Day 5 – Wast Water to Elterwater

16.5 miles (via Hardknott Pass)

Very peaceful night. Oh what a surprise, it's grey again.

Sated on bacon and egg, I sweat my way up to Burnmoor Tarn. Pity, it would have made a great spot to pitch.

After chatting to two ladies walking from Boot to Buttermere, I slip slide down Eskdale Moor to Boot. A great base for day walks.

Feeling good

Turning left at Brook House, I splash out on a pint of stout with whiskey in the Woolpack Inn. £4 a throw but it hits the spot.

Fortified, it's time to stride out along the road to the Pass. Feeling good in the afternoon sunshine, I push on over to Wrynose Bottom then Wrynose Pass.

The glorious weather invigorates me. Descending now through the stunningly pretty Little Langdale, barely noticing the stench of over-worked brakes and hot rubber warming the air.

Numpty!

What an idiot! In my state of euphoria I'd totally forgotten to visit the Hardknott Castle Roman ruins. Numpty!

At Elterwater, the local, very busy, pub beckons. Later, a small hillock makes for a campsite. Too tired to cook, it's chocolate on the menu. A long day but the best so far.

Looking back to Wasdale Head.

Descending to Boot.