Final Thoughts

So how was the walk for us? Hopefully you'll have picked up from our posts, our enthusiasm for this great walk, which is one of the British classics. We had a real ball walking it and loved almost every minute - we say almost, as it wasn't all plain sailing.

Arriving at Robin Hoods Bay was a particular achievement for Wooly, who achieved his ambition of becoming the first sheep to walk the Coast to Coast walk. He'd already been crowned the first sheep to walk the Cumbria Way and we all wonder where his silver hooves and unquenchable ambition will take us next

There were 3 things which made our Coast to Coast pilgrimage quite special.

The first was the excellent route, and we have the incomparable Mr Alfred Wainwright to thank for this. It is interesting that the route is not actually a National Trail, probably because Wainwright always referred to it as 'a' Coast to Coast walk, not 'the' Coast to Coast walk. He was offering a suggestion, and all walkers are free to choose their own variation. We thought his route was so good, and kept us off the roads, so we stuck pretty faithfully to it, and were pleased we did.

As it is 'a' Coast to Coast walk, the way is not officially signposted, unlike National Trails which are. However, there are lots of way markings, some official, and others very informal. Our direction indicators ranged from the traditional wooden finger posts to these traffic cones which, if you look hard, do say Coast to Coast with arrows pointing the way ...

You had to keep your eyes open, as some direction indicators were quite small and subtle, such as this one, built into a stone wall ...

The second great ingredient of our trip was the fantastic Bed and Breakfast accommodation we  enjoyed. We've talked about many already, as they played such an important part in the journey, providing a warm and friendly welcome, comfortable beds and hearty cooked breakfasts.

We enjoyed the sheer variety of accommodation and this covered both the buildings and our hosts. It was so exciting to arrive a journey's end for each day and to discover what was in store for us. We were invariably pleased, and we even got to make some new friends ...

We'd didn't select the accommodation, and we were glad we hadn't as there was no way we could have done so well. The organisation we have to thank for booking us some great places to stay was the Coast to Coast Packhorse.

This brings us to the third, and most important ingredient of our trip, and this was our choice of the Coast to Coast Packhorse to arrange all elements of the trip for us. They booked our accommodation, arranged car parking, in their 2 minibuses they transported us out to the start and back to our car from the end, and each day they picked up our luggage and moved it on for us.

It was a friendly and efficient service and it ran like clockwork. We wouldn't choose anyone else and would recommend them to anyone considering the walk. As many of our Bed and Breakfast hosts told us, they are a 'country mile' ahead of the opposition.

Thanks Packhorse for looking after everything, allowing us to get on with the walking and having one of our best walking holidays ever.

We look forward to doing it all again one day, perhaps in another 18 years!

Lots of love

George, Yorkie, Gio and Wooly xxx

Journey's End: Robin Hoods Bay

While it would have been lovely to linger over, and savour, our final few miles, this wasn't actually an option as we had a deadline to keep. We were due to catch the Pack Horse minibus to take us back to our Bearmobile at Kirkby Stephen at 4.00 p.m.

As we had nearly 16 miles to do, we'd hoped to breakfast at 7.30 a.m., so as to be on our way at 8:00, but were told breakfast was at 8.00 and we didn't feel like arguing. However, our landlady assured us we would easily be in Robin Hoods Bay by 3.30 so we decided not to worry and to take the time needed to extract the last ounce of enjoyment from our last cooked breakfast.

We were still on our way by 08:30 and it was a good job we hadn't skimped on breakfast, as it was a long and steep road climb out of Grosmont - about 2 miles of 1:3 gradient, it was a good job we were now well honed walking machines.

After the road we had moor walking to Littlebeck, then it was into some attractive woods which included this very old hermitage (it's Gio perched on the poles to check it out) ...

... and also the impressive Falling Foss waterfall. We then alternated more road walking with more moor walking which included some very squishy sections. The sea came into sight and with it the realisation that we really were looking at the end.

We approached the sea via a caravan park and found ourselves on a delightful stretch of coast path. The views were wonderful and the sun was shining and the sky was blue. It could hardly have been more perfect and quite different to the windy and stormy weather as we set off along the coast from St Bees 2 weeks earlier.

We had made excellent time, reaching the coast at lunchtime. We therefore stopped on the coast path to enjoy a leisurely lunch and to admire the spectacular rock formations.

As it was such as lovely day and it was a Sunday afternoon, there were loads of people out enjoying the coast path. We were pretty certain though that most had only walked a mile to two and certainly not the 190 miles we had walked.

The saying that all good things come to an end is never truer than with the Coast to Coast walk. As the coast path ended we found ourselves strolling down a tarmac street with lots of other day trippers getting underfoot. It wasn't quite as exciting as the footpaths we'd covered, but it was still the C to C route until ... the beach was in front of us and the path had quite literally ended.

On one side there was the fairly modern map of the route, telling us we were at journey's end, on the other was a pub with the more classic end of the walk plaque which has been there quite a few years ...

... our female minder thinks she remembers it from her first walk completion around 18 years ago.

We had the traditional dipping of the boot in the sea and we sent a postcard or two, then there really was no reason to linger. The walk was over and our minibus transfer was waiting and ready to go whenever we were, so it was hello and goodbye to Robin Hoods Bay, giving credence to that old adage that it is better to journey than to arrive. The journey was what it was all about, and we had arrived.

We'll look back and reflect, next time.

Lots of love George, Yorkie, Gio and Wooly xxx

Somme Crossing

We had a couple of jobs to do before putting our red/blue route research into practice. We had to say goodbye to our Suffolk Branch travelling companions, who had been such great company (they were only walking the first half) and wish them bon voyage as they travelled home to Suffolk. Then we had to mark entering the second half of the route with photographs at the half way fingerpost.

This was down by the river right where we rejoined the C to C route. Actually we'll confess our error before the eagle eyed spot it from the photo and worry about our mathematical prowess. We weren't half way in distance but we were in terms of the holiday!

With our reduced party numbers we made quite a quiet start as there was less chatting than usual. We were also a tiny bit worried about whether the route we had on our map would be the right one or if we'd be entirely reliant on spotting coloured markers on an unknown route. 

It wasn't long before we discovered we had nothing to worry about. We came across an information board showing the 2 main routes and by happy coincidence the route shown on our map was the blue route that we needed to take. If it hadn't been we would have been fine anyway as we were able to take quite a detailed photo.

 We'd been assuming the second half of the route was going to be a lot flatter than the first. This wasn't about to happen any time soon though, and it was quite a pull up to the Nine Standards. This is the reason why they are visible from quite some distance away. It was also very windy as we got closer to the top. Wooly discovered this when he posed for a picture with the standards in the background. We managed to capture the exact moment of him being blown off his perch. 

Leaving the ridge of nine standards and following the posts of the blue route we experienced bog trotting in all its glory and we felt like we'd been transported to the Somme.

This was the typical scene for a mile or two, and in places the mud was pretty deep. Trekking poles are essential for the crossing to allow depths of mud and its liquidity factor to be tested. We were a bit sad though when our male minder managed to break one of his trekking poles in the process. He did a good job though and selected great routes for us to follow in his footsteps; we were just like Good King Wenceslas and his page. Somehow (miracle!) we all managed to stay clean and dry and we also enjoyed the crossing and the big open spaces. It was actually easier walking than the narrow, muddy and slippery stream path which took us away from the bog and towards Keld our destination for the night.

We'll pick up the tale there next time.

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

Half Way Today

We'd thought that it had been a long day walking over to Shap, but it was nothing compared to the day which lay ahead, officially a 21 mile day over to Kirkby Stephen, the half way point of the walk. We were feeling slightly daunted, but another cooked breakfast helped lift our spirits as did Margaret cheerfully telling us that our long walk to her house the night before, meant we could shave a bit off today's total.

The first landmark of the day was our crossing of the M6. This really did signify for me the end of the Lake District section, but I was keen to explore new pastures (literally). It was quite exciting crossing the M6 on the sturdy footbridge and we enjoyed waving at the motorists hurtling beneath us and seeing how many we could get to toot their horns at us.

The speed of the vehicles made our heads spin especially as we had enjoyed an almost traffic free week and got used to a slower pace of life.

The M6, followed by a big quarry, was quickly behind us, and normal service resumed as we found ourselves once again in open country. I had to admit it was still lovely scenery even though it wasn't the  Lake District.

Gio was happy when he found another of his monkish tiles depicting rural agriculture of days gone by.

We kept up a steady pace as we had a long way to go, but it was a beautiful walk on fairly easy terrain, so we could make good progress. We did quite a bit of moor walking, passing Robin Hood's grave and crossing limestone pavements, but also passed through lush pastures, perfect for a hungry sheep like me - talk about food on the go - and also one serious quagmire.

We had one big descent down to a river which gave us some marvellous Settle to Carlisle railway viaduct views, before a big climb out of the valley. As we got closer to Kirkby, we passed through a farm yard, where Gio had a sense of deja vu when he saw the yellow arrow pointing out the way.

For a moment Gio thought he was back on the Camino de Santiago where the path throughout Spain is marked by almost identical yellow arrows.

It was strange walking into Kirkby Stephen as this, being the Coast to Coast Packhorse base, was where we'd spent our first night before getting the minibus out to St Bees. It almost felt like coming home, even though it was by no means the end of our walk.

We were pleased to find we had made good time and were approaching our Bed and Breakfast accommodation shortly before 6.00 p.m. It was a rather special B and B, we'll explain why next time.

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

The Last House in Shap

Haweswater is a big lake, so it took us quite a while to walk to the end, at which point it felt as if we really should have finished walking for the day. However, we hadn't, we still had quite a few miles to go to get to Shap.

So, we put our best paws and hoofs forward, and on we went. The scenery began to change and to flatten out. First we swapped the lake for a stream, then we passed through agricultural land and a marshy / swampy area, before the landmark of Shap Abbey came into sight ...

Gio who regards long distance path walking as a personal pilgrimage, was very taken with the Abbey and he felt really at home when, close by, he found the following wooden post with a rather beautiful tile depicting a monk tending to his sheep. It told us all we needed to know about the history of this place.

Just after the Abbey, an enterprising farmer had left bottles of beer for thirsty walkers. We avoided the temptation as we thought we were almost there. More fool us!

As it happened, we weren't too far from Shap, and we hit the edge of the village at about 6.00 p.m. We set off in search of our B and B thinking it could only be a few minutes away. What we didn't know, was that Shap is an extremely long village, and our B and B was just about the last house there was. It seemed to take another hour to get there - we walked, and we walked, passing at least 3 pubs, but there was still no sign of it. In the end we had to phone up for directions - which were that we had still further to go.

Finally, when as good as out in open country again, there it was, Brookfield, as you can see, a fine looking B and B. And it's owner and proprietor Margaret, there to greet us and demonstrate the ingenious use of a door wedge for getting our bags in and out our rooms!

We felt almost like naughty school children, when Margaret told us that, had we arrived at 5.00 pm like her other guests, she would have given us tea and cake, but at nearly 7.00 pm it was a bit late. We actually thought we'd done very well to get there when we did, but we had to agree that tea and cake would have been a distraction, when what we really wanted to do was to shower and change and head for the Greyhound pub for a meal and some beers.

As always, we enjoyed our evening in the pub and, fortified by food and drink, were soon feeling chipper again. We were gratified to find a fellow party of C to C walkers, some friendly Australians we had got to know, came in considerably later than us. They were staying at the pub, and didn't even make it to their rooms before grabbing a table for a meal.

On our return to Brookfield, Margaret was up and about to let us in and have a chat. She is a lovely kind lady who clearly enjoys a good chat and, being a sheep, I especially appreciated the discussion on the merits of sheep's wool for treating blisters, not that I've ever had one.

Love from Wooly, Gio, George and Yorkie xxx

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

A Gem of a Bear and a Gem of a Room

Patterdale has always been one of our favourite Lake District haunts, so we were pleased to be having an overnight stop there. Arriving in the dry and having time to call into the White Lion for a drink, before finding our Bed and Breakfast, made for a good start. In the pub we chatted to a couple who were walking the C to C the other way round i.e. east to west. They were camping, so carrying all their gear, including a wine box – we were all very impressed by this, especially the wine box, but we guess it would count as a holiday essential.

The Coast to Coast Packhorse, who had organised our accommodation, had secured us a real gem (literally) by booking us into The Old Water View Inn. This B and B has much to recommend it, and we can start the list of its charms by telling you that it was where Alfred Wainwright himself used to stay when in the area.  Something more important to us though, was that we were directed outside the main house to a room in a converted barn called L’al Gem. We had our own front door and effectively the whole downstairs of this building. What’s more, there to greet us on the bed, was a rather special bear. His role was to welcome us and make us feel at home. He was wearing an incredibly smart and warm Old Water View knitted jumper, and we have to admit we were a little envious of it, wondering if they might be for sale, but we think they only came complete with wearer, and anyway, we think we would have needed a much smaller size.

Our new friend, Alf, gave us a guided tour of our accommodation. Once we had been shown the outside drying room and the lovely view of the river from our front door, we got the fully history of our room, which was a very romantic story. As it’s all in the picture, we’ll let you read it for ourselves, if you have a big enough screen …

The Old Water View Inn caters for your every need in a very pleasing way, so once there you don’t need to go out again, which makes for a very relaxing stay.  At least you don’t need to go out, unless your minder’s boots have started to come apart and need replacing. It really is a lot simpler if you go au naturel like us with our hooves and paws, but we knew our minder’s feet aren’t as strong and sturdy, so she really did need new boots.

We walked into Glenridding for these, and we struck gold by going to the Catstycam store. What a pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable chap we found there. Our minder had the best boot recommendation and fitting service she has ever had. While she hadn’t planned to buy new boots, if you have to buy them, you might as well have the right ones, and this she got (she did subsequently get her money back for the duff ones, which were hardly worn).

Back at the Old Water View Inn, we gathered for pre dinner drinks (trying the inn’s own keg bitter and lager) in a cosy lounge. The menu was very appetising and provided us with some nice alternatives to the usual pub grub. Various dishes were tried and enjoyed, and we can certainly recommend the Morroccan chick pea pate, the chicken and asparagus and a large sticky toffee pudding for sharing, washed down with a Fair Trade red wine, bought by the bottle.

It was an evening to remember, and if, sorry, when, we return to Patterdale we know where we’ll be staying. 

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

Getting Into Our Stride

While we enjoyed that initial coastal stretch, there were a few dodgy moments where the blend of wind and crumbling cliff edge path didn't mix too well.

3 3/4 miles later. the footpath signs told us to leave the coast and start heading east. Psychologically this felt better, as walking north for well over an hour, pleasant though it was, wasn't exactly taking us any further towards our easterly goal.

Shortly after midday, the rain started and it continued, more on than off, for the rest of the day. Sadly this meant there weren't too many photos. We ate lunch in a bus shelter then, after Cleator Moor, at 8.5 miles, we entered the Lakes proper. I began to feel really alive and, being a Lakeland sheep I was completely at home. I raced up Dent Fell, our first summit, and was surprised to see George, Yorkie and Gio quite a long way behind - they seemed to think the climb was hard work and they didn't seem too keen on the rain - it didn't bother me though, but my wool does contain lots of lanolin.

It was a scenic walk to our first night's accommodation at Ennerdale Bridge, although very wet under hoof and it didn't take us long to realise that Wainwright miles are surprisingly long.

Good accommodation at the of a day's walk soon revives you, and the Shepherds Arms Hotel met all our needs in full, especially when we found out they had fine Herdy mugs to drink our tea from, and also that we could take beer up to our room.

We were raring to go the next morning to spend our first full day in the Lakes. However, you can't hurry a full cooked breakfast so we decided to spend some time in the hotel anticipating the day ahead.

As we set out for Ennerdale Water we were pleased to see some good way marking with special AW (Alfred Wainright) logos. We wondered whether the weather would stay fine enough for a swim (well George and Yorkie wondered, as sheep aren't keen swimmers). 

More about our crossing of the Lake District next time. 

Lots of love Wooly, Gio, George and Yorkie xxx

Sheep on the Move

Back in 2007, I, Wooly, became the proudest sheep in the country. This was because I achieved the honour of being the first sheep ever to walk the Cumbria Way. A full account was given in this blog at the time. That walk was especially exciting for me, as it took me the length and breadth of my beloved homeland of the Lake District, and I enjoyed it no end.

In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I'd been pestering the chaps to consider walking the Coast to Coast path as a Bears Unlimited adventure. This would give me the chance to walk through my beloved Lakes again, this time West to East, rather than South to North, but also I wanted to become the first sheep to complete the Coast to Coast walk. At 192 miles this was a walk on a far bigger scale than the Cumbria Way, and it was a challenge I was eager to embrace.

Keen walker Gio, veteran of the Camino de Santiago, was a staunch supporter and so, just over 3 weeks ago we found ourselves at St Bees in Cumbria dipping our paws in the sea and gathering at the official start for team photos ...

I'm sure it will be no surprise to learn that joining in me on the walk were travelling bears George and Yorkie, chief writers for the Friendly Planet Guide ...

and of course Gio, whose paws are most definitely made for walking ...

We're posing in front a new information board featuring the walk and its creator Alfred Wainwright. This board was unveiled just this year to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the publication of Wainwright's A Coast to Coast Walk. It was clearly an auspicious time to do the walk.

The forecast for the first 2 days had been pretty bad and featured double rain drops. We were therefore pleasantly surprised to be starting off in the dry. Would it last? You'll have to keep reading to find out.
One thing we can say was that it was very windy when we set out along the cliff path. It was 10.30 a.m. on 16th September and we were on our way. Robin Hoods Bay, here we come.

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

Wooly makes History

We were a bit depressed when we woke up on day 5 of our walk as we woke up to rain. It wasn't heavy, but it looked as if it might persist.

However, 2 things happened to lighten the mood. A flock of sheep came strolling down the road completely unattended. We think they had heard that Wooly was in town and were looking for him. They'd got the address wrong though, and before they'd spotted Wooly through the window, they'd gone up next door's drive and started tucking into the garden flowers. Needless to say the owners weren't too happy, but it did give all of us a really good laugh.


After the sheep came the ducks who arrived during our breakfast. As the gates were shut (presumably as a precaution against marauding sheep) the ducks either limbo danced under, or flew over the gates, then made themselves completely at home in the garden. It all made for a very entertaining start to the day.

As the final day's walk got underway, the rain continued and the going for the first few miles was extremely muddy. It was so hard trying to stay upright that we gave up and decided our time could be more usefully spent road testing the waterproof bear porter which had been acquired earlier in the week.

This did the trick, and no sooner had we taken cover, than the rain stopped. We didn't realise for a while as we were all talking so loud, but then Isaiah asked us to be quiet and listen, and we realised we couldn't hear raindrops. He volunteered to pop his head out to see what was happening, then gave us the go ahead to emerge.


It stayed dry for the rest of the day. By now we had left the Lake District behind so the walking wasn't too exciting, but there were compensations e.g. a conveniently placed hostelry for a pub lunch.

The last mile or so were into the heart of Carlisle, and we felt a bit out of place with with our rucksacks and muddy walking boots. The end of the Cumbria Way is a bit strange as there's no clear end point. Some people say it ends at the station, but we walked on past the station to the town square. There we found a market cross and the former town hall, now a tourist informartion office. At neither was there an acknowledgment that the end of the Cumbria Way had been reached. This is a bit of a shame after all the effort that goes into the walk.


We treated the Tourist office as the end point, and did a celebratory conga round the building. Wooly is looking very proud in his 'I've made it picture' and rightly so, as he had just gone into the record books as the first sheep to walk the whole of the Cumbria Way in one go. Well done Wooly, and well done all of us for that matter. To walk the Cumbria Way in 5 days is no mean feet, but there are few challenges we have enjoyed as much.

Lots of love, George, Isaiah, Yorkie, Dale & Wooly xxx

Suffering from an Attack of Wind!

It's amazing what a Chinese meal, some fine ale in the Keswick Dog & Gun and a good night's sleep can do. We set out the next day, not quite with a spring in our step, but with renewed enthusiasm for stage 4 of our walk which was to take us from Keswick over to Caldbeck.

The first few miles were pleasant walking on a gently undulating path above the Glenderaterra Beck with craggy fells rising above us. Wooly told us this was excellent sheep grazing territory and proved that sheep had been in these parts for more years than anyone could possibly remember by pointing out to us some old stone sheepfolds.


The one on which he was standing was very large. We all admired the craftsmanship of the construction and the perfect round shape. As the wind was beginning to get up we could also appreciate the shelter that such sheepfolds could provide.

After lunch the good path disappeared as we climbed up to an old shooting hut, Lingy hut, which we could see on the skyline as we set off, but disappeared out of sight just when we needed it for navigation. Our guide book said the climb up Gainsgill beck is a lovely climb even though the path is indistinct and boggy in places. We have to disagree, it was boggy and indistinct all the way and it certainly wasn't lovely!

After Lingy hut we climbed to the top of High Pike. By now the wind had got so strong we couldn't stay upright and had to rope and carabiner ourselves to our minders who had a bit more bulk to keep them on the ground.

Unfortunately our picture of us at the top of high Pike is a little bear (sorry bare) as we couldn't stay on top of the trig point long enough for a picture to be taken.


Unfortunately the buffeting winds meant we couldn't get a good look at the map and we went a bit astray on the descent. Fortunately our GPS's put us right but we had to walk an extra mile or so to get back on course for Caldbeck which we weren't too chuffed about. We must find out who is responsible for waymarking the Cumbria Way, and write to them, as there was a distinct lack of waymarks when they were desperately needed. When the path was obvious there were plenty about. It definitely seemed that they only appeared in places easily accessible by car!

Anyway, rant of the day now over, we reached Caldbeck without any further problems and enjoyed a very pleasant evening in the Oddfellows Arms. We thoroughly recommed its food and excellent Jennings beer.

Lots of love Wooly, Yorkie, Dale, George & Isaiah xxx

On Your Marks ...

Our walk started on a fine Monday morning. We were all raring to go but we had to wait for, not one, but two sets of minders to fiddle with equipment, adjust rucksack straps, extend trekking poles and so on. It's much simpler being a bear, or sheep, as we travel very light and take just ourselves.

Our secret weapon was Wooly who is a genuine Lakeland sheep. He came to Bears Unlimited from his previous home in Ambleside on a previous B.U. trip to the Lake District. He was therefore the perfect guide for us and with him as our leader we hardly ever needed to refer to a map.

We waited for our minders at the official start. It was rather unglamorous, being at the exit of Ulverston's central car park, but we had the pleasant sound of tinkling water behind us and we had sunny spot to linger in.


While we were waiting we chatted to a man who lived in the house in the top right corner of our photo. He told us that he'd walked the Cumbria Way twice, once with his wife, which he said took forever, and once with some army friends when they completed the 75 mile route in 2 days!!! We were stunned to learn that anyone could travel that fast and we knew that we'd need every minute of the 5 days allocated to complete the trail.

Eventually our minders joined us and we set off with a spring in our step and lots of enthusiasm. Did it last? Keep reading to find out.

Lots of love, George, Isaiah, Yorkie, Dale and Wooly xxx

Who Can Lend Us a Foot Spa?

Hello again to our loyal readers. We're all safely back from our latest adventure and happily re-united with the rest of our Bears Unlimited friends.

If the title hasn't given you a clue as to what we got up to last week our next picture should!


Yes, we've been walking and we've covered around 85 miles in 5 days. Not bad you say, but it has taken it's toll on Yorkie and myself, which is why we're soaking our aching and blistered paws and trying to find someone who can lend us a foot spa. Wooly who walked with us is absolutely fine as his hooves are built to withstand walking over some rough terrain.

Hopefully we're whetting your appetite and you're all eager to know where we went walking. In case the fact that Wooly joined us as a walking companion, is not enough of a clue, the following picture will leave you in no doubt.


We've done a mammoth walk in the Lake District, completing the Cumbria Way, which runs from Ulverston in the south of Cumbria, to Carlisle in the north. Rather optimistically the guide books claim it is a 75 mile walk but our GPS's tell us we've walked several miles further and we think the guides forget that land in the Lake District is not flat!

We're looking forward to sharing our pictures and tales with you over the next few days. In case you're wondering where the Suffolk Branch, who were sharing this adventure with us are, they're only travelling back from Keswick today, but you'll be seeing them as the story of our adventure unfolds.

We can't wait to share it with you.

Lots of love, George, Yorkie & Wooly