New Kit is the order of the Day.

Woke up to rain!!!

As we had a comparatively short 12 mile hike today, we decided to head into Grasmere for a little look around. We popped into the Jack Wolfskin shop, lots of lovely trekking gear, picked up a nice thin fleece and a sitting mat (for Tim). I went to sit in the bench to pack away my purchase into my brilliant rucksack, and disaster! A rip in my waterproof trousers. So back into the shop - multiple trying on of various types of waterproof trousers. Is it just me or is trying on waterproof trousers a little like trying on wetsuits??? - you can only successfully try on one pair in one sitting as you get sweaty and knackered very quickly.

Anyway after all that kerfuffle we headed out of Grasmere, passed the Traveller's Rest and up to Grisedale hidden in the clouds. We passed a great new hydro-electric project in the making. "4x4 Tim" with his poles set a fair pace. Once up near Grisedale Tarn the wind picked right up and Tim & I managed to persuade Urs that we should head straight down towards Patterdale rather than up and over Helvellyn to Glenridding.

Once the wind died down on our way down the valley we had a lovely descent among the Cumbrian sheep passing Ruthwaite Lodge.

My walking boots finally decided to give up their waterproofness on this walk, so with very sodden feet we headed into Glenridding and I made a beeline for the outdoor equipment shop that we've used  in the past. Thanks to a very knowledgable and lovely chap (sadly soon to be out of a job) and after trying on several (hundred) pairs, I now have a beautiful pair of waterproof walking boots that should see me through many more treks.

We had a nice meal in Traveller's Rest #2, before the last final trudge to our super cute YHA at the foot of Helvellyn. Early start on the morrow.