The day started wet, but we knew it would and were suitably attired in our wet weather gear.
We made the 1.5mile walk to Ennerdale Water which looked very bleak and wet, but followed Alfred Wainwrights footpath along the right hand side of the water. It would have been a better path, and less stressful if we had taken the left path along the other side of the water.
The walk started really well and Toby had a ball going for the occasional swim. However, the further down the water we got, the more difficult the track became until we arrived at the top of Robin Hoods Chair. OMG!!! As we looked down from the top, our adrenaline kicked in and we both lost another couple of pounds! The only way we could get down was on our bums. We had to used our upper body strength to lower ourselves down the crevices, as there were insufficient footholds to step down. We had to make it because neither of us had signal and there was no way we could call in any help if we got stuck or fell. After that experience, the rest of the path along the water seemed like a doddle.
The views when the weather cleared were wonderful.
The dreaded "Robin Hoods Chair" - the bit sticking out!!!
Cross over the beautiful Liza River. This took us on a wonderful walk through the forest where we stopped for lunch on a fallen tree. Clare almost got caught answering the call of mother nature!! We were making good time until we were confronted by a German Shepherd bitch in season, who took an immediate liking to Toby. We then spent the next 20 minutes trying to make sure that they didn't do what they thought they were going to do!! Eventually, we had to put her on the lead and take her home.
After we had passed Black Sail Hut, got completely soaked in the bog, we started to climb Loft Beck. This was a steep waterfall climb. Thank God for the Lakeland guys who had strategically laid stones as steps most of the way up. Below is the start of the climb.
This is how far we have left to climb.
Forty five minutes later, we reached the top. Wow!!!
Sadly, once we reached the top, the real nightmare began. The rain came in, followed by the most horrendous winds and sleet, and torrential rain. By the time we decended into Honister Pass, we were completely soaked and chilled to the bone. We both agreed it was one of the most frightening experiences, even worse than Robin Hoods Chair.
A warm bath has never been so welcomed, followed by a chicken dinner!!!!
And now bed.
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