Thursday, June 24, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Day Two of The Cumbria Way. Caldbeck to Keswick
Hi all.
On the second day of the Cumbria Way we walked 16 miles from Caldbeck to Keswick. Very hard 16 miles. We first walked up the 2600 feet of High Pike, a boggish, treeless, trackless hill. We had lunch in an old bothy(shepherd's cabin)on the way down, then walked through bogs for another 12 miles. Not a good day for me. This is where I hurt my toe with the repeated slamming of the toe into the inside of the shoe on the steep descent. Yes, it hurt like bloody hell. It rained most of the day, but we ended in sunshine.
When I got back to the cottage and took my shoes and socks off my right big toe was a lovely deep purple and very sore, so I decided not to chance the third day.
It is a lovely walk through one of the most desolate valleys in England. Yes, that is a very narrow path along a steep valley. We were about 300 feet up from the valley floor.
I was very glad to get home that evening.
This is not a section to attempt if you are not in good shape. I walk 6 to 9 miles every day at home and add in training on my bike, and I found it hard. Much of the way is trackless, and once you start in there is no way out other than to finish or retrace your steps. There may not be phone service along this part. Take someone with you. Take lots of water and food because it is difficult.
http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/gg288/multreda/Cumbrian%20Way/?action=view¤t=591529bd.pbw
On the second day of the Cumbria Way we walked 16 miles from Caldbeck to Keswick. Very hard 16 miles. We first walked up the 2600 feet of High Pike, a boggish, treeless, trackless hill. We had lunch in an old bothy(shepherd's cabin)on the way down, then walked through bogs for another 12 miles. Not a good day for me. This is where I hurt my toe with the repeated slamming of the toe into the inside of the shoe on the steep descent. Yes, it hurt like bloody hell. It rained most of the day, but we ended in sunshine.
When I got back to the cottage and took my shoes and socks off my right big toe was a lovely deep purple and very sore, so I decided not to chance the third day.
It is a lovely walk through one of the most desolate valleys in England. Yes, that is a very narrow path along a steep valley. We were about 300 feet up from the valley floor.
I was very glad to get home that evening.
This is not a section to attempt if you are not in good shape. I walk 6 to 9 miles every day at home and add in training on my bike, and I found it hard. Much of the way is trackless, and once you start in there is no way out other than to finish or retrace your steps. There may not be phone service along this part. Take someone with you. Take lots of water and food because it is difficult.
http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/gg288/multreda/Cumbrian%20Way/?action=view¤t=591529bd.pbw
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Walking on Mull
Woke up at 7:30 today and ate a huge breakfast. Full whatever. yes, I ate it all. I'm paying for this, I'm eating it. Rested a bit then we went for a walk down to the campsite and the ocean. 5 miles. Little walk. It is wild but they have showers and toilets. You camp on the edge of the world. Hmmmm...single track road after the ferry..... But the campsites overlook Iona and the sea!
Came back, I posted pics finally, and napped a bit, then we had dinner on the bench in front of the B&B ...a gull stole our bread. We had enough.
I mentioned the boys we met in the pub-the ones from the Torbermory Hostel, well they were out in front of our B&B trying to find a place closer to town, but...no luck. We told then we might see them in the pub later.
We did. My friend was off using the phone and I had my pint there...and they walked in. Had a lovely hour with them. My friend came back...they went off to dinner, we walked to the ocean and came home.
I remarked that there was a fire on the far hillside, and there was a very large fire. My friend had noticed a small boat on the hill earlier, and I remembered that I had seen a sign in the store for "Remember Helga" A wake for a local person who had died. Well, it wasn't just a wake, it was a frikkin viking funeral. Too far to walk, but I have pics. No, there was no body...just a party to remember.
So, every day we seem to have a new and different experience.
Tomorrow we are going to Staffa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Came back, I posted pics finally, and napped a bit, then we had dinner on the bench in front of the B&B ...a gull stole our bread. We had enough.
I mentioned the boys we met in the pub-the ones from the Torbermory Hostel, well they were out in front of our B&B trying to find a place closer to town, but...no luck. We told then we might see them in the pub later.
We did. My friend was off using the phone and I had my pint there...and they walked in. Had a lovely hour with them. My friend came back...they went off to dinner, we walked to the ocean and came home.
I remarked that there was a fire on the far hillside, and there was a very large fire. My friend had noticed a small boat on the hill earlier, and I remembered that I had seen a sign in the store for "Remember Helga" A wake for a local person who had died. Well, it wasn't just a wake, it was a frikkin viking funeral. Too far to walk, but I have pics. No, there was no body...just a party to remember.
So, every day we seem to have a new and different experience.
Tomorrow we are going to Staffa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
day one of the Cumbrian Way
Well, you start in Carlisle and walk 16 miles over gently rolling countryside. A great deal of the first part is around the city, and there are precious places to wee, but then you get into the countryside. No hard climbs, very easy day. We ended in a pouring rain in Caldbeck at a warm tea house. Bathrooms are around back.
http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/gg288/multreda/Cumbrian%20Way/?action=view¤t=cb6d4175.pbw
http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/gg288/multreda/Cumbrian%20Way/?action=view¤t=cb6d4175.pbw
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Torbormory to Fionnphort
Well, we had quite a day. I thought I'd booked us private rooms at the Torbormory hostel, but we were in a 5 bed dorm. But then no one came, so we thought we would have it to ourselves. No. At midnight three Canadian women in their 40's rolled in from Oban. They'd missed the ferry and had to take the one at ten. They were lovely, but it was midnight. OK, the sun hadn't really set.
They flew over to catch the Paul McCartney concert and were then off for three weeks around Scotland. The one had been born in Oban.
We talked and laughed till one then all was quiet.
Had a great day looking at the shops, had fish and chips from a stall on the dock and caught the 4:00 bus to Fiannphort. It is two hours from one wing of Mull to the other.
Well, our bus driver for the first leg was fabulous! He gave a running commentary all the way down to the ferry port(forget the name). I of course did not understand half of it because of his thick Scottish accent, but Carol translated.
We made it just in time to catch the bus to FPt, and were reaqdy to leave when a teacher hopped on with her 28 high school kids who were staying at a converted abbey on the way to Fpt.
They sang all the way out. Now, on Mull the roads are single lane..yes...narrow, one lane roads witth pullouts, and we were on a large bus. Fantastic volcanic scenery. Reminded me of the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico. Fabulous! We saw Highland cattle and!!!!!!! a stag! Yes! Horns and all. Cool.
We are in our B&B, ate our dinners we brought from Torb. Oh! We walked to the pub(about 100 people live in Fiannphort)for a pint and ran into 3 bike riders we'd met in the hostel the night before. So.......we were there for more than one pint...in front of a coal fire, overlooking the Atlantic, at the end of the earth.
I will try to post pics tomorrow.
It is past 10 and the sun has not set.
This place is amazing. Pictures do not do it justice.
They flew over to catch the Paul McCartney concert and were then off for three weeks around Scotland. The one had been born in Oban.
We talked and laughed till one then all was quiet.
Had a great day looking at the shops, had fish and chips from a stall on the dock and caught the 4:00 bus to Fiannphort. It is two hours from one wing of Mull to the other.
Well, our bus driver for the first leg was fabulous! He gave a running commentary all the way down to the ferry port(forget the name). I of course did not understand half of it because of his thick Scottish accent, but Carol translated.
We made it just in time to catch the bus to FPt, and were reaqdy to leave when a teacher hopped on with her 28 high school kids who were staying at a converted abbey on the way to Fpt.
They sang all the way out. Now, on Mull the roads are single lane..yes...narrow, one lane roads witth pullouts, and we were on a large bus. Fantastic volcanic scenery. Reminded me of the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico. Fabulous! We saw Highland cattle and!!!!!!! a stag! Yes! Horns and all. Cool.
We are in our B&B, ate our dinners we brought from Torb. Oh! We walked to the pub(about 100 people live in Fiannphort)for a pint and ran into 3 bike riders we'd met in the hostel the night before. So.......we were there for more than one pint...in front of a coal fire, overlooking the Atlantic, at the end of the earth.
I will try to post pics tomorrow.
It is past 10 and the sun has not set.
This place is amazing. Pictures do not do it justice.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Mull
We are here in Torbormory, on the Isle of Mull. Lovely hostel here. Very helpful. You can put your pack in reception until 5, just don't leave anything of value...you know the rules. Had tea in a little shop and will spend tomorrow here. We plan to cook dinner soon. Lovely bus ride from Fort Augustus to Fort William, then down to Oba. Took the ferry and bus(one lane roads)to here.
Sunny skies, all is well
Sunny skies, all is well
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Fort Augustus
Hi all! We are in Fort Augustus, Scotland, looking for Nessie. Have not seen her yet.
Lovely hostel-Stravaigers. You ask the bus driver to let you off at the health center on the way in, and it is around the corner on your right at the bottom of the road-about a block's walk. Very clean, very quiet, very nice. Great kitchen. The grocery store is about three blocks away, so no need to pack in food. The store is open during the week till 8.
Off to the Isle of Mull tomorrow for 4 days, then Iona for 4 more. If you don't hear from me, I will be unable to get wifi.
Lovely hostel-Stravaigers. You ask the bus driver to let you off at the health center on the way in, and it is around the corner on your right at the bottom of the road-about a block's walk. Very clean, very quiet, very nice. Great kitchen. The grocery store is about three blocks away, so no need to pack in food. The store is open during the week till 8.
Off to the Isle of Mull tomorrow for 4 days, then Iona for 4 more. If you don't hear from me, I will be unable to get wifi.
Monday, June 14, 2010
In Edinburgh
Hi! I'm at the Starbucks on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. You can get free wifi here. Having a lovely, relaxed day walking around. Edinbugh is nice, but there are big city problems...homelessness and poverty right alongside the wealth, tourist spots and such. It is very touristy, and crowded, but the history is great.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Off to Scotland tomorrow!
We have been staying at the Holm Head Camping Barn the last two days, and it is absolutely wonderful for 12 pounds 50. We have a roof over our heads, shower, toilet and a kitchen. The beds are in a loft with steep stairs, but they are fine. The Barn is over a bridge and down a lovely country lane.
Today we toured Hadrian's Wall, had lunch, had tea, had local cheese at the cheesehouse and are now sat in the warm sun in front of the Place. It is an old stone house, B&B with barn attached. Pics when I can.
Tomorrow I will take the train to Edinburgh.
Today we toured Hadrian's Wall, had lunch, had tea, had local cheese at the cheesehouse and are now sat in the warm sun in front of the Place. It is an old stone house, B&B with barn attached. Pics when I can.
Tomorrow I will take the train to Edinburgh.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Better
My toe is greatly improved so I will be walking again tomorrow. I am very disappointed at missing two days, but I thought the descent down Stake Pass today would have been difficult, and I did not want to hold the group back. I don't think one should go out into the wilds of Cumbria if there is some doubt as to getting back...I think that would be irresponsible, so I rested. I also bought new shoes...Keen. They have a very wide toe area.
So...on to Coniston tomorrow. I will have pictures because Pam took some wonderful ones!
So...on to Coniston tomorrow. I will have pictures because Pam took some wonderful ones!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Not looking good, mate.....
My toe and my knees. Ouch! http://www.flickr.com/photos/50931730@N02/?saved=1
Yesterday's Walk
Here are pics from a great website about the Cumbria Way. This is Caldbeck to Keswick. Do not start this if you can't do 16 hard miles.
http://www.thecumbriaway.info/gallery_4.htm
http://www.thecumbriaway.info/gallery_4.htm
Monday, June 7, 2010
You walk sixteen miles and what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt.......
No, you get very sore feet and a black big right toe. It rubbed against the shoe.
We started in Caldbeck and walked up the 2200 foot High Pike, not too bad......if it hadn't been pouring rain.
We couldn't see any other fells at the summit because of the mist(read...dense, soaking fog) The way down was steep, boggy, wet and treacherous, so we stopped at Linky Hut(an old shepherd's hut) for lunch...then walked twelve more miles through some desolate valleys to Keswick. Beautiful after the rain stopped,but by that time I had injured my big right toe, stepped in mud up to my ankle and a stream up to my other ankle. I was very glad to get back to Keswick. If you aren't sure about walking 16 hard, hard miles, do not attempt this. There is no way out once you start down the other side of High Pike...other than helicopter.
Pam and I invited Steven for dinner tonight because there are only six of us, and the mother and daughter from the US are nice, but shy. Pam made her poached eggs, bacon, beans, mushrooms and tomatoes tonight! Delicious! I'll make it when I get home.
Rough, rough day, but a lovely evening!
No, you get very sore feet and a black big right toe. It rubbed against the shoe.
We started in Caldbeck and walked up the 2200 foot High Pike, not too bad......if it hadn't been pouring rain.
We couldn't see any other fells at the summit because of the mist(read...dense, soaking fog) The way down was steep, boggy, wet and treacherous, so we stopped at Linky Hut(an old shepherd's hut) for lunch...then walked twelve more miles through some desolate valleys to Keswick. Beautiful after the rain stopped,but by that time I had injured my big right toe, stepped in mud up to my ankle and a stream up to my other ankle. I was very glad to get back to Keswick. If you aren't sure about walking 16 hard, hard miles, do not attempt this. There is no way out once you start down the other side of High Pike...other than helicopter.
Pam and I invited Steven for dinner tonight because there are only six of us, and the mother and daughter from the US are nice, but shy. Pam made her poached eggs, bacon, beans, mushrooms and tomatoes tonight! Delicious! I'll make it when I get home.
Rough, rough day, but a lovely evening!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
first day of the walk
We started in Carkiske today, walking the Cumbria Way North to South. The beginning of the walk wasn't too scenic, too much city, and we walked on a concrete bike path for the first four or so miles. Watch out for bikes, dogs and dog doo. Too many irresponsible dog owners. There is a little part that is confusing, so consult your guide book carefully. Our guide, Graham is going to write a guide book for North to South.
Once you're out in the countryside the way is clear, because it is the path. You follow the river Caldew...keeping it on your left! There are some lovely buildings, Rose Castle and the Lime School. There is a church that has coffee and tea making facilities, but no loo. No matter, plenty of bushes on the Way.!
The last four miles are a bit rough, especially if you messed up your right heel two weeks before you started your walk! There is a bit uphill and down, but it isn't too bad. When you get into Caldbeck(Day one is 15.51 miles)there is a lovely little teahouse, and there are some pubs. All in all, a nice day.
As for today, I hurt the whole way because of my heel. But have taken aspirin and will walk tomorrow regardless!!!!! Oh! I fell this morning...before we even got to the meeting place! Pam told me to look at this sign for Borrowdale, which I did, and...I fell..on my knees. My left knee bled quite a bit, my right knee is just scraped. They are fine. It's my heel. Oh, There is a hole in my left pant leg...from the fall.
So, I am a clutz.
Once you're out in the countryside the way is clear, because it is the path. You follow the river Caldew...keeping it on your left! There are some lovely buildings, Rose Castle and the Lime School. There is a church that has coffee and tea making facilities, but no loo. No matter, plenty of bushes on the Way.!
The last four miles are a bit rough, especially if you messed up your right heel two weeks before you started your walk! There is a bit uphill and down, but it isn't too bad. When you get into Caldbeck(Day one is 15.51 miles)there is a lovely little teahouse, and there are some pubs. All in all, a nice day.
As for today, I hurt the whole way because of my heel. But have taken aspirin and will walk tomorrow regardless!!!!! Oh! I fell this morning...before we even got to the meeting place! Pam told me to look at this sign for Borrowdale, which I did, and...I fell..on my knees. My left knee bled quite a bit, my right knee is just scraped. They are fine. It's my heel. Oh, There is a hole in my left pant leg...from the fall.
So, I am a clutz.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Sightseeing
We had a lovely day! We started the day with an early morning visit to the Castlerigg Standing stones. Fabulous view of the surrounding hills. I love how the standing stones are right there in the middle of a sheep field!
We went to Stagshaw Gardens..a lovely old home with rhododendrons and azaleas on this hillside, then we went to Townend-a house that was in the same family for 400 years. The last member died in 1940 and the house went to the National Trust. Um, they never updated the kitchen. I think that the poor housekeeper had to cook the food over the fire! Then we went off to see Beatrix Potter's house. But! For lunch we had the best scones with butter, jam and cream at Chesters at Skelwith Bridge. You have to try it!
We met a very nice couple who told us some funny stories. I will post the pics later because Photobucket is not being helpful right now.
For dinner we are meeting Hillary at the Pub in Keswick! More on that tomorrow.
We start our walk in Carlisle tomorrow. 15 miles, and it might rain. :-(
I slept very well last night-this is a very nice cottage. Keswick is a nice, busy town.
We went to Stagshaw Gardens..a lovely old home with rhododendrons and azaleas on this hillside, then we went to Townend-a house that was in the same family for 400 years. The last member died in 1940 and the house went to the National Trust. Um, they never updated the kitchen. I think that the poor housekeeper had to cook the food over the fire! Then we went off to see Beatrix Potter's house. But! For lunch we had the best scones with butter, jam and cream at Chesters at Skelwith Bridge. You have to try it!
We met a very nice couple who told us some funny stories. I will post the pics later because Photobucket is not being helpful right now.
For dinner we are meeting Hillary at the Pub in Keswick! More on that tomorrow.
We start our walk in Carlisle tomorrow. 15 miles, and it might rain. :-(
I slept very well last night-this is a very nice cottage. Keswick is a nice, busy town.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Keswick
We are here in Keswick at the :George Cottage". I will post the link tomorrow.
Here are pics, can't get the slideshow to work. http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/gg288/multreda/knitting/?action=view¤t=4917d15f.pbw
Lovely drive. We stopped at Little Moreton Hall...lovely Tudor house. Mostly original.
Lovely drive, great weather.
Here are pics, can't get the slideshow to work. http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/gg288/multreda/knitting/?action=view¤t=4917d15f.pbw
Lovely drive. We stopped at Little Moreton Hall...lovely Tudor house. Mostly original.
Lovely drive, great weather.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
I'm Here
I am here in Kidderminster!!!! Ok, next year I am driving to Breezy Point to visit the cousins, and get a direct flight to Dublin, or London. Christ! I went through three different securities! New York? Since when does half the population of whatever borough it was come to the airport and stand outside security to wave goodbye? have they not heard of dropping the person off at the entrance?
No, next year-drive to NY and direct flight. Oh, and the English are so well behaved! We were stuck in the exit tunnel in Birmingham and no one even spoke!
So, tomorrow we head to Keswick. Lovely dinner. Thanks Pam!
I am tired
No, next year-drive to NY and direct flight. Oh, and the English are so well behaved! We were stuck in the exit tunnel in Birmingham and no one even spoke!
So, tomorrow we head to Keswick. Lovely dinner. Thanks Pam!
I am tired
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
One more Day!!!
Well, I went through the trauma of having my email account hacked, locked, then setting up a new one. So, I am ready to go.
Stake Pass
Here is a view of part of my walk: http://www.go4awalk.com/userpics/panoramic-walk-photos.php?first=Wayne&last=Hill&pan=68
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