This morning, for a change we got a nice leisurely start to the day as we weren't being joined by Andy and Steve until 10:00. The weather earlier on was torrential rain and high wind but the forecast promised it to brighten as the day went on.
Thankfully they seemed to be right and the rain stopped before we set off at 10:25, but the wind was still there in force.
We headed out today at a more leisurely pace - not in walking speed but as we didn't have as many miles to crunch today we had more time to take in our surroundings and stop to take photo's.
We made good time and added a detour into into Burneside to find the local pub at 12:00, only to discover it didn't open til 5:00. So instead found a local growler emporium (pie shop) and had lunch by the river on some picnic tables instead. We then pushed on to Staveley down a very picturesque river section and at Staveley found our pub - which was open. Stopped for a pint of local brew and then started to embark upon the last uphill sections of the walk as we approached Bowness. True to the forecast, the cloud made way to blue skies and sunshine to compliment the final stages of the walk.
Up here the scenery became very Cumbrian and we were rewarded with fine views of the Lake District to Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and the Langdale pikes. After a last push uphill, it became a case of descending into Bowness and we caught a first glimpe of Lake Windermere which was a most welcome sight. Easy going from here in to the finishing post of the Royal Oak in Bowness - the official finishing pub of the Dales Way. Before we headed in there for another well earned pint (or two) there was one more job to do - head to the lakeside for a victory paddle in lake Windermere. Job done - all to schedule, and the only casualties a few nasty blisters for Dave, and a big nasty blister for me. Taxi back from the pub to last night's B&B to collect Steve's car and then Steve kindly drove us all back to our doorsteps in Harrogate. Thanks to Andy and Steve for joining me, and Steve for driving - much appreciated.
Thanks to Dave for his company and towing me along on Wednesday. Biggest thanks of all to my fantastic wife Rach who did the much harder job of keeping the show on the road back home by herself whilst also doing 2 jobs.
Total miles walked today: 15 miles
Total walking time today: 5h 20mins
Total miles walked this week: 83 miles
Total walking time this week: 27h 50 mins
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