DAY 3 ... STONETHWAITE TO GRASMERE ... 10 MILES
Overnight, wind and rain pounded my B&B but was
calmer by morning. At breakfast, two more walkers
said they were blown over twice on Haystacks. Glad I
didn’t try it, but I was wondering how many went up
there. A light rain was falling so I put my Duckback
cover on my pack. Going up to Greenup Edge I passed
two older couples having a little problem fording
the fast rushing streams. Then its a steep rocky
path with water everywhere. Its raining steady with
increasing winds as I top Greenup Edge, a high ridge
with a sharp dropoff ringing the whole area.
Approaching Greenup Edge
I caught up with the couple I saw on Dent Hill two
days ago. We missed the turn down the valley and
continued onto Wynburn ridge. After realizing our
error, we cut across the slopes against ferocious
winds, splashing through the bogs to pick up the
correct path. They stopped for lunch under a rock as
I continued on. The path is now a stream with water
converging on it, waterfalls everywhere,
intermittant rain and sleet. Paths diverge at two
iron fenceposts, the high route left up to Calf Crag
and the ridge to Helm Crag, the other down Far
Easdale valley. The two fellows from breakfast are
here contemplating the high route and decide to go
for it. I think of those high winds and decide to
forgo it and go down Far Easdale, later regretting
my decision. What a wuss I am!
Top of Far Easdale
Tumultuous Streams
View of Lower Far Easdale
Descending the valley, I must be crossing a hundred
streams, but the weather slowly calms as I drop down
into the lower valley. I drop my pack at Thorney How
hostel and walk into Grasmere, a bit of civilized
heaven in the mountains. Bought a phone card at the
P.O. for local calls and then used my cell phone to
call wife Cathryn. I got a signal, it works! She was
relieved to hear from me. I ran into Peter, Linda
and Larry, will see them again at the White Lion in
Patterdale tomorrow. Also saw the two ladies from
Cloggers B&B. At the Co-Op, I got moussaka for
tonight, cookies and an apple for lunch tomorrow.
The van group is at the hostel, also a huge group of
college kids from Brigham Young University (Utah) on
an English literature and writing outing, having a
great time. For me, dinner and early to bed. I'm
feeling good. no worries.
Thorney How Hostel in Grasmere
Lovely View from my Bedroom Window