Hi, Fodorites!
If there are any walkers out there, can you help me decide between these three walks? The Dales Way, the Coast-to-Coast West and Coast-to-Coast East.
I wonder if anyone familiar with these walks might weigh in on scenery and these villages? I’ve been looking at photos of both walks and am leaning toward the Dales Walk for the seemingly more pastoral scenes (rolling hills, farms) versus the C-2-C, which seems more rugged and desolate. (Also, due to budget/time limitations, I wouldn’t be able to do the full C2C, but only the west segment or the east segment).
The Dales Way walk is Ilkley to Windermere (Ilkley to Burnsall, Burnsall to Buckden, Buckden to Lea Yeat, Lea Yeat to Sedbergh, Sedbergh to Grayrigg, Grayrigg to Bowness-On-Windermere).
However, the west segment of the C-2-C seems very popular… but maybe this is more for the “before-i-kick-the-bucket list” nature of the walk.
The walk would be the first week of September, which I understand means average temps around 63-67 F (17-19 C). I'll be walking alone, and am fairly comfortable with map-reading, but if anyone has first-hand experience on any of these walks and route difficulties, I'd appreciate your feedback on that as well.
Any thoughts or reccos? Thanks in advance for any insight.
Lake District Walkers: please help me decide
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When Wainwright designed the C to C, it was meant to be the hardest walk possible given the terrain - don't go around a mountain if you can go over it. The first day of the walk in the Lake District is a killer.
There is a terrific little book, Blessed Boots - on foot 21 days across stormy England, self published by an American walker, Tom Hobbs. Do try to get it if you are seriously thinking of trying to do the C to C. http://www.amazon.com/Blessed-Boots-Across-Stormy-England/dp/B00346Z7DW
If I wasn't such a slow typist, I'd give you his first few paragraphs.
Unless you have done some serious long distance walks, e.g. The Appalachian Trail, I suggest you stick to the Dales Way or Hadrian's Wall trail.
Thanks so much for the comment, Ron. I found a great walkers forum so I'm headed over there with my boring questions.
Thanks again.
That'll be a better place than here for your questions. Good luck and have a great time, whatever you decide.