After yesterday’s well-earned rest day in Grasmere, we were ready to get back on the trail. We spent the day catching up on laundry, wandering around the village and simply relaxing. It was just what we needed after four consecutive days of walking, and our legs certainly appreciated the break.
This morning we woke to blue skies and sunshine, and it felt wonderful to be setting off again in such perfect walking weather.
Following breakfast, we left Grasmere at around 8:30 a.m. and walked a couple of kilometres along the road before rejoining the Coast to Coast path.
Climbing to Grisedale Hause
The trail climbed steadily through beautiful countryside, with sheep grazing on the hillsides in every direction. The weather was perfect—not too hot, just clear enough to enjoy the ever-changing views as we gained height.
After a couple of hours of climbing, we reached Grisedale Hause, overlooking the beautiful Grisedale Tarn. It was one of those moments that makes every uphill step worthwhile.
We walked a little further before finding the perfect spot to sit down and enjoy a Fanta and a cookie while taking in the stunning scenery. Sometimes the simplest breaks become the most memorable.
📷 Photo: Grisedale Tarn from Grisedale Hause
The Walk Down
The descent into Patterdale was just as enjoyable. Although a few clouds began to roll in, it stayed dry and the views remained beautiful.
Along the way we met a couple of fellow walkers heading uphill and ended up chatting for fifteen minutes or so. One of the things we’re really enjoying about the Coast to Coast is how friendly everyone is. Whether it’s a quick greeting or a longer conversation, there’s a real sense of camaraderie on the trail.
About halfway down, Valerie caught up with us, and we walked together for a while before stopping for lunch.
📷 Photo: The descent towards Patterdale
Taking Our Time
Knowing we couldn’t check into our B&B until 4:00 p.m., there was no reason to rush. We lingered over lunch and enjoyed the slower pace before making our way into Patterdale.
Our first stop was the Patterdale Hotel for a well-earned drink, before wandering down to another pub where, by chance, we bumped into Valerie again. It’s amazing how often the same faces appear along this trail.
📷 Photo: Relaxing in Patterdale
Ready for the Big Day
Our room for the night has another four-poster bed—complete with a step stool to help climb into it! The room is quite small and it’s a cosy double bed, but it should be warm enough for a good night’s sleep.
One surprise was finding a note attached to our luggage telling us it was 1.4 kg overweight. We’d deliberately tried to keep our bags as light as possible for tomorrow’s stage, so now we’ll have to carry some extra gear ourselves.
Tomorrow is one of the biggest days of the walk—around 25 km with a significant climb—so it’s an early night for us.
Reflections
Today was everything we had hoped for: sunshine, spectacular views, good conversations and a relaxed finish in Patterdale. After the rain and wind of yesterday, it was a welcome reminder of just how beautiful the Lake District can be.
Today’s Stats
- Route: Grasmere to Patterdale
- Distance: Approximately 15 km
- Elevation Gain: ~600 m
- Weather: Sunny, clear and cool
- Highlight: The views over Grisedale Tarn from Grisedale Hause
- Challenge: Discovering our luggage was over the weight limit for transfer
- Accommodation: Patterdale School House