Day 13 – Far Sawrey to Coniston Water

7.0 miles (via Esthwaite Water)

Funny, but I seem to walk very slowly today. Departed at 11am on tarmac to Near Sawrey.

The village, a mecca for Japanese tourists, is saturated. Coaches confront each other like rutting stags.

Beatrix Potter lived here and the Japanese use her books to teach their children English. Hence the plethora of scripts on signs, gates, stickers…

Awash with walkers

Soon I'm watching fly-fishermen on Esthwaite Water. I love sea fishing and must give the flies a bash some time.

A by-way leads me through the forests of Furness then into Grizedale Forest Park. The activities centre here is awash with walkers, cyclists and jockeys.

This sadly for me was the worst leg of the journey. Noisy and featureless the road at How Head was welcomed.

Scottish Isle

Through a hedge Coniston Water welcomed. My destination. Journey's end. The goal. Oh well…

Suddenly the noise of society is with me once more. I look longingly at the Old Man who beckons but I've got a date to keep.

A final photo at the shore. What now? I know! A month on a deserted Scottish Isle or…

The only good thing I could find in Grizedale Forest – a grey heron.

My goal and end destination, Coniston Water.