Second walk day - Cleator to Ennerdale Bridge

We organized better to start our walk this day, but just as we started to leave the Inn, rain started.  The girls argued for a stay of execution for our walk.  As usual, they were right and we had no more rain for the day.  We got under way at 9:30 and walked through Cleator to the c2c path.

Our initial climb up "the dent" (elevation 1160 ft) was steep and boggy, through a pine forest.  A forest in England is unusual and this was thick, deep and dark.  As we broke through the trees into sheep pastures, the sky cleared and we had spectacular view over the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man and across Solway Firth to the Scottish hills.  (See two photos below)  When we reached the top we were treated to a clear view of the Lake District mountains and the path ahead of us.  The view made the long, steep climb more than worthwhile!

The walk across the top of the dent gave us views in all directions.  Then we pointed our bodies down the steepest slope any of us can remember (like going down Waterfall at Heavenly ski area). 800 ft or so below was Nannycatch Crk and its achingly (the aches were very real) beautiful, narrow valley!

Toni is still talking about her foot soaking in the ice cold creek.  Too soon, we began climbing out of the valley to a "fake" stone circle that we never found.  After several false starts and almost unintelligible (the Cumbrian brogue is quite thick) directions from a kind farmer on a giant tractor, we found the right downhill path to Ennerdale.  

Along the way, there was a profusion of wild flowers, views to Ennerdale Water and views across pastures and hills.

The village of Ennerdale Bridge is small and "lake district cute" with a handy Inn next to a classic stone church.

We are now resting comfortable after a remarkably good fresh fish dinner.  Getting ready for our 14.5 mile adventure tomorrow!