Day 8 – Around The Lake District & into Scotland (13/08/23)
Today marked the day we crossed over the border into Scotland.
The day started with the weather not on our side which was unfortunate as this was to be the longest leg of the challenge – nearly 90 miles.
The upside is that those 90 miles consisted of some of the most beautiful scenery that we’ve seen on this trip; the beauty and magnitude of the Lake District never fails to astonish and impress.
Kelly has never been to the ‘Lakes’ before but is definitely coming back.
We had roadside views of many of the main Lakes (or Meres). The route took us around Windermere to Ambleside; past Rydal Water, around the edge of Grassmere; along Thirlmere; across the top of Derwent Water through Keswick and past Bassenthwaite Lake near Cockermouth.
Between Thirlmere and Derwent Water we visited Castlerigg Stone Circle; possibly the most atmospheric and dramatically sited of all British stone circles, with panoramic views and the mountains of Helvellyn and High Seat as a backdrop.
Lunch was taken near Bassenthwaite lake at Dodd Wood before tackling the long hilly stretch up past Carlisle then over The Border to Gretna.
Despite the mountains of the Lake District this post-lunch section was the toughest climb since leaving Cornwall, but although these climbs were tough we were rewarded at the top with some more spectacular views across the moors.
We stayed at a hotel in Gretna Green, unfortunately no ‘hats’ were required as none of the group we’re getting married.
Tomorrow we leave Gretna for Hamilton, another big leg covering 85 miles.
