Day 1 of the Alfred Wainwright's Coast to Coast walk and it was full sunshine with a lot of wind

We were all in good spirit as we got dropped into St Bees for the start of our mammoth walk.

The sun was shining and slightly windy but a beautiful day forecast ahead. 

We had photos taken and dipped the toe of our boots into the sea which is the custom. Then we chose a pebble to carry across to the other coast which is also customary. I tried to pick a special looking pebble but in the end decided to take two.

It was glorious to walk along the cliff tops overlooking the sea directly opposite the Isle of Man which wasn't in view due to mist on the horizon. 

The first part of the trail heads north west and then North which seems mean when we are supposed to be heading East. We soon started heading inland and in front of us loomed Dent which looked like a bald monks head looming out of the trees below. 

We reached the top with steady trudging and had amazing views all around us, It was even possible to see Scotland to the north. 

Then we had a steep drop down into a picturesque valley and the walk back to our hotel where we started from in the taxi van this morning. 

No blisters, thank you boots but thank goodness for the walking poles.

14 miles tucked under our belts and only 178 to go.

Thanks for reading, good night. X

Toe dipping at St Bees beach.

It was very windy at the top of Dent

St Bees is on the coast behind me.