The day, fortunately, started off clear and bright again with the possibility of more hot sunshine later. We'd stayed the night in a comfortable guest house just outside of Rosthswaite. Rachel Dunkerley the owner kept Polly the Parrot in a cage in the garden. This thing was adept at mimicking the local bird population, even the cuckoo was part of its repertoire! As for wolf whistles, it was embarassing sitting in the garden when anyone walked past on the road! Here she is:
After another early breakfast the Trio set off for Grasmere. The route would take them along Stonethwaite Valley, an offshoot of Borrowdale Valley, then, following Greenup Gill they'd climb to Greenup Edge. There they'd have a choice of descending on an easy path to Grasmere or take a harder route over Calf Crag, Gibson Knott then on to Helm Crag. They're not called the "Intrepid Trio" for nothing. They of course chose the harder route!
At the start I'd suggested an easy, shorter way to Greenup Gill so they decided to go that way.
This way wasn't quite the true Wainwright Route and after a bit of ribbing from me that they were cheating, they took the huff and decided to go the other way!
Below is the first part of the path taking them to Greenup Gill. It follows a stone wall so their view across the valley was a bit restricted. My way would have been more scenic!
Their route goes up the valley to the left of the crag shown in the photo above. Greenup Gill flows down this valley and here's a view of it looking back towards Stonethwaite and Borrowdale:-

They eventually got to the point where they would go left towards Helm Crag. A good place to ask a passerby to take a group photo!
Below is Helm Crag, their next objective. Reached by taking the path to the left of the photo above :-

and here they are walking along the ridge towards it:-
Meanwhile I'd driven to Grasmere, parked at Glenthorne Guest House, donned my walking boots and climbed to the top of Helm Crag to wait for them. This is the ridge along which they would eventually come:-
Here they are! Striding out as if they're fresh as daisies!

Head down and go for it!
When they got to the top they were rewarded with a wonderful view over Grasmere with Lake Windermere in the distance:-
Coming off Helm Crag on the Grasmere side is not the easiest of paths:-
and Joe decided walking poles might help:
It might be a grassy slope where he and Chris are standing but it soon became a stony difficult track:-
You might think going down was easy but a breather was needed from time to time!:-
By the way, this is me, looking pleased that we were down at last and not too far away from our hotel!
MORE TOMORROW!
8 comments:
Photos are really good!
Superb pictures to go with the weather mate. I am so jealous and makes me want to join you with the fantastic picturesque scenes.
And all for a good cause to boot.
Looking good fellas! At least you've got some fab weather :)
What a beautiful weather day and the scenery is fabulous! How are the feet holding up? Sending warm thoughts and loads of love. Keep going!! :-)
Looks like it is going really well,great photos, lots of good luck for the rest of your journey. The weather is being kind to you so far but maybe to hot today! Keep going and we will see you soon.
Kath and Paul
Hi Chris we are following you here at Spectra. Looking good and the weather has been good for you too. Keep treking matey.
Hope your blisters are a bit better, Patrick. Missing you loads but SO SO proud of you.
The photographs are fantastic!
Half way there so keep up the good spirits and enjoy yourselves.
Brilliant blog Nev!
Love Clare
Hope you're not having greasy fish and chips tonight!
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