Day 6 - The Amazing Race to Shap

Last night we had a challenge finding a place to eat. there are only a couple of places in Glenridding and one was booked for a wedding. We had a bit of a walk to the Travellers Inn (not the same one we stayed in for the last two nights) and it was absolutely packed. We ended up on an outdoor covered patio and had a semi-reasonable pub meal. Glenridding was hard hit with a flood last December and they are actively undertaking recovery and preventive measures.

Today's leg of the hike was described as one of the most difficult with a high climb and a steep descent followed by a long boggy section. Rain was in the forecast. Chris and I decided to play the by-pass card and take the steamer to Pooley Bridge at the other end of Ullswater, about a 12 km boat trip.

We got to enjoy views of the surrounding fells and shoreline along with some sailing action as we approached Pooley Bridge.

If you look at the clothing, this is what summer looks like in the lakes district, yes, that is a toque (beanie) on Chris.

It was raining as we landed and we had to walk into town to look for a bus to Penrith.

We enquired at the Information Centre and were able to dash out of the kiosk and board the bus as it had just arrived. It was a double decker with a partially enclosed upper deck so we decided to go up there (our first ride on a double-decker). Now that was an adventure. I was wondering why all of the leaves and smack branches were on the floor.

As it roared through the town we discovered that the bus was also used to trim the overhanging trees.

We bailed out and headed to the safety of the first floor.

When we arrived in Penrith, we discovered we were lucky we made the connection after getting off the boat. We were there just in time for the last bus of the day to Shap.

We did have a few minutes for a quick walk through downtown Penrith. A nice indoor mall and town square.

It was about a half hour ride on the bus to Shap.

A sleepy little town just off the M6 that is a little past its prime. Sort of the same story as some of the towns on the historic Route 66 in the US. We did a quick walk about then had lunch at the local cafe.

We have a room in a nice guest cottage that dates back to the 1600's.

After checking in, I took a walk out of town to the ruins of an old Abbey.

I really enjoyed some of the rural landscape on the walk there and back.

The rest of the hiking crew arrived at about 6:00 pm, pretty tired from their walk.

After everyone got sorted away, we headed to what is apparently the only place in town to eat, the King's Arms Hotel, for supper.

We were back before dark to rest and be ready for the next leg to Orton tomorrow. Just watching the weather forecast and I see they are forecasting a low of -2C for somewhere in the Scottish Highlands tonight.