Looking at the map, today didn’t seem too intimidating. The route was only 12.4 km with around 600 metres of elevation gain. We’ve completed many hikes that were both longer and steeper, so we assumed this would be one of the easier days.
We quickly discovered that maps don’t always tell the whole story!
A Wet Start
Breakfast at the hotel wasn’t until 8:00 a.m., so we didn’t set off until around 9:00. I enjoyed smashed avocado on toast, while Ric opted for a full English breakfast—fuel for what we thought would be a fairly straightforward walk.
Not long after leaving Rosthwaite, Clive caught up with us once again. We walked together beside the river, chatting as we tried to dodge the passing rain showers.
📷 Photo: Setting off from Rosthwaite
The Climb Begins
Before long the trail began to climb, and the rain became heavier. We were very thankful we’d put on our waterproof gear before leaving the hotel.
As the slope steepened, I told Clive to carry on ahead as I’m a little slower on the uphill sections.
Halfway up, the path became much more challenging. The rocks were slippery, and we found ourselves scrambling over large boulders while the rain poured down around us. Every step needed careful thought.
By the time we reached the top, the wind was howling and the rain was absolutely pelting down.
📷 Photo: The climb in the rain
Not the Easy Descent We Expected
We thought that once we’d reached the summit we’d make good time on the way down.
Not quite!
The descent was just as slow as the climb. The strong wind made it difficult to keep your balance, and the wet rocks demanded constant concentration. It was one of those days where every kilometre felt much longer than it really was.
Eventually the terrain became gentler, and seeing farm buildings and signs of civilisation was a huge relief
A Well-Earned Reward
Our hotel couldn’t have been more welcoming.
The room featured a beautiful four-poster bed—so high that the owner jokingly offered me a step stool to climb into it!
After peeling off our wet gear, coffee and cake tasted absolutely wonderful. Later we picked up some food from the Co-op and spent a quiet evening relaxing and giving our tired legs a chance to recover.
📷 Photo: Our four-poster bed
Reflections
Today was a good reminder that it’s not always the distance or elevation that makes a hike difficult. The combination of relentless rain, strong winds and slippery terrain turned what looked like an easy day on paper into one of the toughest so far.
Tomorrow is our rest day in Grasmere, and I don’t think we’ve ever looked forward to a day off quite so much!
Today’s Stats
- Route: Rosthwaite to Grasmere
- Distance: 12.4 km
- Elevation Gain: ~600 m
- Weather: Cold, wet and very windy
- Highlight: Reaching the comfort of our hotel after a challenging day
- Challenge: Slippery rocks, strong winds and relentless rain
- Accommodation: Grasmere.