C2C Stage 2: Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite

Day 3 is a 14 mile (22 1/2 km) section graded as strenuous. I hope taht we are up to tackling this walk after our first day on the trail.

Ennerdale Bridge (100m) to Rosthwaite (100m)
Distance 14 miles/22.5km - Strenuous - Height Gain 530m/1740ft - 8 hours

9:00am start from Ennerdale Bridge. We should arrive in Rosthwaite/Stonethwaite around 5pm.

We follow the country lanes to Ennerdale Water then the rocky path along the banks of the Lake. At the far end of the Lake we take the forest track that climbs gradually along Ennerdale valley, walking alongside the River Liza, to the remote Black Sail Hut YHA (290m). The hostel is left open during the day which provides shelter from the weather and a chance to make a cup of tea in the kitchen.

From the YHA we continue to the bottom of Loft Beck and a steep ascent to the high point of the day at 600m. The views back to the sea are spectacular. We follow the rocky path across the fell and descend to Honister (330m). Continue descending into the beautiful Borrowdale valley to the village of Seatoller (120m) then follow the footpaths to Rosthwaite.

Well, this should be an interesting day. The chances of fine weather are not good as we will be heading for the spot that records the highest rainfall in England (Sprinkling Tarn, just south of Seathwaite, receives 185 inches .... yes, inches ... (4.7metres) of rain a year! Now, that is why we carry wet weather gear. It isn't just to add weight to our packs, after all. There may be a real purpose! Afternoon rain is very common even when mornings are clear.

Seatoller is a National Trust village which is just a short distance before our destination for the day: Rosthwaite.

At Honister there is a slate mine and shop (serving tea and coffee).

Rosthwaite has a pub serving evening meals and a small shop where you can buy packed lunches. Nearby Stonethwaite has a pub serving evening meals.

Note: We will stop at the 28 mile mark today.