Wainwright00 – Exposing The World

UK: Hiking The Wainwright – Getting Ready

Crossing Britain in 13 Days

It’s possible to hike across Britain in five days, taking the easy flat route along Hadrian’s Wall. But this hike is the more picturesque Wainwright, through Cumbria and Yorkshire including three National Parks.

North by train

It takes a bus and several trains to piece together a day of travel from London to the Cumbrian town of St. Bees.

In Cumbria, the Irish Sea comes into view

Right outside the station, the main street of St Bees

Fairladies Barn

These row houses, though with exteriors meticulously preserved as they always were, have been remodeled for modern times. Fairladies is a B & B that on my day of arrival has been hosting an old timers’ motorcycle club rally.

Guest laundry on the line. This is the farmers' way of bringing rain.

Main street

Across the street from Fairladies. The name refers to a prominent British lodge. There is one main street in St. Bees, steeply rising, with a continuous row built up on each side.

Apparently there are not many Methodists here

The sign for Outrigger Place, a side street

Community notices and a reference to the upcoming parliamentary election

The Post Office doubles as a convenience store, almost the only place where you can buy anything in St Bees

Treeless, windy Cumbria is sheep country.

The Seacote is the largest hotel in town, on the beach, but this early in spring it's still deserted.

St Bees Head, where we will hike to our starting point

Holiday cottages on the beach. The 'old town' and main street are to the right.

Unlike traditional stiles, the 'kissing gate' is the new and accessible way to cross a fence

St Bees Priory

The parish church of St Bees, built 1120 to 1135.