DAY 2 .. ENNERDALE BRIDGE TO STONETHWAITE .. 14 MILES
I’ve started my foot care regimen, two plasters on
each foot (toes) on possible problem spots along
with double socks. My new Lowa boots feel great,
plenty of room, but I have some Compeed for possible
blisters. Medically, I am taking at least two
ibupropen per day, morning and evening. Walking
poles are taking stress off my knees, ankles and
feet. I've found them essential to help this 71 year
old body along.
For breakfast, a nice porriage, poached eggs and
sausage. Two Manchester ladies here also, husbands
don't walk. It's a fairly nice day and I'm off by
8:45 again. I'm passing walkers on the lakeside
path, beautiful scenery, tumultuous streams feeding
the lake, large boulders and exuberant flora.
Visions of Puck's kingdom! I pass across the head of
Ennerdale Water and follow a track above the River
Liza leading to Black Sail hut. This is the most
isolated youth hostel in England.
Ennerdale Water Looking East
Lakeside Path Looking West
River Liza near Black Sail
Black Sail Hut - Pure Isolation
Winds have picked up quite a bit. I was hoping to
take the path up to Scarth Gap and Haystacks, those
delightful crags, but met two fellows coming down
off the top who dissuaded me. They said the wind was
so strong it blew them over several times so I said
no thanks. Instead, I spent a half hour at Black
Sail drinking tea (as I did 5 years ago), then
climbed up Loft Beck. It was steep, rocky and windy.
Near the top, I found a Canon camera on the trail
and soon came to three walkers sitting on rocks
gazing at the magnificent view of Buttermere Water
and surrounding mountains. Turns out the camera
belonged to Peter. He wasn't even aware he had
dropped it. We all walked together to Stonethwaite.
They were staying at the Langstrath Hotel, a couple
of doors from my B&B, Stonethwaite Farm. We agreed
to have dinner together.
Path Up Loft Beck
Buttermere Water Looking West
Walking over to the Langstrath, I was struck by what
a beautiful isolated village this is with stone
houses and narrow lanes. Meeting the threesome in
the bar, I had a very nice Cock Mouth ale, then into
the dining room for a wonderful sea bass with
spinach and potatoes. Five years ago, I couldn't get
dinner but had a great artichoke soup in the bar.
Tonight we had a table because my friends were
staying here. They are all recently retired, Peter
and Linda from a leasing business, Larry was a
lawyer. Larry is struggling on the slopes, working
hard to get into shape while P and L are quite fit.
They all had lamb shank then started ordering wine,
then another. I drank more than I should have. Bad
influences, you know.
Stonethwaite main street in the rain