Day 5

 I went out like a light in my comfy hotel bed. It was a joy not having to climb out of a soppy wet tent this morning!

We’d had heavy overnight rain, which was just clearing when I got up at 7am. 

After a hearty cooked breakfast, I set off on foot to rejoin the path. I walked from Kendal town centre to Burneside and then got back on track. This means that I have missed out the section between Greyrigg Foot and Burneside (5 miles) but don’t feel too guilty, coz I walked 2 miles to re-join the path! 

Initially, I had some light drizzle which just made everything a bit dark and dingy! 

I soon reached Cowan Head where some swanky apartments had been built next to the river. 

It was in the middle of nowhere, so quite unexpected! 

After an hour or so, the drizzle eased off and the sun began to make an appearance. This pic was taken on the edge of Staveley, with Staveley Head Fell in the distance. 

This morning’s walk was really quite enjoyable, because there was a good mixture. One minute I was walking besides rivers, the next climbing up onto some of the low fells. 

I walked through several cattle farms, with far reaching views. 

Apart from being slightly squelchy under foot, it really was quite pleasant walking. It’s amazing what a little bit of sunshine can do, to lift the spirits. 

There were some stunning views as you dropped down off the fells near Windermere. 

Eventually, I reached the official end point of the trail, high above Bowness with lovely views down towards the Lake Windermere. The slate bench is for walkers of the Dales Way! 

So that was it, the Dales Way done, except that you still had to get down to Bowness on Windermere. I was directed to a pub by a local, so had a quick celebratory pint at the Royal Oak! 

I then made my way down to the lakeside and what a shock that was, after the peace and solitude of the Dales Way. It was absolutely heaving with tourists, of all colours and creeds. Needless to say, I didn’t hang around! 

So that’s it, Dales Way done! I’ll be totally honest with you, it was a lot more challenging than I expected. I think that was mostly due to the weather and having a stinking cough and cold, but it was mentally exhausting at times. Physically, it was no walk in the park and I’m glad I’d got myself a bit fitter in preparation for this hike, so that I could cope with the physical exertions whilst being under the weather! 

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog.