Day 8 Clapham to Cockermouth Walk

Patterdale to Swirls, Thirlmere

11.5miles 2750ft

Leaving Patterdale on a drizzly but mild morning

Grisedale beck in full flow with all the recent rain

I would now be following the coast to coast path as far as Grisedale tarn

Starting to climb into Grisedale

Looking back down the valley

More becks in full flow

Arriving at Ruthwaite Lodge outward bound hut

The stepping stones across the outflow from Grisedale tarn. In better weather I'd have been taking the high level route over Helvellyn from this point

Grisedale tarn with the outflow in the distance...

....and again

Descending Raise beck....

....with Dunmail Raise pass below

I'd just sat down here on Dunmail Raise when the rain fell heavier and interrupted my lunch!

Looking across Steel End

Entering the forest trail on the east side of  Thirlmere

Continuing north along the trail with some lovely views along the way.....  

Finally arriving at Swirls car park for my lift back to Patterdale. The Swirls route from Helvellyn finishes here

In more pleasant weather this would have been an excellent route with the option of taking in Helvellyn along the way. 

Nevertheless it was still a very enjoyable walk even though my sandwiches were rather soggy!!