Day 5 Patterdale to Shap

26.5kms (103.6kms) 516m gained

This was to be a bigg biggg day with a 1100 metre gain going over Kidsty Pike, a high rocky outcrop with frequent fog and almost no waymakers. The guidebook warned to keep referring to your compass.
The forecast was for RAIN and 40km winds!!
We were concerned to say the least.

When we asked our host for a breakfast pack so we could leave at 6am she suggested a better plan.
Take the shorter, lower route. A ferry along Ullswater to Pooley Bridge 😀, over the fells (300m😀) to Brampton and then along minor roads to Shap. Wow!
What a great plan.
The ferry took a very lovely hour.
Cottages and some stately homes dotted the shore, sheep and cows in green pastures abounded, and the rain held off.
We left the ferry and walked through a holiday town, pony rides, boogie boards, Devonshire tea and ice cream on sale. 
After 30 caravans passed us on the narrow lanes with dry stone walls we reached their origin.
The largest cabin and caravan park you can imagine. The public right of way went right through it and a kilometer later we reached the fells ( and the rain).
We walked up, across spongy bog, for several kilometres. The wind pushed us backwards and the rain scoured us clean.
We reached Brampton and sort out shelter. The pub opened at 4 and the cafe closed at 1.
Did the toads know it was 2.30???
We ate our remaining food in a ruined bus shelter ( it was bigger and better than the phone box) and hit the road. And the wind and rain hit us!
Two hours later we arrived in Shap.
Not wanting an iceream, we hit the pub for a " nice cup of tea" and a pint of lager.
A hot shower never felt so good.
Good night!


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