Day 6

Patterdale to Shap

Another fabulous day. We have completed our walk through The Lake District and have reached the village of Shap on the A6 between Kendal and Penrith.


The walk today involved a climb out of Patterdale up to a height of 2700 feet at the top of Kidsty Pike, followed by a descent to the Haweswater reservoir, a walk alonside the reservoir and finally, a bit of rolling farm land to Shap.

Here we both are, at the top.

The climb took us past Angle Tarn and up onto the Roman Road at High Street. Up on the ridge, the wind was blowing hard into our faces, making progress more difficult. Still, the sun was shining as well so we couldn't complain too much. We met and passed our Australian fighter pilot friend and his wife as well as some new coast-to-coasters that we had not met before.

We reached Haweswater at lunchtime and found a quiet sheltered spot for my tuna/mayo baguette and Liz's ham & tomato baguette. The walk alongside the lake was pleasant and we planned to stop for refreshement on a bench in Burnbanks, only to find the bench already occupied.

We continued through a beautiful bluebell wood, diverted off path a short way because of a derelict footbridge and continued across open common to Rosgill Bridge. Walking through sheep fields we encountered a young lamb that had strayed through an open gate into the neighbouring field and couldn't find its way back to its mother. A young lad walking close behind us shepherded the lamb expertly back through the gate to be happily re-united with mum.

We passed the ruins of Shap Abbey and finally reached Shap at just after 17:00. The Hermitage B&B is 420 years old with sloping floors and low cielings. Fortunately it is very well maintained with all mod. cons. available for the weary walker.

Distance walked today 15.47 miles. Total distance walked so far 61.63 miles.