapped underneath my body. I knew straight away that no great damage had been done although it was hurting.

Jack was quickly at my side to assist me up and I decided it best to keep on walking as although sore it did not feel like any major damage had occured and I didn't want to stop and give it a chance to stiffen up. Obviously this slowed us right down and I tumbled a couple more times before we got to the bottom, at one time crashing my eye on the end of my walking stick.


By now we had taken the decision that we would miss the 2nd leg from Grasmere to Patterdale as I was by now quite sore and totally out of energy. At the bottom I decided I would not be able to carry on much further and justed wanted to get in my bivvi bag and get my head down. Jack thought it best to go to a farmhouse to see if a farmer could take us the last 1km into Grasmere where we could take a bus or taxi to Patterdale.

It only took Jack about 10 mins to get us hooked up with a lift and when he and the farmer returned and looked at me they thought it wise to take me to the medical centre at Ambleside to get me checked out.

As thought no major damage to the knee, just a bit of a sprain which the doctor agrees should be ok after a day or so rest. We have decided to miss the Patterdale to Shap leg and are currently in Penrith having a rest day before carrying on. the good news is we can update on the first 2 days walking.

Geo

After timing FTW

Geo

Day 1

St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge, a trip of some 14 miles. We headed down to the waterside to do the obligatory toe in the Irish Sea and pick up a stone to deposit on the other coast.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/2011-09-03091700.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/2011-09-03092611.jpg)

From St Bees itself the route actually sets off back North for about 4 kms, passing by the St Bees lighthouse. A wee bit of a climb in places that Jack and I coped with pretty well although at times I was very surprised (and bricking it) at points of the path are merely a foot or so away from a fall of up to 200 meters down the cliff face.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/2011-09-03103922.jpg)

We then headed inland and at the 7 mile point is a monument to the walkers of the C2C

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/2011-09-03125433.jpg)

and more importantly for Jack............a bakers shop............siiiggghhhh, well what could he do poor soul, I didn't have anything to make pizzas with.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/2011-09-03130752.jpg)

He does like his cakes   rotflmfao

Great thread lad keep it up, hopefully the conditions will clear up a bit for you. Sounds awesome anyway.

From here we have a lack of pictures for day 1 as the weather really deteriorated and we had entered into Cleator and up Dent Hill which was 350m in ascent over 2 km. A steady incline which was completed in the most awful weather. We the started a descent towards a large hill called Raven Crag. At this point we met up with a father and daughter (Tony & Emma) both Jack and I were impressed with this old guy, probably 60ish with Parkinsons which hinders obviously his movements but they have been completing each day and we have always met up so far each day.

This proved a really difficult climb for Jack which he will post about himself in the next post. With bad conditions underfoot and a rain filled gale blowing against us on the ascent with it pushing us on the descent which seen Tony in particular take a severe tumble with 3 rolls and a Korbutt finish. He merely laughed it off as we assisted him to his feet and carried on.

Once we got to the bottom it was a fairly flat last 3kms to Ennerdale Bridge which was our bivvy point and start point for day 2.


Geo

You might have coped with it well! When I had to stop for a breather after about 200 yards from the start point for the whole walk, it was my first 'uh-oh' moment.

Worst flapjack ever. FACT!

OMG. Day one and I was struggling so much. It was pissing with rain and we had moderately stiff climb to contend with. Honestly, I was having to stop every 50 yds to let my thigh muscles recover. Geo was great, he put no pressure on me and just let me take my time to get to the top.

However, this was a massive shock to the system. I'd done multi-day walks before and I'd done some training in preparation which had gone well. I think we had both underestimated how much toll the massive packs we're carrying would take (about 60lbs when laden with water too).

I was really down after day 1. I thought I'd let myself and Geo down by not preparing adequately. We, well I, had great plans to do all the high routes on offer across the walk and it was immediately clear that they were all out of the window. We needed to keep low wherever we could. I was even doubtful of my ability to complete the next day's walk as it appeared much tougher on paper than day 1.

Bad times.

As Jack has said, he had found it tough but i tried to gee him up by explaining that what we had just went through would have been difficult for many walkers. We set of just past Ennerdale Bridge on our route to Ennerdale Water to find a place to basha up.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/2011-09-03172809.jpg)

I left Jack on the road and went into our chosen wood to find a suitable spot. Once chosen, we made our way in and set up a double tent-shaped bivvi contraption that gave us good length and a bit of height. Here we managed to rig up a hexamine cooker and gas stove combo that provided some much needed heat and after a few trial and error attempts wer were able to create a mini drying room and in little time the items which we wished to dry out for next day were done and the boots, whilst not totally dried were a big improvement.

Once basha'd up it was admin time, using the bivvi as a sort of changing mat we were soon out of the wet gear, dried up, inspected each others feet and all powdered up. We then settled down to some Chicken curry with a chilli and tomato couscous - lush.


(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/2011-09-05072352.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/2011-09-05072411.jpg)

This is absolutely fantastic, I don't know whether I prefer the words or the pictures most.

Please keep both coming if you can.

My admiration for you both is immense, it's an incredible adventure, & I so wish I had attempted it when I was not so, err, old & decrapit.

Well done yous.

Keep safe, keep battling.

Day 2

Ennerdale Water to Rosethwaithe

Best day of the walk so far for me. Weather stayed good although the climbing again was severe at a number of point. We had started out around the south route around Ennerdale Water, the walk itself was spectacular although parts of the path were just a risk. At one point we had a step down which I couldn't negotiate without first removing my pack and passing it down to Jack. All within a foot or so of a decent drop into the reservoir itself.

Ennerdale Water, a beautiful sight

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/2011-09-04091338.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/2011-09-04091332.jpg)

From Ennerdale Water we followed a path through Ennerdale Forrest, a beautiful walk which allowed us to really take in some of the breathtaking views. The sheer size of these hills is really something and on every one there is someting to catch your eye.

A waterfal, a strange shaped rock or one that is in the shape of a known object. Dry stane dykes abound, which sets me thinking of the amazing work and commitment required to build these things at such heights and I have no doubt, in some atrocious conditions. When men were men I suppose. And every now and then a whole cluster of slate buildings would appear atop some of the highest peaks showing signs of an old slate mine, with all the slag (sp?) down the hillside being the main indicator for this and again gets you thinking of the days when they were in use, how did they travel there, what conditions?

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Geo's chicken curry is absolutely gorgeous! It was all I could do to not stuff the leftovers down me straight away. I'm glad I was able to resist though as it made a fantastic breakfast for our assault on the first fells of the Lake District.

It's just occurred to me, I'm so grateful to my friend & neighbour Whelly for offering to lend me a walking pole at the twelfth hour for this trip. If I'd have attempted the descent from Dent Hill without it I would have definitely fallen and probably not stopped rolling till I reached home in Leicestershire  rotflmfao

After Ennerdale Forrest we travelled another 1km or so to the Youth Hostel at the bottom of our next big climb. This was the climb that would take us over the hills and onto the famous Honister Pass.

What a climb this was to a height of 560m over approx 2kms distance, following the Loft beck, the sun was at it's hottest but we couldn't care, we trundled on, continuosly looking back at the sights we had just left. We have adapted a sort of tortoise and hare method of walking. Jack leading as he takes bigger steps and tends to cover the ground quicker, however does need more breathers. I plod along with the wee short steps afforded me and as jack is just recovering and ready to go again I reach him and off we go. Every 400/500 metres or so on these climbs we would always stop to get a decent breather and usually a top up on water.

All the photos here are from my mobile. We are currently in the library at Penrith getting this down for you guys, unfortunately the machines won't seem to load my actual camera photos to my photobucket account.

Great reporting

Great pics Geo.

Alex

Day 2 was deffo my favourite of the three days walking so far (I suppose today can't count can it?). As Geo has said, the weather was by and large gorgeous, though it did get a bit chilly up the mountains in the afternoon.

After the debacle that was Dent Hill, I was greatly satisfied with my much better efforts climbing up from the Black Sail Youth Hostel, following Loft Beck. My longer legs and relatively smaller burden allowed me to push on ahead before stopping for a blow. By the time I'd got my breath and legs back, Geo was with me again. Rinse, repeat. Full of admiration for Geo - he just keeps going. I'm 16½st and finding the 4st pack a struggle, God knows how he's managing with his slighter 12½st frame.

From the top of Loft Beck we began the descent down into Honister Pass. Again the scenery was just magnificent. We had passed Tony and Emma again on our way down and we had been told of a tea shop at the Slate Mine on the pass. We promised them we'd have a brew ready for them.

The descent again at times was pretty scary, especially right at the end were you are almost looking straight down 300m. We got down that and entered the tea shop where we had a nice brew and heart shaped shortbread and once joined by Tony and Emma, as promised we got them up a brew and biccie too.

The day was topped off by Jack appearing with a couple of giant 99 cones which made the final 4 km jaunt into Rosewaithe all the more easier. We quickly found a basha area which we set up against a large dry stane dyke and this time it was more of a long Lean - To chamber we put together. Tea consisted of Potato and bean and Chicken with Dahl (halal)


Then followed the disaster of yesterday which I started with. Times up for us. One blessing is apparently due to the conditions yesterday, quite a few walkers stopped at Grasmere and did not continue to Patterdale. Next big update will be from Richmond on Sunday

Geo

That's our 3½ hours of PC time done - see you in Richmond! Might sneak on before, coverage willing!

Sat in The Crown at Shap now (drinking tea) and we has signal!

Geo's got a dicky tummy and from the rumblings I'm experiencing, I'm about to follow suit. We're watching the rain lash down as we contemplate another night under canvas (without walls :)). An easy trip this isn't.

Still, onwards and upwards but perhaps with a bit more onwards and a bit less upwards.

Two Lads camping in the pissing rain with dodgy rumbling tummies... sorry, but - LMAOOOOO!!!  Could ye run any worse?!

Could you rephrase that last part please

Geo

We've made a tactical retreat to The Bull's Head some 300 yards up Shap high street. We've paid the £10 for camping in the beer garden to the rear rather than risk getting our lovely dry clothing wet again, while trying to find somewhere to pitch-up on the outskirts of the village.

Much repect lads (I obviously repected you two before - but this is epic and awsome)

The weather is starting to make it personal. Currently sat watching constant, torrential rain :-). The bar maid kindly took it upon herself to see if there was space in a bunk house up the road. There is. Negotiations are currently ongoing as to whether we take them up on the offer.

If I was a betting man I'd say I was getting wet tonight :)

And that's why I'm shit at poker. We're in the bunkhouse :)

Oh and there's an interesting side note to come when Geo's uploaded the photo.

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Looked at that banger and immediately thought of the inbetweeners camping...

Found this via a link from Ger on his APAT blog.. and just registered just to wish you two the best of luck. Total respect for both of you! Keep it going!!

All the very best on this trip. Be safe, and enjoy the whle adventure.

Pain is temporary, pride is forever.

Nice one chaps, very jealous, wish I was out there with you.

Phil_tc! xxx

Cheers Waz. Thanks for all the good wishes everyone. Knowing there's people following our exploits helps to keep us going through the tough times.

Personally I think the toughest, most dangerous part is over - I've just survived a night below Geo and his Delhi belly in a bunk bed :)

btw my own rumblings were a precursor to a shit tsunami too :(. Neither of us are gonna eat for.24 hours so hopefully we'll be back to normal tomorrow. It just means what should have been an easy (ish) walk today will be a bit tougher.

Can't say I wish I was there. But hope you are enjoying it.

No imodium in that bergen of yours? You seem to have everything else in it.

Best of luck with the rest of it, and keep us all posted.

I did not realise you two had a blog until I saw it posted on Ger's blog.  GL cuz and Jack! amazing! I look forward to reading xx

Oh gawd.  Don't you two start or mond will be more tilted than before. 

PS  Hiya Phil, me darlin'.  xx

This

Oh and PHIL_TC ITT

GL boys

I hope you can keep the movements to walking up and down hills today!

Me too!

Absolutely amazing guys. Have so much admiration for you both and wishing you all the very best for the rest of your travels...looking forward to reading the rest of the updates!

GL Cuz Geo & Jack xx

This could be the next "Old Gits Outing" Tony.

I'm full of admiration for you guys and loving the reports.

Fine by me, I'll do it easy-peasy, but you, Tom & Simon might struggle.

In truth, I'm absolutely captivated by this adventure "diary", one of the best things I've ever read on blonde, & that scenery is simply magnificent.

I'm way too old to even think about doing it myself, but I reckon I could manage a part of it, maybe a 10 mile trek, if I wore the proper gear - most importantly, walking boots. In fact, sod it - I am going to do just that. 

Hey Jack, Laxie and Rodders and Jo (and Geo of course) :-)

Will keep my best wishes and love and kisses to a minimum I promise, don't want to be tilting anyone more than I normally do :)

Good luck today you 2, if you need man nappies to help avoid the shit tsunami's just give me a shout.. if you're richmond area you're not far away xxx

Many thanks Phil. We are due in Richmond on Saturday and are staying over with a full rest day on the Sunday too. I'll pm you my number later so text back with you name and we'll give you a bell. Not guaranteed when we can get a signal.

Geo

How are the bellies and feet today?  Keep the chins up Lads.  You're doing great!!!

Thought I was a dead man last night.

Set off from Shap around 8:30. Our planned route was 14 miles to Newbigging on Lune before tackling the Pennines over to Keld.

Things were going very well and we were well ahead of schedule, walking was good although still wet underfoot and weather was ok. We stopped off at Scar Side Farm for Tea and scones which is an obligatory event for all C2Cers. Tummy still being a bit troublesome I managed 1/2 a dry scone whilst Jack had the full cream and jam.

At this point we decided that we would actually push on the additional 6 miles at the end of the day to reach Kirkby Stephen, therefore taking 6 miles off what is a hard route for the following leg.

Isn't it just the thing, after we had made that decision the weather turned for the worse, whilst the terrain remained pretty good, we were just battered with the wind and rain. Jack is suffering terribly with his feet as we just can't keep them dry for any decent period of time.

With about 6 miles to go my problems were added to when my arse decided to explode, wind, rain and 6 miles in shit - filled breeks is not very pleasant I don't need to tel you (but just have.)

At about 4 miles out I told Jack that I was about done for the day and had little left, then again at 3 and again at 2. The last 2 miles are not logged in my little memory bank at all as I was running on below empty and I merely had my head down following a large blue hulk shape in front.

At Kirkby Stephen we found our guardian angel....................

Geo

Top stuff guys.

Didn't think anyone could have trouble walking 6 miles a day though tbh...must be an old age thing ;)

???

An additional 6 miles to what we had planned giving us a total of 20 miles for yesterday

Geo

20 miles?...that only takes 20 minutes FFS.....

You guys are nuts for walking when driving is clearly the best way to get about.


anyways, stop replying to my post and get some more reports and pics up ASAP please.

We entered Kirkby Stephen at around 6pm. As stated I was totally done in, confirmed by the look on the face of Denise, the owner of the Kirkby Stephen Hostel.

She confirmed she had 2 bunks available and actually gave us a 4 bunk room to ourselves so we had additional space to sort ourselves out. First stop was the big walk-in drying room where as well as removing the sopping boots, we could sit for a while to regain some heat through the bodies.

The shower was immense and provided me the opportunity to step in fully clothed and clean each item as I removed them. Shower done, I immediately went for a lay down for an hour or so.

Geo

My belly behaved itself through the day in spite of not being able to resist the cream scone at Scar Side Farm. In fact, on arrival at Kirkby Stephen, I was so confident of its abilities that I challenged it with 2 pints of cloudy cider, the first one of which didn't touch the sides. Last night's carrot & coriander soup & steak & kidney pie also settled nicely and this morning I would say my belly's back on top form.

The feet however is another story entirely...

Since we set out from St Bees on Saturday, it's been raining fairly consistently, often torrentially. From just a few hours in to the walk our boots have been wet and we've been unable to dry them. Even on Sunday when the weather was gorgeous in the main, we started with wet boots which never had chance to dry out as we splashed our way up the lakeland becks.

Over the course of the 5 days so far my feet have been softened by the constant soaking and yesterday it really started to tell. I'd felt the right foot a little sore previously but nothing to worry about. Yesterday it was a sore as hell from about 6 miles in and the left foot decided to join the party from about the 14 mile point. Every step was like walking on pins - great fun. I took my boots off a few times to try to get some relief, which worked for perhaps a further mile at the most.

When we reached Kirkby Stephen we were both at a really low ebb. In fact Geo said to me this morning that if I'd have said 'let's get a taxi, go to the station and go home' he'd have gone. I have to admit that those thoughts were going through my mind too.

If I'm gonna finish this, I need to get my boots dry and keep 'em dry and hope my feet recover, because as they feel at the minute, with over 100 miles still to go, walking into Robin Hood's Bay a week on Saturday looks pretty unlikely.

How often do you change your socks? Something that might help is put a bag over your sock and the shoe outside that...keeps moisture out of the sock a bit...even though your feet will sweat a bit more.

Before I forget,

In the backyard of the bunk place from the previous night there is a waggon. Thought I'd pop it on here for Tom who has taken an interest in this and also provided some good questions.

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Speaking to the owners they said that they bought it quite recently and actiually hire it out as a bunk/chalet and that it has all the amenities. They say thay have a couple more and that there are plans to have a string of them along the route which would be available to walkers.

Thoughts, good idea?

Geo

After I had about an hour or so sleep, Jack and I went up to the Black Bull Hotel for something to eat. Due to my delicate situation I only wanted something light. "Can I just have toast and scrambled egg please?"

"Sorry, don't do scrambled egg"................."ok just a plate of toast will be fine"..................."no, we don't do toast"..........."ok, I just need something light to eat, what do you recommend?"...................."We do baguettes".................."oh lovely, what's on them?"......................."just butter"........................(fml) "Ok, can I have one toasted please?"....................."sorry we don't do toast!!"

Well at this point I give up, how hard is it to have the chef shove a bit bread under a grill? I settled for the vegetarian pasta, which once received, the first mouthful was duly spat into my serviete, it really did taste disgusting.

In the end I settled for 2 fresh orange and lemonades and a packet of crisps with a slice of bread.


Got talking to a couple who we see on a daily basis and are experinced C2Cers, already walked it 4 times this year. They are not going to attempt the route over 9 Stanard Riggs across the Pennines, instead sticking to roads.

Jack and I decided we will take the Sherpa transport to Keld and give ourselves a better rest day and concentrate totally on getting Kit dry (which it already is) and hopefully Jack's feet sorted out.

Geo

Gripping diary lads.

Immense respect for what you are enduring - I'd have given up at the first squlech of soggy feet.

We have been walking with people with the best boots/gaiters and all sorts, no-one keeps their feet dry here in this weather. Fisherman's waders might help but may hinder the walking.

Quite often over the last few days in the marshes you will sink below boot top height into the ground also. The trick is getting the feet properly dried/powdered/aired etc when you do stop for the day and having the boots dried as often as possible. Admin time really needs to be spent on personal admin.

Geo

Then to this morning, had a really good nights sleep and only once through the night had to go to the toilets to explode.

Jack and I went over to the Co-op where Jack got crumpets and I bought some quick cook porage. We returned to the hostel to use the kitchen and whilst preparing breakfast, Denise the owner came in, her first action was to give me a warm cuddle and say how pleased she was that I was now looking so much better than last night................money can't buy wee moments like that

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This great lady has now given Jack and I the run of the place, all drying almost complete, packing will be done shortly for our move to Keld (arranged by Denise) and we are now sitting having mince pie and sausage roll for lunch.

In return all she asked is that we check out her PC for her, which as you can see by these postings, we can confirm it does indeed work.

Will finish today with a couple of other pics taken over the last day or so. Views haven't been too great and currently can only rely on my mobile phone pics as camera ones don't want to load at the mo.

Geo

For Tom and Tikay............................they don't mess about with moles and the like up this way:

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Jack actually looks disgusted with his cream tea yesterday, I doubt that was the case

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Only other pic worth taking yesterday, tried to get a decent one of this viaduct but was a bit far away

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I think for me that meeting Denise has been the highlight of the trip so far (which I suppose to be fair isn't difficult).

When we wandered in off the street last night , drenched, bedraggled & hurting, and asked if she'd got room for us, she nodded & gave a lovely warm smile. I'm sure at that moment I caught glimpse of a halo.

Denise - our guardian angel

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So, motorised transport awaits us again. Not exactly what we had planned at all.

I'm hoping that from Keld (our next destination), with the watershed of the Pennines behind us, the weather will improve and the underfoot conditions will dry up. If my feet are up to walking tomorrow then I have a good chance of making it to RHB, if not...

Failure wasn't something that I'd even given a thought to, barring a fairly bad injury. I'd looked on it as an enjoyable, if arduous holiday. The weather has changed all that and turned it into something akin to an iron-man challenge.

Don't know if it'll help, but Whelley says stuff your boots with newspaper at the end of each day to help soak up some of the water in them.  Mind yerselves.  xx

Tell Whelly, the boots are on their third change of newspaper and they're still damp! Mind you, with another impromptu rest day at Keld, I'm confident they'll be bone dry by morning. How long they stay like that is another story.

The right foot is starting to feel a bit easier now, so if the left one plays ball too, I'll be on my way with Geo in the morning.

Piss on it! urine solves everything. Colds, jellyfish stings, sore throats, trench foot. The list is endless!

We are now at our next scheduled stop at Keld. Lovely little hotel. I have managed my first proper meal in 2 days

Belly and backside feel good. Have completed the surgery required on jacks feet. Think he was quite impressed with my skills with blade and needle. I carry a jar of dettol with a couple of blades and needles for just this occasion. Methinks in morning all will be well

Geo

Quite the Dr Kildare is our Geo. Feet freshly sliced & diced and felt a lot easier immediately. Tomorrow's a nice easy, low-level stroll into Reeth or the woods just beyond :) so, although I'm sure my feet will be tender, I'm now quietly confident of getting there in decent shape. Then it's another shortish leg onto our stopover at Richmond. All being well we'll both be on top form when we leave there on Monday.

Oh and I think I'll try to find a launderette while we're there as I'm starting to offend myself! Dawn, don't forget that change of clothes when you meet me on Wednesday.

Won't forget the clothes but WTF are ye on about with the slice and dice on yer feet?!  Explain please and ty. 

Sorry, what I thought were just wrinkles on the soles of my feet caused by constant wetness, were in fact, once my feet had dried out, big blisters. So Geo took a razor blade to them to get rid of the fluid. Now after a liberal application of foot powder to dry them out, I'm good to go in the morning.

This is just THE best read ever on blonde, thanks guys, it is SO inspiring, you two guys battling adversity, blisters, Banjul belly, weather, wet clothes, fatigue, everything, & never once moaning or groaning, never been so inspired by anything.

I am so jealous, & spoke to Tom yesterday, & told him I would like to try something similar, though, given my age & condition, more modest.

He is going to start me off with a Croft Quarry walk, which is severely uphill, & takes all of, umm, 20 minutes I gather, but it's a start.

Good luck, be careful, & thank you.

And there was me thinking i must be the only nutter reading this and, in spite (or maybe because) of all the challenges very much finding myself wanting to aim to do something similar.

I bet there are a dozen or more thinking the same, Claire.

Tom has already rung me this morning, offering to do the Croft Quarry walk today, but I'm "doubtful", 20/80, as I have so many bits & bobs to sort in readiness for tomorrow & Sunday, it's easily the most hectic "work" weekend of the year for me, & I don't want to be doing the Croft thing with one eye on my watch, that would be dumb.

Inspired by Geo and Jack, this morning I decided to walk up to the 3rd floor of the office instead of using the lift.

[  ] Doing it again

 rotflmfao  I'd have considered you to be reasonably fit too.  Illusions shattered.

It's not that I can't do it, I simply choose not to.

I feel it would be disrespecting the efforts made by whoever it was who built the lift.

was there something up there that scared you?

Worst thing in the world - work.

Reception bad in Reeth today, but they've phoned to say they made it there ok.  They had a 12 mile trek to get there and Jack's feet held up for the most part.  They're camping for the night and heading the 12 miles to Richmond in the morning.  When they reach Richmond, expect a posting explosion as they'll have coverage and a day off to update ye.

Message to Jack - Whelley says you can borrow his bus pass if ya like.   ;D

Appreciate all the messages. Camped up 10 miles from richmond and all fed and watered.  Bed time soon them a wee jaunt in the morning. Hopefully full updated for last couple of days completed tomorrow . Geo

Just read the whole thread and its really good stuff

Good luck with the rest of the journey guys

Dan

Just read the whole thread too, it's awesome, apart from the bit where Geo shat himself.

Tell Whelly to gtfo

wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

We're in the metropolis that is Richmond and better still, I'm about to get a shower. Just to add to the sense of euphoria, our stinking clothes are gonna get a proper wash too!

Sigh. .... only wifi access available and I only have basic phone. Really good day yesterday. Nice walk from keld to reeth and then moved on another mile or so to bivvi up. Settled in richmond In a lovely guesthouse with amazing views into the swale valley below. Trying to find if I have any contacts in the catterick area who might be able to assist re web access.  Geo

Battle on Guys, amazing stuff from both of you.

Hang in, dig deep, and it'll be an achievement you'll never ever forget.

Too late Waz. The blisters have finally got the better of me. Since the first blisters appeared I've walked 30 odd miles in the vain hope that the discomfort would diminish, but I'm still hobbling around like a third-rate John Wayne impressionist. If there were only 2 or 3 days to go or if we hadn't already missed a chunk of the walk I reckon I'd battle on a bit longer.

Geo is carrying on. In fact, I'd say he's relishing the prospect! I'm taking some of his gear with me to lighten his load. I fully expect him to march into Robin Hood's Bay a couple of days ahead of schedule (he's cancelling the remaining two B&B stops - proper hard core!). All the very best George and take care in the gales.

I've a feeling that this won't be the last of the Coast to Coast for me. I'm not used to failing and it doesn't sit well. After the initial shock of the first day I've been very pleased with my fitness and but for the feet, I reckon I could get to the end, turn round, then walk back to St Bees! Brave  words eh?

Thanks for the kind words & encouragement and sorry it couldn't have been a more glorious conclusion, for me at least.

Go Geo!

Most people don't even challenge themselves like this - good on you and better luck next time

yeh fair effort techno - i wouldnt have even stepped out in that weather

glgl geo

Failure is not trying in the first place.

I'm sure you'll do it again sometime, possibly under better weather conditions. Good luck with the rest of it Geo.

Great effort Jack, you can take great pride.

Gogogogo Geo

Sorry to here this Jack, but fully understand, and a sensible choice...last thing you want is long term damage!   I'm proof of that!!

Get back safe, and the next time is around the corner.

Good luck Geo.

x

& this.

When we reached Richmond, unfortunately the library had closed so could not update the previous couple of days. I have decided to start a bit later and get this blogged out before plodding on. Having chosen just to camp it out for the remainder of the trip I have given myself plenty spare time and opportunities between here and the finish to update may be few.

We settled in to Keld Lodge, a very nice B&B with fantastic service and a chance to get well set up for the next stage of the trip. We were now 1/2 distance completed and my stomach and backside had started to settle, although I hadn't ate anything substantial for a couple of days and was devoid of strength.

After a light dinner for me of scrambled egg and toast and a good nights sleep, we were up and full breakfast completed and on the go for about 9 o'clock. The walk from Keld to reeth was really enjoyable, muggy to start but soon warmed up. Nothing too exciting in the way of scenery btu managed to get some pics. Am having to rely on pics from my mobile at the moment as the pc's in the libraries don't seem to want to upload my camera pics.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/Coast%20to%20coast/2011-09-08152728.jpg)

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We made good time and got into Reeth early afternoon which allowed us the opportunity to relax a while on the village green and top up with a well earned strawberry milkshake and a pack of wine gums. We filled up our bottles with fresh water courtesy of a fellow countryman running one of the village shops and headed back up the hills to find a spot to camp up for the night. This enabled us also to take a mile or so of the next days trip.

We quickly found a nice spot and within 25 minutes we were bivvi'd up, feet dried and talced and evening meal was on the stove. We also built a wee open fire between the bivvi's which we decided to let run out quickly as it was such a balmy and comfortable evening.

We set up a couple of lean-to fixtures aginst a large wall with good overhead cover provided by a couple of big trees.

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After a really pleasant night we quickly made breakfast and started the 10 mile or so into Richmond. Nearing Richmond we called ahead to see if we could book in early as we were about 3 hours earlier than the earliest booking in time. Ralf the landlord said no problem so we were able to go straight to the guesthouse.

Couple of pics en route

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The guesthouse at Richmond is set on a hill with amazing views down into the valley with stunning views to the Castle, river Swale and Easby Abbey, hopefully Jack has better pics on his camera asthe ones from my mobile may not do it justice

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/Coast%20to%20coast/2011-09-10133536-1.jpg)

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After settling in and a meal at the local Italian we retired for a good nights sleep. Unfortunately on the Sunday morning Jack had decided that his feet had not recovered sufficiently to carry on. We had treated the blisters at Keld but he was having real problems keeping his feet dry and the constant wrinkling continued to create more blisters and much more soreness. In all honesty, the big fella done well imo to cover the last 3 days or so.

I had suffered the shits and sore tummy but can assure you on jaunts like this I'd take that over the excrutiating pain that can be had with cold, wet and blistered feet. Great effort by the big guy and once he has had a year or so constant practice on strong walks I will not be surprided to see him return to complete this.

I used yesterday to meet up with an old friend from many years back who drove through from Middlesborough and ended up walking most of the day around this lovely town of Richmond and on to Easby Abbey which saves me a stop off today.

Am going to have a final brew and then set off on the next leg to Danby Wiske and then over the moors. The winds are up as the gales get closer, just hoping they die down a bit as they catch me up. I'll finish today with some pics of Richmond and Easby Abbey taken on our walk yesterday and will update whenever I next get a chance. Thanks for continuing to follow.

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Absolutely not a failure at all JAck. What an incredible and inspiring move to even attempt it never mind get as far as you did in such painful and difficult conditions. I've no doubt we will soon be reading about how you completed the C2C...

Very best of luck to Geo...go get em Cuz xxx

Bivvid up about 2 miles past danby wiske. Gales will be keeping me awake methinks. Good flat walk today bit a bit boring.  Mostly field to field and the last 7 miles or so in tarmac. Geo

Hope you get some kip Geo, you sure as hell deserve it.

I can't wait to get the drinks in the next time we meet ya nutter ;)

Bet you are really missing Jack, eh?

Amazing stuff by both of you.

My "training" for a far more modest target probably starts this Friday, hoping to do "Croft" with Tom.

As suspected the noise is making it difficult to sleep. I have found a spot that is just right for this evening. Will try to video in the morning it may explain things better

Stay safe cuz, these winds are just awful up here and I hear much worse down south. GL loving the updates xx

Geo, a fence panel of mine blew away yesterday.  I think it might be near where you are today by now.  If you see it, can you put somewhere safe please :)up

(Oh, and great effort fella)

No sleep last night so made a early start. 1st 8 miles or so pretty boring and then got onto the cleveland way and the n yorks moors. Just stunning.  Plenty pics for when I get pc access. Sore head after getting hit with some fence panel some numpty hadn't tied down lol. Geo

Well done Geo, excellant stuff. Save me reading back through the whole thred, when and where is the finish?

Finish is at Robin hoods bay and was planned for saturday. Hoping to finish on friday.  Geo

Really long slog today but well worth it. Moors has been my favorite part. Not too many hills when you get up there but the walking is relentless and long with abso stunning views. Dinner at lion inn and then a coouple of quick updates. Geo

Last part should read.  Dinner at lion inn and couple of updates. Geo

Have sent Jack a couple of pics of my dinner. Roast beef on the biggest bap with a huge serving of chips. From richmond to Danby wiske was pretty non descript. Mostly farmlamd and road through  catterick and beyond.  I took off a couple of miles from the next days walk an stopped short of ingleby cross. This was the evening of the gales and whilst safe I got little sleep.

Ingleby was the start of the wall onto the moors. From here it has been breathtaking. Weather been good but blowy. Made my way  to Carlton bank but didn't see a fat black bloke doing a silly dance. Most woodland is set off the main track and lastp night seen a half mile detour but found a decent location and slept well

Before Geo

(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Laxie/before.jpg)


And after...

(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Laxie/after.jpg)

Keep it coming, Geo. Nearly there.

Today has been the most pleasing day for me. Large climb to start to get back onto the moors and from there it is head down dig in tabbing. Difficult to keep the head down when almost every turn brings another view to take your breath away.

A very tiring day ended at the lion inn. 2.50 to bivvi up in their garden but importantly full access to all ameneties including shower. Dinner done as per the pics and I had to have some spotted dick and custard to finish. I reckon 30 miles left which could be done in 2 days but no hurry.  Geo

The lion inn here is a huge place even better are the huge portions being served up at very reasonable prices. There are many walks that are covered by the inn here. I can see me being a frequent visitor.  Geo

Well done Geo. The Lion Inn sounds like my kinda camping :)

 ;booder;

All done and now settled in scarborough.  Will use tomorrow to update for the second half with some decent pics too.  Question for tk,  what's your knowledge of grosmont? Geo

Congratulations cuz, well done.  Enjoy your evening getting some rest xx

 ;tightend;

great achievement, esp after that first week!

very well done

amazing effort...then again, I always said you were a hard b*stard. WD

Never in doubt.

You gonna run it next year?

Never doubted you'd make it Geo, but happy to hear that you're back safe and sound.

You've got a lot of heart.

With you?

Am looking to do the couple of sections missed due to the fall and illness and a couple of other sections which I thought top notch.  More on that tomorrow.  Appreciate the support guys.  Geo

WD Geo and Jack, Respect.

Regards

Raymond

 ;)

don't be silly. I'll just sponsor you...have a weird feeling you probably could finish it though :)

I left Richmond 2 hours later than scheduled due to posting the last lot of pics. The gales were picking up and Mrs Geo was constantly calling me looking for updates on whether the gales had reached me yet. Secretly I think she was hoping that I'd say I was stopping and returning home, however she knows how stubborn I can be.

As said previously this leg was pretty boring, mostly farm to farm with the occassional tab on tarmac, very uninspiring. The gales caught up about half way through the day and I was passing through Catterick at the time. Just of the path I noticed a sign at a hotel just beside the river saying pot of tea and scone and jam for £2.20, I couldn't resist. I left the path and headed into the hotel. As I approached a couple of tiles were blown off the roof of their function hall narrowly missing a couple of guests cars in the car park.

Once I entered the hotel I let the lady know the possible danger and damage that could be caused and about 10 minutes  later the manager came over to thank me for alerting them and that they had alerted the guests to park in the overspill and had called someone out to attend the roof. He then said the tea and scone were on the house!! bonus....

Whilst this leg was pretty boring, due to the gales there were added obstacles in my path

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I entered Danby Wiske and then headed out about a mile until I found an area that may offer from the gales

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I found a nice hollow within a wood which I hoped, and indeed it did, provide decent cover from the gales. I set up a traditional tented bivvi which I made sure was pulled as tight as a drum, made myself some pasta and settled down for the night.

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Whilst I remained protected from the wind itself I got no sleep at all due to the incredible noise of the gales themselves and the frequent snapping and crashing sounds as trees/branches at the beginning of the woods bore the brunt and I was pre-occupied in determining if any these crashes were close enough to consider having to move out. As it was, with no sleep I remained unharmed.

As there were few stopping places along the route, it was nice to see some of the locals make an effort for the walkers by providing roadside refreshments on table with an honesty box in which to deposit payment.

It was also kind of some of them to place vanity mirrors in some places so that I could check out that I was still looking respectful.

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Unscathed from the evening and with the gales having passed on I started the next leg to Carlton Bank. This took me over a very busy dual carriageway at Ingleby Cross which took me about 15 minutes before finding a gap in the traffic which I deemed safe enough to make the crossing.

I knew that there was a big climb ahead of me to get onto the moors so stopped just short at The Blue Bell Inn and topped up with a pot of tea and a huge slice of gorgeous fruit cake, used the toilets there to scrub up and top up the water bottles and flask and headed into Arncliffe Wood. The climb here was tough, very steep but decent underfoot which took me to the telecom station at the top of the hill and it is here I joined the Cleveland Way section of the walk.

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According to the huge information board at the telecoms station it is a microwave station, if I'd know previously I could have stocked up on some nice microwavable lasagne or macaroni or summat.

There were also more signs of the damage caused the previous night by the gales

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-13154111.jpg)

From the telecom tower it was a short path through the woods to take me onto the beginning of the moors section proper. As I left the wood I found this little seating area placed there in someone's memory, which afforded me the first glimpse of the beauty of these much maligned moors.

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epic GEO just epic

really well done to you both,

 a great achievement ... fantastic reporting .....appart from a couple of missing...................

Geo's

nice one mate.

Stunning pics Geo.

I reached Carlton Bank much earlier than anticipated, however very tired, mostly due to the stiff climb on Arncliffe Woods. On the moors there are few wooded areas and in order to find a decent spot for the night I had to walk off track about a mile and settled myself in for the night. The pics for the bivvi this night are on my camera and unfortunately, once again here at Scarborough library the pics won't upload to my online album. Have been reasonably pleased with the pics taken on the mobile though.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-14074524.jpg)

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Thanks Lee,

As I have quite a few posts to put up today thought it best to leave the sign off till the last one of the day.

But for you

Geo

From Carlton Bank it was the first full day on the moors for me, it was the beginning of probably the 2 most memorable days for me on this trip. The weather remained good although very windy at the highest points on the moors. This leg would take me to Blakey Ridge, probably the highest point of the moors journey. The roads were very long and hard underfoot, for the majority of it you walk the old disused railway lines that crossed the moors some years back when they would transport the ironstone by rail.

This reflected in the hardness of the roads as they were basically borne of the slag that would fall from the wagons as they made their way across.

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Again because of the sheer size, most pics are on my camera which I will add after I get home and settled tomorrow

I made ny way to the Lion Inn, the fourth highest Inn in the country and a very popular place on Blakey Ridge. There are many individual day or 2 day walks in this area and the Lion Inn is a popular stop off or resting place for the weary walkers and has been going since cica 1553.

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My intention was to stop off at the Lion inn and have a brew and a cake then cover another couple of miles before bedding down for the night. Once i got inside I was amazed at the size of the place. As well as providing accommodation for a few guests it has about 6 seperate bar/dining areas and I would estimate can easily hold upwards of 150 people.

I ordered a cuppa and sat there very weary after what had been a very long relentless walk, jealously eyeing up the huge portions being served up to other customers. At this point the young lad behind the bar enquired as to whether I was camping and that for £2.50 I could use the adjoining field to bivvi up and have access to all their amenities including shower. A no brainer, so £2.50 duly paid I unpacked my washing bag and a fresh set of clothing and made full use of the shower, including washing my gear I had just removed. I then hung them up on some cable out on the wall as there was a fresh breeze that I knew would soon have them dried off.

I then settled down for dinner which consisted of a huge roast beef and gravy bap, chips and salad as pictured previously on my behalf by Laxie.

As it drew dark the young lad quietly informed me that the wind had gotten up and that I would be welcome to bivvi up in the more sheltered beer garden but to leave it till about 10. That was fine by me.

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I awoke to the most glorious of mornings, a bit brisk but an early sun

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I had ordered a packed lunch so decided to have a spot of breakfast of Tea and bacon sandwich and also had the kind lady that morning fill my flask with hot water for me to make a flask of coffee for this days journey.

I then set off for Grosmont. Early on this section you pass a weired square stone, painted white, with what looks like a head on it, this is known as Fat Betty and tradition is that when you visit her you leave some form of sustinance and pick up something in return. Unfortunately as I was first off that morning there was nothing to pick up but I did leave the carton of orange juice that had been supplied that morning (I had opted for the packed lunch as stoves/fires of any nature are not allowed on the moors.)

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Whilst preparing the camera to take the pic of Betty I seen this silhouette image of myself which I thought looked better than some of the vanity mirror ones

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The walk to Grosmont was similar to the previous days walk, with moorland paths and disused railway lines being most used. A couple of pics of this part as I want to get onto Grosmont and I'm running out of pc time.

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Found this toll board on an old cottage along the way, note how even then, in death they still made you pay

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I then entered Grosmont, I make no apologies here, these next set of posts are for Daddy blonde Mr Kendall.

I was unaware that Grosmont was the centre for the North Yorks Moors Railway so it was delighful surprise as I entered the village that I found the local train station to be just as it was way back when.

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There was quite a gathering of photographers and a couple of film crews who all seemed to be centering their attention around a set of 4 locomotives (yes TK 4 locos all tethered together, no carriages) the main one getting the attention seemed to be this one which I found quite appropriate considering "The Sarge" was visiting.

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I've never had an interest in trains previously, more to do with not having any connection or really living near a station, however this day was growing on me when this wee beauty arrived

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There were also a set of Pullman carriages, I believe now part of the Oriental Express thingy that still runs but I believe is nothing like the original

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Of course no proper station is complete without it's station master, complete with hat. Meet Peter, one of the station masters here at grosmont.

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And of course none of that new fangled digital and computerised arrival and departure signage here.

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You can then walk through a tunnel to the workshops where, from a viewing platform you can see the work being done on various engines.

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Of course this meant I had spent about 2 hours here longer than I had planned so I decided to have dinner here so ordered up a Cod and Chips at the Station Tavern before moving on.

It was now getting dark and I had intended to make my way to Littlebeck which would give me a nice comfy 8/9 mile walk into the finish at Robins Hood Bay, a day earlier than planned. I decided it was time to test my night time navigation skills were still intact. So headtorch on I set out to try to cover the 3 1/2 miles or so to Littlebeck in the dark.

The start of this leg is a very steep climb  to about 720 metresover about 1 mile and after about 3 miles I decided I needed to rest up so bivvid up about 50 metres to the side of a main road. I utilised a strong fenceline running parralell with the road which also offered anice matress of thick heather.

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I set off early on this last morning which was very dreary with a constant drizzle. A final short crossing of the moor and then the last few miles mostly in field and country tarmac roads.

The 2 main points of interest on this route were:

The Hermitage - a huge boulder into which has been carved a cave-like sitting area. Couldn't get a decent pic inside but basically it is a carved out shelter with a stone seat carved all the way around the inside.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-16080652.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-16080718.jpg)

And then the Falling Foss waterfall, a really wonderful spot. This is the view that most get from the walkway itself:

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-16083006.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-16083028.jpg)

I noticed that there was a small path at the other side of the fence, it looked a bit dodgy and was quite a drop to the bottm, however I decided to have a look to see if it gave any better access to the waterfall. I dumped my pack and climbed over the fence. I had a good look at the route down and whilst looking quite precarious, decided I'd give it a go.

Very slippy underfoot and with a couple of climbs down the side of large rocks but I made it down and got the photos from beneath the waterful. The return climb was not easy at all, the rocks were slippy and at one point I was finding it near impossible to get a decent hold to pull myself up. I had visions of having the embarrassment of waiting for others to appear and seek assistance.

Eventually, after a few fingertip clutches and great heaving I managed to get myself back up, Alain Robert would have been impressed.

Was the risk worth it? I'll let you decide. Mother nature has that way of making you earn her wee secrets, like any good woman, she'll make you work hard before opening her bosom to you. Attenborough and the likes just don't turn up shoot some filmage and get results, they have to work hard, sometimes for days/weeks/months until the time is right and Mother nature decides they have put in the effort and then she'll release:

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-16083506.jpg)

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And so on to the end. really dissapointed with the final walk in across the clifftops. At one stage I could have taken a 2 mile walk down a road to take me into Robin Hoods Bay, however the Wainwright route takes you an additional 5 miles across the cliffs. very dissapointing, dull grey, windy and wet and I was totally shattered. The North Sea offered nothing in the way of views and I seen only 2 ships, well out in the distance.

I trudged on and it is only in the last 1/2 mile or so do you see the bay

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On the way down to the village the only thing of real note was this tea room perched ominously over a valley

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I made my way to the waters edge to deposit the stone carried from St Bees and dip my toe in the North Sea, therefore symbolising the end of my journey, taken by a kind lady on the shore

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-16142940.jpg)

As tradition dictates, I made my way back up to the Bay Hotel and into Wainwrights Bar, named after the man who first marked this route. Took my one and only beer of the journey and signed the book.

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So for Geo the journey was over..............................or was it?

Original plans were to finish on the Saturday and stay overnight then make my way back up to Edinburgh on the Sunday. After sitting for an hour or so welcoming and congratulating a few of the walkers I had met over the last few days, I decided to make my way to Scarborough from where I am taking the train home. I had hoped that by giving some sob story of needing to get home I'd get a quick change of ticket. The one purchased was done some time ago at less than half price.

The guy at the station said I'd have to pay the difference between ticket prices and an aditional £10 a total of about £89. Stuff it said I, I'll linger in Scarborough a while, after all I had initially expected an extra night out. I checked a few B&B's etc but prices were redic and the only Youth Hostel has now closed here in Scarborough.

I made my way to McDonalds and over a couple of burgers and some coffee decided I'd just bivvi it up again last night and tonight. I took a tour of the town and the along the promenade and must say was pretty impressed. All the while looking for a suitable spot which was difficult as it's a right steep town and any woodland is on too great a slope in which to get comfortable. I enquired whether the station remained open over night as would have dossed on the platform benches but unfortunately it closes at 11pm.

I went back to McDonalds and enquired what time they closed, midnight was the answer so decided to stay in there and use their wifi until it got a bit later and then search back down the promenade. it had been raining pretty heavily so was loathe to go near the seaside if it was going to stay like that.

Very well done Geo and thanks for sharing your adventures.

The Station master seems to have suffered a little dna leakage, possibly after seeing all the train porn :D
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-15163452.jpg

At around 11:30 after more burgers and coffee I made my way back down the promanade, the rain had stopped and it had turned into quite a nice night. I wandered for a bit then came across these chalets:

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-17064927.jpg)

Whilst they were padlocked shut the locks didn't seem that strong so there was only one sensible thing to do.......................

I used the stantion outside one of the chalets to set up a bivvi so that I could guard these chalets against anyone who might consider breaking in

Bivvi with side up as it was such a nice night:

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-17064945.jpg)

And if the need arose I could lower the side for further protection against any wind or rain:

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20part%202/2011-09-17065016.jpg)

It's a lovely day here in Scarborough so will take the rest of the day walking around and down to the seaside for some real seaside fish and chips and go watch some footie. I'll then probably bivvi up at the chalets again tonight and then it's train home tomorrow.

Thanks to all the followers and all who sent gl messages both on here and by pm. Once I get home I'll add a couple of snippets not yet included and hopefully get the pics from my main camera and also any Jack took and get them up.

I'm very tired, bitten to buggery all over (especially the midriff for some reason) but I've had an absolute ball.

Geo

Top effort Geo, very impressive.

Fantastic effort by Jack & Geo this has to be BOB surely

So glad you got there safe and sound!  Was a bit worried about you to be honest, but no need as it turns out.  Well done and safe journey home tomorrow. 

Top bombing sir! Amazing pics.

Brilliant effort Geo! When I saw you fall on day 3 with all the weight of yourself and that massive pack on your knee, I thought 'that's it, we're going no further'. An amazing effort to first recover from the fall then to overcome your illness too. Full of admiration.

Well done both of you.!  Mucho respect..

Cheers
Carl

total respect...

really enjoyed the reports again well done sarge.

Lee

Fantastic Geo and Jack.

Awesome read. WP.

Total respect and a great read tyvm & vwd.

Superb blog mate.  The pics of the North Yors Moors reminded me of when I was a kid during the summer holidays and I used to get a packed lunch off my Mam and head out on the moors for the days.  If any others that have mentioned they may be inspired to do this in the future are serious then I would be up for it so long as we planned from early so i could train properly.

Missed this previously Lee, yes it is where the ATR is and it is the training area that they use a lot.

Geo

Back home now and after a goods night sleep I don't seem to have any ailments save the numerous midgie bites on arms and midriff areas which will disappear over the next few weeks. For some reason my fingertips seem to be a bit numb although not sure what has caused that.

First glance tells me I've lost quite a bit of weight so will be interesting to weigh myself to see just how much. Mrs Geo commented that I looked about the same as I did in my  PTI days quite a few years back.

Have now managed to get the photos off my camera so will post some additional bits and pieces.

Geo

Keld Lodge and the area around it up to Reeth, from our stay here things picked up for me, was able to have my first decent food for a couple of days, albeit scrambled egg and toast and a bit of toast and bacon for breakfast.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/001.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/003.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/005.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/002.jpg)

Whilst in Keld Lodge I was perusing the library and found this for Kinboshi, it must be true Dan:

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/004.jpg)

Pics from Keld to Reeth leg

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/006.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/007.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/008.jpg)

Views from the guesthouse at Richmond, an incredible view down the Swale Valley

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/009.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/010.jpg)

Bivvi set up at Carlton Bank and then my early morning view:

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/011.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/012.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/013.jpg)

A wee friend met on the way up the steep climb to Cringle Moor

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/015.jpg)

At the top there is the Alec Falconer memorial seat from where I encountered some great views over to Teeside and Easby Moor

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/016.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/014.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/017.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/018.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/019.jpg)

And so began the longest slog of the trip to get to Blakey Ridge and the superb Lion Inn

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/020.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/021.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/023.jpg)

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/C2C%20camera%20photos/026.jpg)

Video taken on first morning on Scarborough seaside, the sound from the sea was my lullaby for the night before

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxjC4gt7FBs

Video taken after the night of the Gales

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHR6qxA47Fw

Loving the photos Geo, makes me realise how much beauty surrounds me on my doorstep.

Really fantastic effort by both of you. Proud to know you both gutted to miss you in Richmond x

URGENT

Geo - please try & catch "Sandhurst", on BBC4 right now.

Thanks TK, caught the 2nd half and will watch 1st half on iplayer. It's now followed by When TV goes to War, hopefully that should be good too


Geo

Just found this video which I took from inside my bivvi on the night of the Gales. The noise is the wind though you'd actually think I was bivvid next to a river

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3YBK-R503U

Geo

Only just managed to catch up on this but a superb achievement.

The pictures are brilliant as well, great times.

I was tidying up the camera memory card and I realised I never posted my few pics from the trip - oops.

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the very start on the first morning, outside the digs in St Bees.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0247.jpg)

Dipping my toes in the Irish Sea on St Bees beach. Sadly, the corresponding picture of the North Sea is missing :(

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0253.jpg)

At the official starting point at the RNLI station. Impressive looking handshake if I might say.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0254.jpg)

Geo has different trews on.

Don't tell me he's crapped the first pair already?

The cliffs of St Bees Head overlooking a stormy Irish Sea - a taste of what was to come!

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0259.jpg)

Our first pack-off breather, about 2 miles in at St Bees light house.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0261.jpg)

Gorgeous, heather-covered cliffs at the most northerly point of the walk and where we started to walk inland, away from the sea. The quality of light on an exceptionally overcast day doesn't really do it justice but you'll have to take my word for it.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0263.jpg)

A monument to the Coast to Coast walker on the approach to Moor Row, the last built-up area before the lake district. Around 4 to 5 miles from St Bees.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0265.jpg)

A posed shot in Moor Row of me eating what was possibly the worst flapjack I've ever had.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0266.jpg)

The photos dried up at that point on day one, as the weather and terrain worsened significantly. I seem to remember spending most of the afternoon stopping every 50 yards on the first steep climb and then literally risking, if not life, then definitely limb on the corresponding mud bath of a descent. The lowest point of the walk for me.

This shot was taken as we packed up after our first night under canvas. Spirits were lifted by the arrival the sun, although I was now facing the Lake District ahead with massive trepidation.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0268.jpg)

The weather improved through the morning until we entered the Lake District in glorious sunshine. This is the approach to Ennerdale Water.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0270.jpg)

Nice photos Jack

A few more simply stunning views of Ennerdale Water in the sunshine.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0271.jpg)

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0272.jpg)

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0274.jpg)

Taking the weight off along the shores of Ennerdale Water.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0273.jpg)

A view south to the imposing, rocky peak of Pillar.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0276.jpg)

The rather beautiful & rugged Black Sail Hut youth hostel. This marked the start of our first Lake District climb. Despite the magnificent sunshine, I was full of dread for the ascent ahead.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0277.jpg)

Great photos,
Just awesome.

A view back down the valley we'd just climbed up, with a rainbow on show. This was probably the high point for me. My fears for the climb and my ability to do it had been unfounded. I did have to keep stopping to rest the legs but I was able to go a bit faster than Geo, so by the time he'd caught up, I was ready to go again.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0278.jpg)

A massive gap in the photos now. The third day was when Geo fell and we had to curtail the day and miss the next. We arrived in Shap and got digs at a bunkhouse due to the torrential rain and us both developing dodgy stomachs. This was the view to the rear of the bunkhouse. Is it a Gypsy caravan Tom or just a copy?

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0281.jpg)

The day's walking from Shap to Kirkby Stephen is when I first developed blisters and, not to put too fine a point on it, Geo shat himself. Bad times. Another bus the following day from Kirkby Stephen to Keld (the halfway point of the walk).

This was taken on day 7, walking from Keld to Reeth on very sore feet. A view of the River Swale on our trip down Swaledale.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0282.jpg)

Geo in repose. We were camped here in the hills above Reeth. The second pic shows the two bashas and gives an idea of how invisible we'd be from a distance.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0286.jpg)

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/IMG_0287.jpg)

My final offering is a video showing a panorama of the Reeth camp.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XqFx0VqMpk

I've missed a few pics out. If anyone wants to take a look, you can see them here (http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f220/martynprime/Coast%20to%20Coast/)

Thanks for these Jack.

Easily the thread I most enjoyed on blonde in 2011, in so many ways. Courage, adventure, adversity, stamina, patience, & the photos of that magnificent scenery are just wonderful. Not jealous of you both, I'm past it now, but very sad that I never did such a thing, or at least tried.

Respect to you both, you are an example to all of us.   

bollox are you past it - jfdi!

I do keep thinking about it, Claire. Think Tom would need to be at my shoulder all the way though.

stop thinking, start acting, or it will become too late.  let's get the 'tikay and tom trekking tentatively together' thread going

Think he's too fat, tbh.

'tiny tikay takes tubby tom trekking'?

Great pics Jack.

the wagon is not so much a copy as just not very old, so I doubt that Gypsies ever used it. By the time that was made they would have gone over to motors and trailers.

Probably belonged to 'New Age travellers.

This in a genuine Gypsy wagon.




(http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7813/captured0202200400005.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/407/captured0202200400005.jpg/)


(http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/5640/captured0202200400004.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/835/captured0202200400004.jpg/)

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages.asp?v=1&urn=2&utn=33788&umn=

Blimey!

Think I'd better say no more.

I remember a quote that went something like..

There are two kinds on people in the world, Those that say "I can't do it" and those that say "I can do it".
Ironically, both are usually right.

Lovely read.

There was a program on tele a few weeks ago that covered this walk.  Apparently there's a pub at one end of the walk (North Sea end I think) where if you've done it, you can get a free pint.  (I'm sure it was something like that).  Did you get your free drink?

Apologies if you've covered this already

Glad this got bumped up as I read it straight thru with only a break for the school run. Impressive stuff. Just wondered if Tikay ever got round to walking the croft with Tom?

I'm still waiting.

Any day now......

Thought this would be the case.

Bugger.

Added to Bucket List.

We might have to have a +1 now - Gill is on a keep fit fad, & she loves nature stuff, so she might want to come too.

She started jogging a few months ago, & has slowly worked up to 8 mile runs now. She is not built for running, and it half kills her, but she has a steely determination & won't give up.

She's started "interval training" style running now, sprints & rests. She does it in a local wildlife area, & I get little notes every night, "saw a heron, said hello to a squirrel & a duck". And she really does talk to animals. We always have apples & carrots in the boot when we go for a ride, so we can stop & feed horses, sheep, goats or whatever. And she TALKS TO THEM. We go feed the swans, geese & mallards on the Thames most weekends she is here, too.

"Hello horsey, ooh, don't be rough, be nice to each other".      

Geese can be vicious little buggers, so she tells them if if they cut up rough with each other.

"Stop it Mr Goose, stop that right now".

Daft as a brush. Lovely daft, mind.         

I asked Tony if he was worried about possible health risks when sleeping with a fit bird like Gill and he said, 'If she dies, she dies'.

Proper made I chuckle that.

LOL!

I misread that at first and thought 'Gill looked quite slim in the photos I saw'