Cumbria Way 3

 Day Three

Another enjoyable, and quite warm, day in the Lake District you’ll be delighted to hear. 

It was longer stretch today but with no big climbs and the promise of lunch in Keswick it seemed eminently doable. 

Breakfast at the hostel was a simple help yourself affair. It could have all gone a little wrong when I assumed the eggs left for me were hard boiled, luckily I checked and disaster was averted. The views from the hostel are beautiful and with the sun shining it was a great start to the day.

Packed up and off I went. The views continued to be spectacular. As I rounded the fell I could see Thirlmere in the distance then Bassenthwaite and Derwebt water popped into view. 

Descending round the base of Skiddaw I stopped at the shepherds cross and watched the ribbon of people making their way up to the top. 

In Keswick I stopped first for vital supplies and second for lunch. As I unpacked my purse to pay I noticed I’d lost my sticks. Luckily they were still outside the co-op when I went to retrieve them. Well done Keswick! 

The rest of the walk was down in the valley around the lake. Lots of trees, slate, streams and kids in canoes singing songs. A very typical Lake District sunny day. 

The path down Derwent water was busier than any other stretch of the walk so far and the four different groups of people - with maps - who stopped me to ask if Keswick was ‘this way’ did somewhat worry me.  There’s quite a big lake to give you a clue. I assume they made it eventually. 

Teddy in the window?

The last part of the walk left the lake and instead followed the river. Before I moved along I took a break to eat a flapjack and have a paddle. Walking along the valley to the youth hostel I saw two brand new lambs and a shepherd expertly wield a crook to catch and check first the babies then the mum. 

Tonight’s youth hostel is busy busy busy. And understaffed.  I’m sunburned and happy readying myself for another fun day tomorrow.