I've just had a read. I remember the first real descent after Cleator, a bit steep but it was just grass and bare earth where many footsteps had trodden as I remember. I didn't find it difficult, I just plodded my way down to the bottom, used my sticks to keep me steady and then at the bottom (about 50yds down) ordinary walking after that to Ennerdale. OK it was bright and sunny when I did it, three times in all, same sort of weather and I accept that if wet on the day it would be more slippy. At worst, as long as you were careful and used your sticks you might just slide down on your bum? I thought Rambling Man's paragraph about it was a teeny bit exaggerated, maybe I'm wrong?
At Ennerdale Lake there is a choice, its very easy if you keep to the left hand side of the lake and even if you chose the harder side both paths end up at the same place.
The bit up from Black Sail can be a bit of a puff but normally if you have daylight there's no need to rush at it. I enjoyed it, loads of good views, easy to sit down anywhere.
As regards the chain and rocks bit, I've missed that every time, I wonder how? From the slate mine to the Youth Hostel is downhill but I found it an easy enough stroll.
From the YHA to Grasmere is a nice walk, a bit up yes, a bit of a sweaty time, you have to make an extra effort at times, one place only I think was a bit steep but I do not remember any of it as too difficult. Going down towards Grasmere was a bit harder on my leg muscles but downhills can be like this anyway. I would certainly recommend going into Grasmere, its a nice twee little place and I'm sure a pleasant place to stay overnight.
Getting to Patterdale is a bit like going from the YHA to Grasmere, a bit uphill, a bit of a plod, over the top, then down to the Lake and then onward to Patterdale. Visually very nice. I agree with Rambling Man the YHA there, is (or was?) a bit of a dump. I was with company at the time so I did enjoy it. Glenridding is only a short distance away, I prefer this place more.
There is a bit of a plod uphill, well worn but not difficult terrain the next morning but once on the top, as I remember it, plain walking until you get to High Street. Then you drop down to Haweswater, this is a bit of a steep downhill section, but no real problem, my sticks help a lot and I found plenty of rocks to hold onto for balance or to sit on, its another downhill section thats all. Once at the bottom its more or less easyish walking until the end of the walk. After Haweswater then its mainly about general walking stamina that takes over.
One proviso though, if you are unlucky with the weather, as described by Rambling Man it can be horrible, no doubt about it, but for me I've been lucky. I've experienced similar weather in other parts of the Lakes and I know what its like to be miserable, fed up and and wet throgh, not nice at all.
I hope KD you are not going to be put off, I'm sure you will enjoy it. I was about 69, 70 when I walked it and I met older people than me doing it and faster as well.
These are just my personal memories, maybe others on the Forum will comment to support my view, or tell me my memory is rubbish?