I left the tent shortly after midnight to try taking some night photos. The wind was still blowing quite strongly and the temperature was only just above freezing. It was quite uncomfortable taking time exposures from the trig point and my fingers soon began to get very cold. The wind continued through the night but by morning the clear sky was still there. I had some nice views of the Skiddaw and Blencathra ranges of mountains. This is my last day and with a good day of weather ahead I was reluctant to leave.

The night sky from Clough Head

Post box on the B5322

The firm short green grass on the descent to White Pike was a delight to walk on. I had to take more care on the rest of the descent to the Old Coach Road as it was quite steep. Once on the track it became rather uncomfortable underfoot as it was very dry and loose stones making it like walking on ball bearings. I had plenty of time for the bus so took my time. A group of young walkers came up the track all carrying large packs and camping equipment. I got an acknowledgment from the first walker but the rest were deep in concentration. The track becomes quite steep through the quarry area and as I descended a party of 3 mountain-bikers were heading up. They were still riding and not pushing their bikes. I stepped aside to let them pass and make the most of the narrow grassy verge where I had previously been walking.

I reached the B5322, turned right for a short way then left along the narrow road to Wanthwaite Bridge and on up to the Church of St John’s in the Vale. It was Sunday morning and there were a lot of cars about so I assumed there would be a service going on so I didn’t peek inside. Next to the church is the Carlisle Diocesan Youth Centre. At the top of the rise is a flat green parking area and a bench so I sat down for a while to take in as much of the wonderful scenery as I could. On the descent I could see Dale Bottom ahead. There is a footpath across the fields to the bus stop on the A591 but as I’d walked it before I walked the road way via Naddle, which is a way I hadn’t been. I reached the bus stop in plenty of time for the 11:10am bus but I began to get worried when it hadn’t arrived at 20 past. Fortunately it turned up and even though late I had plenty of time in hand at Windermere to catch the 12:54 train to Oxenholme where I caught the next Preston train then across town to catch the bus home.

Stone Cottage on the approach to Naddle