Day 1 completed

Walking up a steep hill a little before Whinlatter

An interesting sign next to Loweswater

At the start of the climb up Whinlatter

Whinlatter Forest

Lunchtime Chocolate Slice

We have reached the Mill Inn at Mungrisdale but surprise surprise no mobile coverage, so this won't reach the blog until tomorrow.
We left the Chase Hotel a bit after 9 this morning. The other c2c group were having a right faff sorting out their bill.  The only thing wrong with the place was the temperature in the room - the radiator wasn't working and it was Baltic.
Fuelled up with our full English we headed for the harbour and took photos of us at the start. A few other groups turned up. We seem to be the only ones doing it unsupported this weekend.
The weather was cool but dry and sunny. The wind was easterly and chilly but not too strong. It got warmer as the day went on.
We set off and trogged along without incident at a steady if not spectacular pace.  The route is for the most part excellent.  Mostly traffic free and very well signposted.
We were passed by a few others - some of whom we passed later in the day.
We stopped at around 10 miles for choccy bars and biscuits. Shortly after that the hills started.
At around 20 miles the one serious hill of the day up to Whinlatter pass. We walked the first section. It was steep enough to be a real leg buster.
Most of the people we saw missed out the first forest section and took the road to the visitor centre. We did the extra uphill and steep downhill section.
We stopped for a late and expensive lunch at the cafe.
There then followed an exciting steep descent down forest tracks.
We managed to miss a turning on the way into Keswick and another on the way out. Fortunately the GPS got us back on track without problems.
It took us a while to do the last 8 miles. Tired legs didn't want to go up hills or go fast.
We arrived at the Mill Inn a bit after 7.  A room just about big enough for 2 beds, a tv with too weak a signal to be able to watch most channels - although the chelsea v bayern match was watchable - which Chelsea have just won!
The bikes got padlocked to a picnic bench and batteries and gadgets put onto charge.
We showered and went down for food. We couldn't phone home, so ordered fish and chips and waited...and waited...and waited some more. Eventually it turned up - passable - just - given we were hungry enough to eat a horse each.
Panda has fallen asleep. I think he is tired but the boy done well.