The journey

A simple idea

My intention was not to create a marathon route for athletes but a pleasant, low level trip that day walkers would enjoy.

Obviously wild camping is involved, but to find B&Bs for each night would spoil the adventure and make route planning much more difficult.

Road sections can be replaced by footpaths, but this would increase the mileage and the views are still spectacular from the tarmac.

If tackled over nine days, it would mean approximately 11.7 miles daily.

Lakes, tarns, hills and valleys

Here is a short list of some of the spectacular spots in the Lake District the walk visits:

16 major lakes (in walk order)
Bassenthwaite; Derwent Water; Buttermere; Crummock Water; Loweswater; Ennerdale Water; Wast Water; Elterwater; Rydal Water; Grasmere; Thirlmere; Ullswater; Hayeswater; Windermere; Esthwaite; Coniston Water.

Other lakes and tarns
Floutern Tarn; Burnmoor Tarn; Little Langdale Tarn; Loughrigg Tarn; Red Tarn; Angle Tarn; Brothers Water (not directly on route); Hayeswater Reservoir; Small Water; Kentmere Reservoir; Dubbs Reservoir.

Dales, forests, moors and passes
Thornthwaite Forest; Borrowdale; Honister Pass; Mosedale; Ennerdale Forest; Copeland Forest; Eskdale Moor; Hardknott Pass; Little Langdale; Pass of Dunmail Raise; Birkhouse Moor; Patterdale; Nan Bield Pass; Garburn Pass; Grizdale Forest.

Thoughts

Despite the weather, I had a fantastic time. Learning about yourself and what you can do is always good for the soul.

Inclement conditions gave rise to days when I had the hills to myself. Peace is something we rarely get in everyday life.

Traditional B&Bs still exist where you feel at home. Then there's the fry-ups!

Lying under ultralight 50 g/m2 ripstop fabric woven from high-strength 30-denier nylon 6.6 (I know, canvas sounds better), plans for my next trip were well under way. This time I won't be so easy on myself.

Conclusion

For me, the Lake District will always be a wonderful place. The fells, hills, lakes and villages never disappoint. No matter what the weather!

Every time I visit it's like coming home. I know I shall return, again and again and…