Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk (West to East) — Stage 1

Sat by Ennerdale Water, Deke says “I am in heaven”. The sun is beating down and we have just completed day one. Fantastic weather. A group of young mallards are crowding us for bread at the edge of the lake but alas we do not have any. Deke adds “Fields of green and red sandstone cliffs contrasting nicely along the coastline of St Bees, guillemots whirring out over the sea. An overabundance of wild flowers, banks of sea pink, foxgloves, purple vetch and sweet smelling honeysuckle in the hedges... sweet and sun and sea everywhere. Fairly easy day although Dent Hill was a bit of a struggle, and Mike needlessly firing retros even on the easy bits... bliss!!”

Enough said about that Deke thank you. We went off route a little in Udale Plantation, no great difference in distance though. The first leg is done now and I am looking forward to Great Borne, Starling Dodd, Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag during tomorrow's fantastic stage. Today's highlights: The bird — in the valley of Udale (Nannycatch Beck). The sight — first view of Lakeland from Dent Fell. The history — the stone circle (when was it erected?). The food — Pork in Brandy Sauce — lovely.

Apologies in advance to any persons of a delicate nature but the records of this walk are from the emotions of two guys who were in their element out and about on their own during some great days out walking together. The stories of the deeds were written in the exhilaration and fatigue after each day of walking. As can be seen from the photographs we began our Coast to Coast journey in the best of weather for which we were extremely pleased. A word about Deke — He has done many of the classic walks and educated me on lots of interesting facts during the two weeks. Deke and I also met groups of strangers during the walk and also met up with friends during our crossing of Northern England. There are full details of our experiences on this walk as they happened.