I thought I'd start describing each day of the walk to 1) make you envious and 2) help familiarize myself with the details. I will be IN CHARGE and since I'm a lousy compass user (at least right now), that could mean lots of extra miles of wandering around lost.
Just a reminder that this is not a group walk/organized event. It's just me and Lauren walking. No guide. No companions. It will be one of the most amazing things I'll ever be so fortunate to do! (Please excuse that lousy grammar. I'm too excited about telling you about day 1 to find a more appropriate way to express it.)
Here's the plan for day 1:
Tradition dictates that we baptize our boots in the Irish Sea and select a pebble from the beach, which we will stow away for the entire walk and when we reach our destination, some 200 miles later, we will throw it into the North Sea. (Lauren and I have already agreed that we will each take two pebbles...one to throw into the North Sea and one to keep as a souvenir.) There is a "Mile Zero" sign not far off of the beach, which is a mandatory picture spot - much like our Mile Marker Zero in Key West, which signifies the southern most point in the United States - you simply cannot embark on this journey without a pose at this spot.
Then we're off for a cliff-top walk along the Irish Sea. The first notable landmark seems to be the cleft of Fleswick Bay, which is a lovely secluded pebble beach surrounded by red sandstone cliff. We'll pass some observation points and the lighthouse. After about an hour's walk, we'll reach the ruins of an old Coast Guard Station. In about another hour, we'll come across the first pub of The Walk; the Dog & Partridge in the village of Sandwith. Since we have such a short walk and all day to get it done, I think it's a mandatory stop. We can sit outside in the green grass, air out our socks and enjoy a pint. During the summer months, they are open daily from noon - 4pm...we'll have to plan our start that morning accordingly. . .I'd hate to get there too early!
After a pint and some chips, we sneak through a tunnel beneath the railway line. We later cross some waterlogged fields around Stanley Pond and a small stream before passing underneath the course of an unused railway. We then find ourselves in Moor Row, home of the Walkers Pop In Cafe, a great place for a squat and a spot of tea with biscuits. The beautiful Jasmine House is around the corner and this is where Lauren and I will spend our first night. We will have to either walk a mile or catch a bus into town for the evening meal but our very warm and friendly hosts have offered to drive us back and forth. Amazing! I've never experienced an American B&B providing such service (and without additional charge)!
The next morning, we'll have a lovely breakfast and our hosts will provide us with packed lunches for our hike to Ennerdale Bridge.
Tune in soon for Day 2!
Most important thing- airing out your socks. Phew.
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