Photograph Gallery Stage 37 Caldbeck to Keswick : Walking Englishman's 1000 Mile Walk

Photograph Gallery Stage 37 Caldbeck to Keswick

Posted by Mike on Saturday, September 3, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Photograph Gallery Stage 37 Caldbeck to Keswick, Thursday 30th June 2011

The Story:

This walk was just stunning, no other word for it. The weather was remarkable, the scenery was outstanding and some of the views were WOW of the highest order. Before the walk though there was crisis and all of my own making. I don’t know why but I woke at 2.00am and suddenly thought “where are my poles”. I couldn’t find them in the annex room I was sleeping in at the Oddfellows in Caldbeck. Panic striken I woke Strolling Steve, expecting him to present me with them. Not being responsive, who can blame him, I returned to my bed, mused on where I may have left them and fell asleep. Dawn didn’t relax my worry, I hoped I had left them in the bar when we checked in. Harassing breakfast staff as they laboured to serve residents bore no fruit. They were lost. Resigned to soldiering on to Keswick without poles we bC breakfast and were joined by John Lister who having followed my website and blog was joining us for the day. After breakfast Strolling Steve, John and I went to the village shop to get supplies for the day. As I was paying John spotted some poles in a corner by the shop door. They were my poles! Yesterday I called in at the shop on arriving in Caldbeck for two ice pops. I had left them against the shop wall and some kind soul had handed them in. Thank you anonymous person, thank you John. I was so relieved.

After trauma, ecstasy and we walked off from Caldbeck to follow the Cumbria Way to Lakeland with high hopes of a great day. We were not to be disappointed. Right from the start the walking was brilliant, first on good tracks through farmland, on lanes and on tree lined paths for about two miles. Then we passed through a gate onto open land and began an excellent steady climb to High Pike. On the climb we looked back to stunning views of north Cumbria and with such good weather we got an exceptional sight of the Solway Firth and the Scottish hills of Galloway. It was a WOW moment and before 10.00am. Many more were to follow. We reached High Pike just after 10.00am, a notable achievement for me as it was my 108th Wainwright Fell. Only 106 to go! After the excitement of High Pike we continued on the Cumbria Way and soon left behind views of north Cumbria and south Scotland, replacing them with our first views of northern Lakeland, the 2nd WOW moment. I was in upland heaven, Strolling Steve and John were too. We made good time for the next three miles down into a valley before turning right to climb steadily through another towards Skiddaw House. Incredible views of the Skiddaw range were ahead of us and nearing Skiddaw House Blencathra presented its northern flank too. WOW. At Skiddaw House I needed a rest, the right knee was tired and after letting it calm down we were off again on a fantastic path south with a plethora of mountain ranges coming into view. The Dodd Fells, Helvellyn, the Newlands Horseshoe, the Coledale Horseshoe. WOW. I was tired but full of awe as we left the high ground on the final descent from Latriggs slopes into Keswick. This was the best of days, simple. John was marvellous company, I hope we walk together again soon. Strolling Steve was his usual great fun and welcome support. In. Keswick Lady Gwen of Ennerdale came with her packhorse. The four of us enjoyed tea together. What a winner of a day. The 1000 mile walk is fantastic and this day will live in my memory as one of the best for many reasons. Walking, scenery, moments, friends, WOW’s – it had it all.

Strolling Steve’s Daily Statistics:

Scenery: 9/10 – Hard to beat.

History: 3/10 – A few old mines but who cares with scenery like this.

Interest: 8/10 – Always something to take in.

Track: 8/10 – Good walking although stony sections hard on the feet.

Comment: A great day out.

The Photographs: