Day 7: Patterdale to Bampton (High Raise)

Expectations

12.3 miles from Crookabeck Farm in Patterdale to our favorite lodgings from last time–the Crown and Mitre pub in Bampton Grange.When we did the “Coast to not quite the middle” in 2014, the one leg that we felt we didn’t want to repeat was the part from Kidsty Pike down to Haweswater. The slog along Haweswater lacks charm, is surprisingly up and down at the end of a very up and down day, and generally has nothing going for it. So this time we’re going to head north along High Raise, far above the reservoir, then drop down toward Bampton Grange.

Realities

What a long day! 12.4 miles, so close to expectations, with total elevation gain of 2,433 feet. Talking of feet, ouch! Beginning to feel wear and tear, though thankfully no blisters.

We left Crookabeck at about 9:30 after a lovely breakfast. Crookabeck Farm is by far my favorite C2C lodging so far. Such a lot of space, charming decor, privacy. Would love to have stayed longer.

Headed up the hill on a steep traverse. I remember it being a struggle last time, but I figured that being fitter this time and having had no other tough starts on this trip, it would be fine. Wrong! Screaming calf muscles and general exhaustion. But eventually, we made it up to Angle Tarn in beautiful conditions with little to no wind. So we paused for a drone flight over the islands in the tarn.

Further upward from there, till we got to almost Kidsty Pike. We stopped in a sheltered area for lunch, but the midges and other flies immediately swarmed. So we switched to the other side of the path where there was just enough breeze to keep them mostly at bay.

We decided this time not to do the Kidsty Pike/knee-shattering descent/slog along the reservoir, but instead stay high over High Raise and up the old Roman road called High Street, dropping down to Bampton Grange only at the end of the ridge line. I’m glad we did it that way on such a beautiful day. It meant expansive views of the Lake District so we could say farewell, and forward views to the Pennines. I think on a poor visibility day, the reservoir route would be better. Without views, it would be a long, boring walk up high, with dicey navigation and bogs galore. Even with good visibility, finding the path was often challenging once we left High Street.

By the time we got down to the valley, M’s feet were suffering and we were all dragging.

Eventually, Bampton Grange came into view with the familiar church tower. When we arrived at the Crown and Mitre, the front door was open with a note inside telling us which rooms were for which guests. So we let ourselves in and collapsed.

Dinner was great. M entertained us with questions from a Pop Quiz book…

Then we took the drone out for a trip around the church. Video to follow later!