After a 4+ mile walk to Grasmere via Rydal Hall and the coffin route we enjoyed coffee and scone/cake once we found a cafe that was open at 10.30. The highlight of the first section was seeing a juvenile great spotted woodpecker on nearby fence posts.

There were 3 options for getting home: the brand new open top buses, walk via the lower more direct route or take a longer and higher route via Loughrigg Tarn. Those who know the area will be able to see from the photo that I chose the last option (but didn't go down to the water's edge). It’s good to know that I can still walk 10 miles. My OH got the bus. 

I'm being rewarded later with sticky toffee pudding and ice cream.