The West Highland Way - Before

It's a great feeling; the grass has been cut; gentle, reassuring words delivered to the spuds, shallots, rhubarb and the rest; the house is tidy and hoovered, and best of all, I've been packed since yesterday. So, I'm ready to head north this morning. Ready too for The West Highland Way starting this weekend.

It will be a walking holiday with a difference for me and almost luxurious. Reserved Bed and Breakfasts along the way except for one night at a campsite. A sherpa service to carry my belongings (less a day bag). And I'll be walking with friends for most of the time; Markus, Andrea and Anthony (all of whom I met on the Coast to Coast a couple of years ago).

The weather forecast sounds good too. Mostly dry, although that may suit the midges.

I'm still in two minds about a daily blog. We'll see how it goes.

More of the same - Mon 7 & Tue 8 May 2012

Monday: Bus to and then more time in and around Keswick, final visit to The Dog & Gun - until the next time.

Tuesday: Homeward bound.

It's been a great week for walking (if not for good blogging) principally for enjoyment but also exercise in preparation for The West Highland Way at the end of this month. These posts were more about postcards home than letters of note.

More of the same - Fri 4 to Sun 6 May 2012

Friday: Upped Sticks and walking poles and moved from the Keswick Camping Site to the Camping and Caravan Club's Troutbeck Site (off the A66 between Keswick and Penrith). In between an exploration of Penrith sampling some of its delights; tea, cake, soup and bitter.

Saturday: Trudged across boggy (bridleway impassable in wet weather the sign at Lobbs warns) Threlkeld Common, then east along the Old Coach Road to Dockray, then northwest through forestry commission land back to campsite (12-14 miles?)

Saddleback/Blencathra (from Threlkeld Common)

Sunday: To Saddleback (or Blencathra if you prefer) via Scales Tarn. There's an unmapped, well-used path from the west side of the tarn to the summit - the Sharp Edge is too scary a route for me. It was snowing from the tarn to the summit! Returned via the same route but stopping off at the White Horse Inn, Scales for refreshments.

Sharp Edge (from Scales Tarn)

More of the same - Wed 2 & Thu 3 May 2012

It's been a week of walking rather than talking hence the brief posts. Once again I've been lucky with the weather. Some drizzle this morning (Friday) but that's the first rain since Sunday night.

Wednesday: a walk around Derwent Water along nicely surfaced (level) paths with the minimum of road walking. About 8-9 (easy) miles I think.

Thursday: from Keswick up to the summit of Skiddaw and back. About 8-9 (hard) miles I reckon.

Skiddaw: (Centre, rear). Third highest lump in the Lake District

More of the same - Tuesday 1 May 2012

Borrowdale ...

Baa Lambs ...

Bus - from Rosthwaite back to Keswick ...

More of the same - Monday 30 April 12

Lakes ...

Legwork ...

Lubrication ...