C2C Day 5: Shap Abbey...

Stage 5: Patterdale to Shap

Eventually we could see the ruins of Shap Abbey in the distance, signifying that we were finally nearing civilization.

There wasn’t actually much left of the abbey, which was founded in 1200.

The tower that remains was built around 1500; the abbey was closed in 1540 and much of the masonry was stolen at the end of the 17th century for other buildings in Shap. 

The rest of Shap was about as impressive as this old telephone booth. After 16.3 miles (26.3K), we finally made it into town, where we had dinner at a rather unexciting pub.

C2C Day 5: Bye-Bye Lakes District...

Stage 5: Patterdale to Shap

Once we passed out of the Lakes District, the terrain changed a lot as we crossed through a lot of farm fields. The cows also changed as they became striped...

...and the fields were striped as well.

From afar, this bridge was quaint and inviting. In reality, it was covered in stinging nettles, which was far from inviting.

Just before the bridge, we came across our first honor box filled with cold drinks and snacks with a place to leave donations.

Once we were outside of the Lakes District National Park, we started to see directional signs. Finding the route still wasn’t a piece of cake, but occasional signs did help.

C2C Day 5: Haweswater Reservoir...

Stage 5: Patterdale to Shap

We enjoyed eating lunch by a creek.

The walk along the water’s edge wasn’t an easy stroll as the path snaked up and down along the four miles of shoreline.

Overall, we completed 4,400 feet (1,300 meters) of ascent that day.

When we finally traversed the lake, we left the Lakes District, which we all agreed was the most scenic of the three national parks we’d visit.

C2C Day 5: Way Up and Back Down...

After the mountain lake, we headed to the highest point on the trail: Kidsty Pike at 2,560 feet (780 meters). We were joined by Cathalijne from The Hague and her father Leo.

Luckily, the hike to the highest point was relatively easy.

The views from the top were completely obscured by fog.

Next up was the steepest descent on the entire route.

Luckily, it wasn’t as horrible as the guidebook had made it out to be.

The trail headed down to Haweswater Reservoir, the last portion of the route within the Lakes District National Park.

The fog cleared so we could catch a view of Kidsty Pike behind us.

C2C Day 5: Off to Neverland...

Stage 5: Patterdale to Shap

After feeding the lambs and having a big breakfast, it was time to head into the hills.

It was foggy, which made for some dramatic views.

Eventually we came to Angle Tarn at an elevation of 1,572 feet (480 meters).

When I saw the rocky islands, I couldn’t help but think that one of those islands could be Neverland from Peter Pan.

We couldn’t find any sign of Captain Hook or Tinker Bell, but Jimmy and Kent could be mistaken as a few of the Lost Boys.

C2C Day 5: Feeding the Herdy Babies...

The following morning we helped feed the lambs, which are fed by bottles for several weeks. The babies are quite dark and will lighten as they grow.

Carlin was especially excited about helping to feed the lambs, but we all got into the action as we took turns.

C2C Day 4: Staying on a Sheep Farm...

Stage 4: Grasmere to Patterdale

Our rooms for the night were in this converted farm building at Crookabeck B&B, a working farm. With just two bedrooms, we had the place to ourselves and enjoyed stretching out after dinner in the living room.

From our room, we could see the fields that their 80+ Helvellyn Herdwick sheep roam around (although they had all clearly scattered when I took this photo).  

On our way into the family’s wool shop, we spotted a lot of wool waiting to be cleaned and processed.

Since Carlin is such a fan of sheep, we encouraged her to buy this hat, but instead she opted to buy some items minus a sheep head.

We were then brought to another building to meet the family’s Angora goats, from which they get mohair fibers. This fellow’s smile just cracked me up.

We had to keep reminding ourselves that these were goats and not sheep with their fluffy coats.