Hiking from Ambleside to Coniston: 25 km and feeling a bit sad

10 July

Today marked our first day of hiking in the Lakes District. Spoiler alert we made it to Coniston in around 8 hours, covering 25km. Was supposed to only be 19km, however the instructions we were given were not that thorough, so we did have a few whoopsies that extended our travel time. The views were spectacular from the get-go, and although the first couple of kms were quite steep, afterwards wasn’t too hard. I kept thinking a faerie or a little magical deer would peak it’s way out onto our trail, it was just so magical. I didn’t expect the area to be so lush, but especially with the light rain, everything was so green. The trees almost sparkled with the waterdrops. Hopefully I don’t de-sensitize myself over the next week as we continue with the hike, I know this leg of the trip I will miss when we’re at our next destination (to be revealed).

My knee did start acting up around the 20km mark, and I am worried about how it will go over such a long hiking trip- we’ve got 6 days of this sort of length planned, which is way beyond what I’ve ever attempted before. Feet are sore, mind is tired! It’s around 6:30pm now, we’re about to go downstairs to the pub to get some dinner. I think being in a more vulnerable state has made me miss the comforts of home for the first time this trip. I’ve tried to delay the homesickness as long as I could, but I think it’s hitting a bit tonight. I feel like if one thing goes wrong, I’m going to be a puddle of tears on the floor. I know it that will pass, but right now it feels like something I’m going to feel forever. 6 months feels like a ridiculously long time when the last 6 days have felt like a month already. Going to keep trudging along, I think it’s just hit me now because this is the first time I feel like I’ve had a challenging day, which becomes more challenging in a foreign place.

Anyway the views were amazing, so I’ll make sure to include lots of pictures of those. Hopefully will be feeling a bit better tomorrow.

Currently MIA,

Lauren x