Monday

The rain, which started late last night, continued through till after breakfast.  Intrepid campers as we are,( fully kitted out with water proofs more like) set off on a 7 mile walk.

The Town was just waking up as we walked along its usually busy shopping streets, the drizzle keeping away the locals till later. Past the cinema and on up the hill towards Walla Crag, just before our turning, a bit of excitement helped to pass a few moments and distract us from the weather. A Caterpillar tractor/ digger was being off loaded from a huge transporter, it seemed so out of  place in these narrow roads that you had to admire the dexterity of the driver to manoeuvre the digger between the stone wall and the cars parked by the side of the road..... not a scratch.  

Our journey progressed on passed the houses with wonderful views to “Cat Bells  and ”Causey Pike” up the lane passing the farm at "Springs Wood" to start the climb up to “Castle Rigg”. The views back are better and better as they open up of Derwent Water below.

 We now brace ourselves for Great Wood.......why ? this is where red squirrels live of course, we have been fortunate on other visits to see them feeding and playing high over head. This time however not a trace.

We lunch down by the Lake, with views of Cat Bells, entertained by a  squawking Gull, where there is food! Its home ward bound now, stopping briefly for a coffee break at “Broom Point”, easily mistaken for “Friars Crag” only this one has a bigger, better seat and views down the lake to “Borrowdale”.

We make it back just as it starts to rain again, to a much
welcome cup of tea and a rest for the afternoon..