Day 3: ENGLAND : Rosthwaite to Grasmere

Question:   What is a drumlin?        

We found the answer to that today – in spades. It is a pointy-shaped hill formed as a result of glacial activity.

Drumlins - hills caused by glacial activity

This morning we left Rosthwaite about 8.30 – our B&B not as exciting as the previous nights’ accommodation – a comfortable home but not the engaging host to give us a bit of local information and colour. We had been led to believe that today would not be quite as strenuous as the first two days and being just a 4 hour walk we set off in a carefree, relaxed manner. We wandered down hedgerows and stone walls, following Stonethwaite Beck (river), finding disused stone sheep folds and enjoying the lush green meadows.

Ambling along stone walls by Stonethwaite Beck

Disused sheep folds

Then the scene changed as we emerged from the tree-covered path. We suddenly realised that there would be some considerable climbing to do before we reached Grasmere. We ascended the stone path up past Eagle Crag (no eagles, or any birds whatsoever – thank heavens for the sheep –or no fauna at all) and the basin of drumlins (you know what they are!) and continued up the unpredictable track (some rock climbing) of Lining Crag. Then we pressed up through boggy, muddy, wet ground to Greenup Edge Pass, which was at a height of 600m.

Climbing up near Eagle Crag

Then we realised that a steep ascent means a steep descent – a slow process down sharp rocky and boggy track. Despite threatening clouds we were blessed with sunny weather and pleasant breeze – perfect walking conditions. I just loved it.

The descent

Finally, we reached the immaculate stone- walled lanes of Easdale and then Grasmere –one of the major the tourist centres of the Lakes District. Our B&B is called Dale Lodge Hotel - a rambling building in attractive grounds but tiny rooms – now fully-covered in wet washing and backpacks.

We’ve had a wander around the town and found William Wordsworth’s grave in St Oswald’s churchyard. He said that this valley was ‘the fairest place on earth’. Beatrix Potter also wrote in the Lake District – no grave stone just lots of Peter Rabbit memorabilia.



Remembering William Wordsworth



Bob has become quite an authority on slate mines after our walk yesterday and tea stop at the Honiston Slate Mine. We’re thinking of entering him in Mastermind with slate mining as his special subject. He and Mark continue to navigate us up hill and down dale with their trusty guidebooks and compass. Thunderstorms this afternoon, so relieved that we are safely at our destination and not high up in the fells.