Day 3 - Seatoller - Grasmere. GPS Reads 41 miles

We set of today with the weather not looking good, it was light rain with the forecast for a showery day but possible improvrement late afternoon. We started with an easy stroll to the river Derwent where provided chains along the riocks were a helping hand.

 From here we passed through the village of Longthwaite and then Rosthwaite, where we came across an interestingly named cafe.

 We escape Rosthwaite by a pleasant walk along stonetwaite Beck then head up Greenup valley. This valley was a steady climb and it was here the weather started to deteriate. The view up towards our route looked daunting and wet.

 

the view backwards seemed better.

The view west was of the looming presence  Eagle crag in the mist.

We then had a straight foward but steep climb up to and past Lining Crag where we could look over Drumlin basin.

 Here the mist really closed in and there was no visabilty whatsoever.

Kirsty and Jane at Lining crag nothing to admire!!

We now head on up to the broad col of Greenup Edge. This next section is where many people lose their way and in the mist it is particularly awkward to navicate but our experiance of Dartmoor in the mist proved valuable and we found our way with care. From here we commence across the head of Wythburn Valley. It was here, as we were contempating taking the easier route to Grasmere due to the visability, as if by magic the cloud lifted and we had a stunning view down the valley.

So, although we had already done a good amount of ascent we decided to take the significantly more demanding high route back to Grasmere. This provided us we some breathtaking views but jane was suffering by the end with a very painful knee.

The first peak we visited was Calf crag at 1.800 feet and we were able to get this photo.

We then have a tough udulating ridge walk with difficult under foot conditions.

                All long this ridge

     stepping stones through a peat bog.

Next we visit the top of Moment crag with great views of Grasmere then on to Gibson Knott. this route is a long walk with rocky steps and bogs (as above) and it was a lot longer than we expected. but the 360 degree stunning views including tomorrows target of Helvellyn made it worth the effort.

At Helm Grag the view to todays destination gave us a boost.

So with our feet screaming for a rest and legs like jelly we made our way  down the steep descnt to the outskirts of Grasmere and then the short walk to our B&B to finish a tough but fantastic day.

Thank You for all your encouraging comments so far they really do help us find the energy to do this.