Coast to Coast Walk 2009

[foxy mars]

Originally Posted by RuthGlover

Oh, and do you need matches for your stove?

Thank you for kind reminder, must get some tonight. Also I did get the train ticket yesterday for Stockton to Whitehaven via Newcastle upon Tyne & Carlisle. I'm going to have a pre warm-up walk from Whitehaven to St.Bees which should make a nice afternoon stroll.

[foxy mars]

Originally Posted by RuthGlover

Must weigh at least 15kg! I remember carrying that amount and more when we went (and failed ) to do the Cape Wrath Trail in 2006.

GPS is cheating - use the map!!

Mmm, having no Gps, is like having no undies on However, I'm only using the Gps for reference ie grid-ref (when the mist comes down). I will be using the ever faithful Paul Haddon Guide Book which was used on the 2nd(1991)/3rd(1992)/4th(2007) crossing's. I did use A.Wainwright's "A Coast to Coast Walk" guide on the 1st crossing in 1990.

But sadly this will be my last Coast to Coast for a long time next time will ten years time, when I'm 62 I'm going back to my 2nd love which is cycle-touring.

[foxy mars]

Well, the time has finally arrived and this is the moment I've waited for so long, The Coast to Coast Walk.

This morning, get train over to the west coast and well, start walking eastwards.

I would like to thank everybody on the WAB, for their kind comments.

Ofcause, when I get back, I'm only too pleased to give a report and some photos.

At the moment, I've got pre-walk nerves. I hate the travelling to the start of any walk. But once I'm there in St. Bees, straight to the pub and then find camp-site.

I guess by day 2 or 3, I will be in the swing of things and the days will simply fly by, always does, when you enjoy yourself.

All the gear is packed, had to miss out a couple of items, such as the Therma-Rest Chair and re-arrange some the clothing. I've 2 days supply of "Boil-in-the-Bag" meal's and although there are a bit on the heavy side, there will save some time and money and then it's the local shop or pub.

So, as they say, go west - young man and seek your fortune. In my case, it's seek that ruddy Wainwright Trail.

Lots of love....See you all in a fortnight's time.

Bye.

[Phoebe]

Bye for now foxy, have a good time and don't break a leg!

Look forward to your report

[ChrisJB]

Have fun pal. Can't wait for an account on your return, especially the quality of the pubs. Bet they've changed a lot since my C to C walk in 1989.

Regards, Chris

[RuthGlover]

Went to meet as suggested but no sign of Foxy anywhere

Ah well, I tried!

[The Woodman]

Saw a tall chap with a bandana at the GoFishing event at Bessy Beck, Newbiggin on Lune on Saturday and I just wondered........

[foxy mars]

Hi folks.

Well, the Coast to Coast Walk is completed and did it in 12 days. Hey, what a walk, the best one I've done. Only just returned from Robin Hood's Bay and camped every single night, barring the 1st night in St.Bees. The weather in the Lakes for the 1st 4 days, well I could'nt believe it, sunshine!!!. The rest of the walk was sunshine and heavy showers, worst day was from Kirkby Stephen to Keld over 9 Standards and very wet & misty up there. Still overall the weather was most kind and met some wonderful people and make 2 new friends.

So got to do a report and upload about 155 photos.

Best 2 day's was going up Scarth Gap Pass and onto Haystacks. Rosethwaite to Patterdale via Helm Crag.
Worst day was the weather on 9 Standards, very wet and soggy.
Longest 2 day's was 21 miles, Shap to Kirkby Stephen and Ingleby Cross to Lion Inn.
Shortest day was 10 miles from St. Bees to Low Cock Howe Farm.

The walk itinerary was like this:

Sat. Arrive St. Bees.
Sun. St.Bees to Low Cock Farm - 10 mls.
Mon. Gillercombe Farm, Rosethwaite - 15 mls.
Tues. Side Farm, Patterdale - 17 mls.
Wed. New Ings Farm, Shap - 17 mls.
Thur. Pennine View, Kirkby Stephen - 21 mls.
Fri. Park Lodge Farm, Keld - 12 mls.
Sat. Nun Cote Nook Farm, Marrick - 15 mls.
Sun. Layland's Farm, Bolton on Swale -14 mls.
Mon. Blue Bell Inn, Ingleby Cross - 16 mls.
Tue. Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge - 21 mls.
Wed. Intake Farm, Littlebeck - 18 mls.
Thur. Middlewood Farm, Robin Hood's Bay. 12 miles.

All the camp-sites were great and cheap - Most I paid was at Low Cock Howe Farm @ £8 and cheapest was the Lion Inn @ £2.50 and the best meal was again at Lion Inn with T-Bone Steak, chips and peas with sweet @ £20. and every site had hot showers, I did however from Richmond to Robin Hood's Bay some sore blisters and blamed them cheap Aldi walking boots for it, never buy them again, a hard lesson learned.

The next walk for next year is The Pennine Way, should be good and plenty of time to train up for that one.

[Stewy]

Well done!!

[Pete Collins]

Many congratulations, foxy mars! I look forward to seeing the photos and hearing more about it.