Too Old Codgers

It was still drizzling as we went down for 'the English cooked breakfast' at 7. By the time we left at 9, after another attempt at packing, the sky was blue and the sun was shining. Down at the beach we had our picture taken at the start of the C2C and did the ritual wetting of our boots in the Irish Sea and picked up a stone to carry on the walk and throw into the North Sea at the finish of the walk, and another stone to keep as a souvenir of the walk.

'The too old codgers start their C2C adventure'

The cliff top walk along St Bees Head was beautiful and exhilarating, and under the sunny sky was a perfect start to the C2C.

'Mary, David & Robyn leaving Fleswick Bay along the cliff top'

As the path turned inland near a red sandstone quarry, we saw a rain squall coming in from the sea so stopped to don our rain gear. The rain began at Sandwith and we then squelched our way through farms and across fields to the Pop-In café at Moor Row. Margery, the bubbly, garrulous host, provided wonderfully warming hot chocolate, coffee and bacon butties.

'Rain squall coming down the coast'

During the afternoon of mostly sunshine but occasional showers, we met many walkers, dogs and runners on the long slog up Dent. The descent off Dent was alarmingly steep, but was followed by a beautiful and tranquil walk up Nannycatch Beck.

'Mary descends Dent to Nannycatch Beck'

'Beautiful Nannycatch Beck'

Our host from Ennerdale View B&B picked us and several other walkers up from the Shepherds Arms in Ennerdale Bridge to ferry us to the B&B. After a shower we met with other guests, all C2C walkers, in the dining room for a chat, pre-dinner wines, and spectacular views over the Ennerdale valley (the name of the B&B should have been a clue) as the light faded and a three course dinner was served.

'View over Ennerdale from Ennerdale View B&B'

'Ennerdale View dining room'

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