The Chap In Shap

Even by my pathetic standards, I excelled myself in the short amount of time it took us to take a wrong turning. We left Old Water View at 8.15am and promptly turned left out of the driveway rather than rightm Half a mile later we realised our error and turned round. We knew today was going to be a tough day of walking and straight away we had to start a steep ascent up towards Kidsty Pike. The sun was shining though and this could only mean one thing - out came the chicken legs! We got to the top of Kidsty Pike by lunch despite suffering our second casualty of the walk - my walking pole. It obviously wasn't made to take the full weight of my 9 stone frame! The climb up had been physically tough but the descent down towards Haweswater was probably harder because it was just as steep and really put pressure on my knees. I thought that the next section,around Haweswater, would be nice and relaxing. I was wrong. It involved more ups and downs than an Eastenders Christmas Special and by the time we got to the end of the reservoir we still had 5 miles to go. This last section was a real drag and was brightened slightly as we passed Shap Abbey which at least provided a welcome break from fields and mud. After finally reaching Shap I tried to avoid informing Leonie that we were still about a mile away from where we were staying. She soon figured it out though! We finally got there at 7pm,10.5 hrs after we had left Patterdale. We quickly showered and headed to the nearest pub where I was looking forward to watching the England game. It wasn't on. Never mind I thought, as long as I can avoid finding out the result I will be more than happy watching the highlights.Texts from my mates Paul and Scott put paid to that! Today was the toughest 16 miles I have ever walked but it was also some of the most enjoyable. Another big day from Shap to Kirkby Stephen tomorrow-21 miles.