C2C: Days 4/5 - Patterdale to Shap then Shap to Kirkby Stephen
Patterdale to Shap was one of the toughest days so far. Rained all day and even though I found the ascent to Kidsty Pike I found great..after that it was horrendous. Steep and awful coming down, a long gruelling wet and gloomy path around Hawswater then the walk to Shap was honestly the worst. Really hard going and long and really low energy levels. Nicola and I were really struggling but made it. Had chips in the chippy and a can of coke then sank a few beers and had amazing food Shap at the local pub.
I got a B&B that night which was well needed. My knees were shot as really swollen with fluid. God sleep and breakfast the next morning and strapped them up. Still sore but no rest for the wicked.
Long walk today over 33KM from Shap to Stephen. It may be long but just rolling ills and gorgeous landscapes. Knees held up and feet were sore at the end but motored on at a fast pace. Set off after 9am and made it by 4pm. So pleased.
Tonight staying at a great campsite (about 1 miles further up the road grr) and currently tucking into noodles, loaded fries and beers! Tent is set up and legs re strapped in pink tape. Looking forward to a sleep and tiger balm I purchased before. Tomorrow is a high ascent and a very boggy route so will test my knees.
As ever, thank you so so much for all the beers donations. It really has inspired me and all the kind words mean a lot and do read them at the end of the day and they do help. Thank you I never expected that.