Day 4 : ENGLAND : Grasmere to Patterdale



We have reached Patterdale.



We enjoyed another leisurely breakfast before setting off in the rain. We knew that this was inevitable during some stretches of the walk but we are well prepared! In fact, today we used all our clothing supplies – for wet, windy and humid conditions.



Setting out

I have to disagree with Alfred Wainwright and William Wordsworth – my favourite part of the Lake District is the valley into Patterdale, which we climbed into today – you can spread my ashes there. What a magic day we’ve had – despite the rain, wind and fog we climbed around Great Tongue following Tongue Gill (river) from 150m, then to Grisedale Hause (the peak), which was 539m  and passed Grisedale Tarn – a mountain lake – very picturesque.

Grisedale Tarn

We descended the valley following the Grisedale Beck, past Ruthwaite Lodge (a disused Search and Rescue centre), where several groups of walkers sheltered for food breaks.

Ruthwaite Lodge

The view down the Grisedale was spectacular – waterfalls, rocky outcrops, crystal streams and the immense valley coming to a dramatic V-shape down the core. We walked for 5 hours and arrived at the quaint village of Patterdale, which is bounded by Lake Ullswater.

Ullswater

 We settled into a local pub, The White Lion, with many other walking groups, until our B&B accommodation, Old Water View, was available.

White Lion in Patterdale

This lovely old place is situated just over a stone bridge from the village. It has excellent rooms and facilities, including a little restaurant and bar.  The trout on the menu was caught in the stream nearby.

Outside of our window at Old Water View

 A thoroughly enjoyable day.

M&M