Burnthwaite Farm is a step inland and is nothing whatsoever to do with the England Coast Path, but we love this valley and its surrounding hills. Our friends Georgina and Andrew manage the farm for the National Trust and run a lovely B&B. We really couldn’t come all his way without spending a couple of days here.
Yesterday we climbed halfway up Great Gable, my personal favourite mountain, had a substantial lunch in the Wasdale Head Inn then on to Ritson’s Force, a series of pools and waterfalls, where Jezebel stripped off and went for a paddle.
The weather was kind to us, dry and sunny, and we fell into bed exhausted last night
Another nice day, we set out to walking over to Dalegarth station at Boot in Eskdale. Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers. After about 6 km we reckoned we were probably about half way, so stopped for a picnic lunch by Burnmoor Tarn. But the cows were soon coming to investigate so we hastily moved on. We were faced with three trails where my map said there were two. We took local advice from two other hikers: Rachel and Steve, who told us the safest way down to Boot. This entailed returning to the top trail. We went our separate ways but about half way up I was running out of steam and realised that I was overdue with my medication. I sat down to take the tablets and to have a rest whilst they began to do their job.
Rachel and Steve were on the other side of the valley but had seen me go down. They immediately back-tracked and helped us down the hill to Boot and safety (’safety’ being The Boot Inn). Thank you Rachel and Steve👍
Today has been 21st June, the summer solstice, which means:
The longest day of the year
We planned to travel back to London today
All the trains are on strike
We’re stranded in Ravenglass
It ain’t so bad. Jezabel went swimming at 3:00 am in the icy water of Wastwater, to watch the summer solstice sunrise (with six other ladies, who have a swimming club called ‘The Wild Women of Wastwater’). Julie and Chris, who have the shell shop in Ambleside very kindly gave us a lift over to Eskdale (Thank you! 👍). We’ve found accommodation at the lovely Rosegarth Guest House and I went for a walk this afternoon (12.2 km, 20,190 steps)
Sebastian's Swagger 
Hi Alison, Thanks for your support. Very much appreciated. I found Burnthwaite Farm about fifteen years ago when Jack and I went up Scafell Pike and I’ve been back there every year since. Denise has become friends with Georgina, they both swim and paddle board. It really is an amazing place, the very last building at the far end of the most dramatic valley in the Lake District. Nothing beyond Burnthwaite but mountains. You should go!
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I’ve really enjoyed reading the blogs – thank you.Burnthwaite Farm looks amazing.Did you meet Georgina and Andrew when you have visited in the past ? Alison
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Amazing adventures! We can’t wait to see you. Love Molly and Nanny xxx
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Craig, you never cease to amaze! You are having a far greater time than I am, such an experience. I went to Edinburgh [by train, not on foot!] and took a photo of “Craigs’ Close but don’t know how to send it to you – Doh!
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