Day 3 - Stonethwaite to Grasmere, 9.5 miles DONE!!

7am n all calm n tranquil at the campsite. Forecast not good but not looking too threatening so set off with waterproofs handy rather than all clarted up. Oh how quickly things change in the Lakes. Waterproofs donned. A steady mizzle started, a bit more than sends dinner ladies into a frenzy, interspersed with torrential down pours all whilst trogging up hill (soon to be very steep!!). Sadly we were surrounded by cloud on the tops so we missed what would, I'm sure, be spectacular views! More down pours and even hail on our decent with just enough sun and wind to semi dry us off before raining once again! Beautiful evening.

Sadly a similar forecast for tomorrow so we've decided to leave Helvellyn & Striding Edge for better weather and a day pack, rather than heavy back pack!

Massive thank you to Rob & Zoe for letting us stay with them tonight - the luxury of a bath and proper bed -very nice!

Short day tomorrow, so maybe a later start-effectively a rest day in preparation for the most demanding day of the whole walk, apparently.

Feet remain intact, though do ache along with leg muscles, not noticed carrying pack today-we must be getting into our stride!

Second photo of the day - Nick wet n bedraggled but still enjoying a well deserved pint!