Day 2 Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite

With the Met Office Mountain forecast giving gale conditions on the fell tops with gusts up to 70 mph the first decision was made for us. We would not be taking the Red Pike to Haystacks route. At first this was a disappointment and left us thinking we would not be having a challenging walk today. On the other hand the forecast was for a dry day with cloud clearing off the tops by mid afternoon.

A steady climb took us to Black Sail, a truly remote youth hostel where we had a cold but enjoyable lunch stop.

Why does a cheese sandwich taste so fine sitting on the fell buffeted by the wind?

From here we realised that we would get to the high ground after all, and had a long climb up to Loft Beck with fantastic views 

and the enjoyment of descending down through the Borrowdale valley. 

What we liked:

1. Changing light over Lake Ennerdale, progressively improving weather with clouds clearing away by mid afternoon and a fantastic sunny descent into Borrowdale.
2. The view of Buttermere after windy climb up Loft Beck.
3. Mrs Overall bringing soup to our table at the Royal Oak, Rosthwaite, we got nearly a full bowl.

What we didn’t like:

1. The long haul up the slate track - through the evergreen forest - it was dead boring.
2. Nothing else - hah hah great day!