The High Point: Kidsty Pike

As we left Patterdale the next morning, there was satisfaction at having enjoyed a splendid evening but also a hint of sadness for 2 reasons: one we had to say goodbye to that fine bear Alfred (but we'll stay in touch), and second, because we were about to all but walk out of the Lake District.

However, we had our biggest day's walk so far to look forward to. We were about to walk a hard 17 miles over to Shap, taking in the highest point in the walk, Kidsty Pike.

Another fortifying cooked breakfast set us up for the day ...

... and that hash brown proved a very welcome extra when we realised we had a steep climb right from the start up to Boredale Hause. When we got to a flat section we looked back at where we had come from, something which is always very satisfying ...

Most of the morning saw us climbing upwards, but the climb was long and steady, so it wasn't too difficult. The path was good and in one or two places could even have classed as wheelchair friendly. We were lucky to be walking in reasonable weather - only the day before, walkers had been forced to turn back, as it was simply too windy to be up on Kidsty Pike. As I said, we were lucky, as when we reached the Pike, it was quite calm and although it was cloudy, the cloud was high enough not to hinder the 360 degree views. 

I was very proud to have reached this important landmark on the Coast to Coast walk and wanted to record the moment for posterity. The other chaps say I look rather a fine figure of a proud sheep in my photo, and hopefully you'll agree.

From Kidsty Pike the path goes almost vertically down to Haweswater. A sheep like me can skip straight down a steep path and be completely sure footed - bears aren't bad either, no so my human companions, who were a bit slow, and found it a bit scary and hard on the knees. I passed the time waiting for them having a nibble on that favourite of mine, Lakeland grass.

The next stage of the route was a traverse of the complete length of Haweswater, and it is quite a big lake. The highlight of this stretch was seeing a couple of red squirrels playing in the trees between the lake and the path.

They were clearly youngsters and greatly enjoying their games; it was a real thrill and privilege for us to  see this, sadly all too rare, sight.

The day was not yet over, but we think this post is long enough, so the rest of our day will be recounted in part 2, coming soon.

Lots of love, Wooly, George, Yorkie and Gio xxx