Crossing Ol’ Blighty – the Coast to Coast Path, England – Day 4

Date: Friday, 10 July 2026
Day: 4
From: Grasmere                            To: Patterdale
Start Walking: 842am            End Walking: 219pm
Distance (Planned): 13.5km      Distance (Garmin): 14.4km
Progress: 69.1/306km

Ascent: 485m                    Descent: 451m
Weather: Rinse and repeat of yesterday. Up to 29C and melting.
Stayed At: Oldwater View B&B

General Comments:
• Today was the shortest day we have walked to date, but what it lacked in distance it made up for with a combo of heat and elevation.
• A later start meant that the temperatures were already starting to climb and again, it was a day of no shade. We were told that when the Vikings came, they chopped all the trees down on the mountains. How inconsiderate of them!? Apparently, they also brought the bracken that now covers almost every square inch of the mountainsides.

• We said goodbye to our Aussie walking friend this morning as she is having a rest day in Grasmere. I think this is going to be a bit like a Camino with people overlapping on the trail and meeting new friends, and old.
• Last night at the pub we had a lovely dinner (roast beef – yummo) chatting to a Dutch couple we had met on and off yesterday and also a fascinating English couple. She is a long distance swimmer and was here in Patterdale to compete in a swim the length of Ullswater – about 13km!!!! What an effort?!

• Our goal today was to climb up to Grisedale Tarn and then descend down the other side to Patterdale. While it was a stiff climb, it wasn’t quite as hard as yesterday as we gained elevation slowly before one last very steep section.
• Well, I thought it was one last steep section until I saw it was yet another mongrel false summit and there was more almost-vertical track to knock over. Ah, the joys of hiking.😁

• Grisedale Tarn was a sight for sore eyes and a beautiful sight at that. A couple of other hikers were making the most of the refreshing water and enjoying a swim. They definitely had the right idea.
• The last part of the walk was very straightforward as we made our way down from the Tarn and through the valley towards Patterdale. We seemed to be walking through quite prosperous looking farms and under the glorious shade of ancient oak trees. Ah, that’s more like it.

Top Tips:
• The High Route: Don’t take it! 😁 There is an alternate route you can take from Grisedale Tarn down to Patterdale, which is up to around 780m. We were not tempted today!😁
• Provisions: There is nothing on the trail today so make sure you have plenty of snacks and water. Yes, it’s only a short stage, but it’s still demanding.

Stay cool and hydrated, people!