W2 Ennerdale to Rosthwaite - Wet

Day 2 was truly in the Lake District. After about an hour it began to rain and did on and off (mainly on) for the next 8 hours. As usual it started out dry and then decided to spit before turning into a shower - when I say shower I mean the one in the bath room not drizzly rain. I feel on this holiday I am going to get to use a lot of words regarding rain. Anyway in terms of the walk, it is a gradual walk up to Black Sail Hut in Ennerdale and then a very steep climb to Grey Knott and then a walk down hill along a disused tram line to Honiston Slate mine (nice tea and cake) before wandering down to Rosthwaite. So 16.6 miles, over 49,000 steps and the equivalent of 69 floors climbed

Longer version
Bigger breakfast today. We set off at around 8.30 and started to walk around Ennerdale. You can either go on the scramble on the south side or the forestry commission track on the north. After yesterday we took the north, as did most other people. A very tranquil start to the day as you can see from this view of Ennerdale:

Oh little did we know.... there we were walking in the forest and suddenly a few large drops. That really should have sent us to get our over trousers. Fools we didn't. Before we knew what had happened our trousers were soaked and it only got worse the higher up we went. So the following is Andrea on the work up to Grey Knotts (honest) to give you an impression of the delightful British weather:

But after much rain and a lot of aching feet we reached the top and then descended down into Honiston and on to Rosthwaite. Yes it did rain but it was very interesting, with the disused tram way, the slate mines, the beautiful scenery such as this on the way to Seatoller:

And we are now meeting the same people from the first day - An American large family group carrying their 1 year old, a Dutch couple with a dodgy knee, a young lad we have christened "Speedy" and 3 British couples who we are starting to chat too. Yes we are all a bit mad but have a common purpose and bond. Generally Day 2 has been easier than Day 1, although our bedroom again looks like a drying room. - not surprising because it is ! :-)


Tips to all future walkers
a. Do not assume a rucksack is going to keep things in it dry - generally it doesn't
b. When booking a room, check it has a heated towel rain - essential for drying socks, gloves
c. Do not wear cotton in the wet - it never seems to dry again that day (base layers rule)