Autumn Tints Wednesday 31st July Allonby Cafe by Maurice Cowley
Maurice, Steve, Tom, Anita, John R, Roy and Anita met at the Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth for a 1000hrs start for their ride to Allonby.
After the obligitory coffe and tea they start by descend down the A66 to the old road to Brigham wher they drop down and crossed the A66 to pass through Great Broughton and then reach Camerton where they climbed the steep hill up to the Workington/Camerton cycle path. They dropped down passing through Seaton to turn right and pass the Siddick Wetlands and onto Maryport and then Allonby Café.
Maurice and Steve (both walking wounded) had made arrangements to only ride from Maryport to Allonby. However Maurice had an appointment with the dentist in Keswick before he was able to join Steve and had locked his bike onto his rack for safety while he was in the clinic. On arrival at the car park and Steve he realised that he had forgotten the key for the lock – so Steve had a lonely ride to Allonby Cafe where he found Maurice drinking his tea having driven there – oh dear!!
Steve had company for his return to the Maryport Car park with the other riders who carried on the cycle path this time to Workington and through Curwen Park and Stainburn, Great Clifton Brigham, Cockermouth and then to their cars at the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 28th July The Brown Cow. Waberthwaite by Maurice Cowley
On a warm, dull and threatening rain day Bacca and Tracy Moore, Roy and Tom, Maurice and Steve L, and Steve L's daughter Angela and partner Steve met at the Brown Cow, Waberthwaite for lunch, 5 had used their bikes to get there.
Bacca had rode from his home at Bigrigg all the way along the A595 to the Brown Cow and Tracy had brought the van to take him home.
Maurice and Steve L had parked cars at the car park by the beach just after Eskmeals Range and in-between the Marshside Cottages and Stubbs Place to start their ride. Going south towards Bootle but turning left just before Hycemoor up a narrow lane to pass a place called The Nook (1 point on the Tour Comp) and then right on the main A595 road to pass the Brown Cow for the 1st time. Turning left at Waberthwaite and down another narrow lane to pass through Newbiggin and onto the road through the salt marshes (where a heron was spotted feeding) and pass under the railway and then pass the Eskmeals Range main gates and their park cars. The target now was a cuppa at the Byre Cafe in Bootle where the discovered a most extensive menu for mains and afters. Unfortunately they were booked into the Brown Cow so after a cuppa it was onwards to meet up with the rest of the group there.
Tom and Roy parked their cars at Seacale Beach Car Park for their ride. Their route took them through Seascale to reach the new cycle path to Gosforth, Santon Bridge, and climb over Irton Pike to drop down to Eskdale Green and pass George the 4th Inn. Carrying on towards Birker Fell but turning right just after the Hound Dog pound and before the climb up Birker Fell to take to a narrow lane to reach the A595 at the bottom of Muncaster Fell and on to the Brown Cow at Waberthwaite to meet up with the rest of the group.
After a good lunch and drinks and a lively conversation they all made ready to go.
Maurice and Steve finished off their circuit back to their cars via Waberthwaite, Newbiggin and along the sea front.
Bacca took the easy ride home with Tracy.
Roy and Tom reversed their route as far as Eskdale and at the bottom of Irton Pike they turned left to take to the Irton Flatts to reach Holmrook and then through Drigg and back to Seascale and their cars.Angela and Steve drove back to Bootle and their home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 24th July Syke Farm Café. Buttermere by Roy Jackson
Starting from Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth on an overcast morning were Maurice, Tom, Ivan, Janet, Anita, Dianne and Roy. After the usual tea and coffee Maurice left first to do his own thing, due to his knee not being a 100%.
His route took into Cockermouth and onto the Greenway then over Strawberry How to turn left to reach and pass Wythop Mill to continue on to The Pheasant Inn and the A66. After the A66 and the Bassenthwaite Sailing Club he turned left at Ouse Bridge and then turned right at The Lakes Distillery to reach Cockermouth and then back to his car at the Brewers Fayre.
The rest of the group turned left up the A5086 then left again at Paddle School. Then taking the second turning right towards Rogerscale, then over the bridge at Lorton and crossing the B5289, the group turned right onto the Hopebeck road. Then turning left onto the B5289 again and after the climb up and over Langthwaite Green a pleasant ride alongside Crummock Water to Buttermere and lunch at Syke Farm Café.
The cafe was busy including some other cyclists so the group had lunch sitting outside. Just as lunch was finished it started to spit with rain so everyone moved inside for an ice cream.
After the rain had stopped the group headed back to Cockermouth. At the Hundith Hill cross roads Janet and Ivan turned left and the rest carried on to Brewers Fayre to return home on four wheels, with the exception of Dianne who rode home into Cockermouth by bike.
Sunday 21st July Mill Inn Mungrisdale.
Sue, John and Tom left Braithwaite to meet Dianne at Dubwath at ten o'clock.
Having gone half a mile Tom noticed Sue's hair blowing in the wind she had left her helmet at home, most unusual for Sue.
A quick trip back home and the trio continued along the old road through Thornthwaite to join the A66 to Dubwath to find Dianne waiting.
After a brief discussion they set of following the lake before crossing Ouse Bridge to the Castle Inn where they crossed the A591.
This was followed by the long climb to the Ireby junction, before the fast descent into Uldale that was followed by more climbing.
Once on the top and with a following wind it was now all downhill to Caldbeck where they decided to carry onto Mungrisdale.
On reaching Hesket Newmarket with the choice of three routes to Mungrisdale they left it to John to pick a route.
Leaving Hesket Newmarket now into the wind they headed for Millhouse where they turned right to follow the road that climbed steadily to Greystoke Forest.
Still into the wind they final arrived at the Mill Inn where they had a good roast dinner and watched part of the tour stage on the TV.
With rain forecast for the afternoon they decided to leave hoping to get home to watch the end of the tour.
Opting to use the gated route to the White House Inn where they joined the cycle path to Threlkeld, before crossing the A66 to Burns.
After climbing Burns Brow it was on through Keswick to follow the A66 back to Braithwaite, just as spots of rain we're felt.
With the tour still in progress, Tom and Dianne watched it to the end while Sue provided tea and biscuits.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 17th July Ennerdale
Eight members made their way to Anita's at Sandwith they were Tom, Roy, Ivan, Sue, Paul and Sue and the two John's.
All were made most welcome by Anita who had gone to the trouble of providing tea coffee and biscuits.
With rain in the air and a dark looking sky the group set of following John R who had prepared a route heading for St Bees. Having described the route before setting off this was going to be a hilly ride.
The first climb came just after Rottington this was followed by the steep descent into St Bees where the group had to wait at the railway crossing.
With John R setting the pace on the front it was along the coast road overlooking the sea in places, as they made their way to Braystones.
At Braystones Anita, Sue and Paul decided to take a flatter route to Ennerdale, while the rest continued on to Beckermet followed by the steady climb to Haile.
Although it was overcast it was quite warm, as road reared up on leaving Haile for almost two miles before reaching the road over Cold Fell.
A brief stop to regroup was followed by more climbing, reaching the summit after 752 ft of climbing, before the welcome descent into Ennerdale for lunch.
Not long after arriving Anita, Sue and Paul appeared having made their way from Braystones via Low Mill and Egremont.
During lunch the rain that had been forecast arrived early, meaning it could be a damp ride back Sandwith.
With no sign of the rain easing the group decided to make a move heading in the direction of Wath Brow, where the group split.
Anita, Sue and Paul made their way to join the cycle track into Whitehaven, while the rest turned left to Egremont.
With heavy rain falling John R led the group back to Anita's via St Bees and up that steep climb to Rottington, arriving in Sandwith rather wet.
All the effort was rewarded by Anita providing jam and cream scones, tea and coffee.
Sunday 14th July Club Run Great Orton.
On a sunny morning with a slight westerly wind eleven members made it to Allonby they were Dianne, Anita, Roy, Clive, Ivan, Sue and Paul, Tom, Sue and John and John R.
After unloading bikes it was straight across the road to the cafe for the usual beverage and natter.
The nine thirty start became more like ten o'clock before the group made a move with Dianne leading them out off Allonby to Edderside.
Edderside noted for its muck on the road was no different; just as well it was dry as they negotiated the farm buildings.
Just before Jericho they turned right to New Cowper to join the Aspatria to Silloth road as far as Aikshaw, where they turned right to Abbeytown.
A brief stop in Abbeytown someone noticed that in the afternoon they were serving cream teas in the Abbey, something to look forward to on their return.
Pressing on it was on through Lessonhall, Moorhouse and Woodhouses before arriving in Great Orton for lunch at the Wellington Inn.
Half the group had opted for a picnic lunch, while the rest enjoyed a good lunch, eventually all getting together for a drink in the pub garden.
On leaving Great Orton it was mostly all downhill to join the main road at Thurstonfield, still on the main road as far as Kirkbampton where they turned left to Little Bampton.
Following the narrow lanes that were a first for some, they eventually arrived in Little Bampton, here John sent them down the wrong lane.
Nothing to do with John's Garmin he just misread the instructions, a quick turnaround and they were back on track down a lane full of craters before reaching The Laythes.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 10th July Greystoke.
On a dry morning with very little wind eleven members made it to Greystoke they were
Sue, John, Sue, Paul, Janet, Ivan, Maggie, Stewart, Tom, John R and Clive.
John having downloaded a route on his Garmin that they were all happy to follow left the car park following Sustrans Sea to Sea route.
Just after Little Blencow they turned left to Skelton stopping for some to shed clothing as it got warmer.
Setting of again they crossed the B5305 along a long straight road where Janet could be seen disappearing down the road.
Having gone past a left turn Ivan had to chase after her, all back together again it was along undulating lanes towards Sowerby Row.
On one short steep climb that came unexpectedly, Ivan came off as the group bunched up taking the skin of his elbow that needed attention.
Not long after Sue had to stop having got her chain jammed on another short climb that took some time fixing.
After those two mishaps the group continued onto Raughton Head this was followed by a fast descent into Stockdalewath.
Leaving Stockdalewath after crossing Roe Beck the road climbed steeply before levelling out to join the Durdar to Unthank road.
Turning right at the junction they continued on to Hutton End with dark clouds gathering in the distance.
On reaching Hutton End they turned left to Calthwaite and onto the Pot Place for lunch sitting out in the sun having escaped any rain showers.
With the sun getting warmer no one was in any hurry to move except Sue and Paul who decided to take it easy back to Greystoke.
Eventually after a long chat the remainder started to make a move, with Sue on the front they followed the motorway to Catterlen splitting on the climb.
Turning right at the top it was on through Laithes, Blencow back to Greystoke, where Tom produced a box of ginger biscuits to share with everyone, made by his daughter Sarah.
Sunday 7th July Parkside Hotel Cleator.
With members making their own way there, Dianne, Janet, Ivan, Clive and Roy met at the Brewers Fayre with Roy having done a route.
Leaving the Brewers Fayre on a sunny morning they headed up the A5086 to Paddle School where they turned right to Eaglesfield and onto Greysouthen.
After the descent into Greysouthen they turned left to Dean encountering two short steep climbs before reaching Dean.
From Dean it was onto Ullock turning left after crossing the River Marron to negotiate the climb to Dean Cross where they turned left to Asby.
After the welcome descent, this was followed by more climbing before reaching Rowrah and the cycle track to the Parkside for lunch.
Sue and John left Braithwaite heading over Whinlatter into Lorton to follow the road through Thackthwaite to Loweswater.
With very little wind and the sun getting warmer they started the climb up Fangs Brow before starting the steady descent to Lamplugh to join the A5086 to Rowrah.
On reaching Rowrah it was onto the cycle track for the final three miles to the lunch stop to find Maurice, Shirley, Steve, Dave and the Roy group.
After a good lunch Maurice and Shirley left first, while the rest discussed an alternative route back to Rowrah.
Finally having sorted out a route, the group made their way towards Wath Brow saying goodbye to Steve and Dave (good to see Steve out on his bike).
Just before Wath Brow they turned left down a hill onto an undulating road that followed the River Ehen in the valley below, exiting by Kirkland School.
At this point Dianne, Roy and Clive took a more direct route back to the Brewers Fayre, while Sue, Janet, Ivan and John carried on to Kirkland to follow Sustrans route to Lorton.
From Lorton they carried onto Hundith crossroads where Sue and John turned right to Embleton and home, leaving Janet and Ivan to carry onto Cockermouth.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 3rd July Craggs Bothel.
Can I even remember what we did last week? I remember the day was dry and really sunny by lunchtime. We met at Brewer’s Fayre, Cockermouth, and even John Moyes came for coffee. There were 12 riders in all though Dave Swift only just arrived as we were ready to go having parked his car in Ullock. The rest were Maurice, Janet, Ivan, Roy, John R, Stewart, Bacca ( a rare Wednesday rider), Tom, Anita, Clive and me, Dianne. We followed a different route to Bothel going via Low Brigham, Great Broughton, Little Broughton, then Dearham. After Dearham we were really on the quiet roads to Gilcrux, Parsonby, Threapland and Bothel. We lost Dave briefly in Bothel but he soon turned up and we all made our way over the Carlisle Road to The Craggs Cafe where we were soon joined by Sue and Paul and John and Sue making 16 in total. Sue and Paul had come out via Wythop Mill, the Pheasant Inn and then up the long drag from the Castle Inn.
Sue and John left Braithwaite heading for Keswick where John had a brief appointment at the ear clinic supposedly to make him ear better (Sue doesn't think so).Leaving Keswick they took the high road through Applethwaite finding it much hillier than they remembered, to eventually join the A591.
Leaving the A591 away from the traffic they made their way to Scarness and across the A591 into Bassenthwaite to join the A591 again to the Castle Inn.Turning left at the Castle Inn they made their way passed the Lakes Distillery to Isel Bridge where they turned right towards Sunderland.
After the drag up through Sunderland it was on to join the A591 again to the Craggs for lunch.
Quite a few people sat outside as it was such a lovely day. The group broke up after lunch, actually before lunch as Maurice went straight back to Cockermouth. Bacca was next to leave, then Stewart, Sue and Paul and finally Dave decided to go straight back via the Castle Inn. And then there were 10. It was much too nice a day to go home so we dropped down the hill towards Keswick then took the first left signed to Whitrigg, Torpenhow and Ireby. We steadily climbed a lovely quiet road with verges full of wildflowers, including common spotted orchids, and lots of dark brown ringlet butterflies then dropped down into Ireby. From there we went to Uldale where Janet, Ivan and Clive left us to take the straight route to the Castle Inn and home. The rest of us went to Mae’s Cafe for coffees, teas and cake. We sat outside enjoying the lovely afternoon and having the usual banter. After that it was Overwater, Orthwaite, Park Wood, Bassenthwaite, Castle Inn, Embleton and back to Cockermouth, while Sue and John made their way home via the A66.
Maurice, Steve, Tom, Anita, John R, Roy and Anita met at the Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth for a 1000hrs start for their ride to Allonby.
After the obligitory coffe and tea they start by descend down the A66 to the old road to Brigham wher they drop down and crossed the A66 to pass through Great Broughton and then reach Camerton where they climbed the steep hill up to the Workington/Camerton cycle path. They dropped down passing through Seaton to turn right and pass the Siddick Wetlands and onto Maryport and then Allonby Café.
Maurice and Steve (both walking wounded) had made arrangements to only ride from Maryport to Allonby. However Maurice had an appointment with the dentist in Keswick before he was able to join Steve and had locked his bike onto his rack for safety while he was in the clinic. On arrival at the car park and Steve he realised that he had forgotten the key for the lock – so Steve had a lonely ride to Allonby Cafe where he found Maurice drinking his tea having driven there – oh dear!!
Steve had company for his return to the Maryport Car park with the other riders who carried on the cycle path this time to Workington and through Curwen Park and Stainburn, Great Clifton Brigham, Cockermouth and then to their cars at the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 28th July The Brown Cow. Waberthwaite by Maurice Cowley
On a warm, dull and threatening rain day Bacca and Tracy Moore, Roy and Tom, Maurice and Steve L, and Steve L's daughter Angela and partner Steve met at the Brown Cow, Waberthwaite for lunch, 5 had used their bikes to get there.
Bacca had rode from his home at Bigrigg all the way along the A595 to the Brown Cow and Tracy had brought the van to take him home.
Maurice and Steve L had parked cars at the car park by the beach just after Eskmeals Range and in-between the Marshside Cottages and Stubbs Place to start their ride. Going south towards Bootle but turning left just before Hycemoor up a narrow lane to pass a place called The Nook (1 point on the Tour Comp) and then right on the main A595 road to pass the Brown Cow for the 1st time. Turning left at Waberthwaite and down another narrow lane to pass through Newbiggin and onto the road through the salt marshes (where a heron was spotted feeding) and pass under the railway and then pass the Eskmeals Range main gates and their park cars. The target now was a cuppa at the Byre Cafe in Bootle where the discovered a most extensive menu for mains and afters. Unfortunately they were booked into the Brown Cow so after a cuppa it was onwards to meet up with the rest of the group there.
Tom and Roy parked their cars at Seacale Beach Car Park for their ride. Their route took them through Seascale to reach the new cycle path to Gosforth, Santon Bridge, and climb over Irton Pike to drop down to Eskdale Green and pass George the 4th Inn. Carrying on towards Birker Fell but turning right just after the Hound Dog pound and before the climb up Birker Fell to take to a narrow lane to reach the A595 at the bottom of Muncaster Fell and on to the Brown Cow at Waberthwaite to meet up with the rest of the group.
After a good lunch and drinks and a lively conversation they all made ready to go.
Maurice and Steve finished off their circuit back to their cars via Waberthwaite, Newbiggin and along the sea front.
Bacca took the easy ride home with Tracy.
Roy and Tom reversed their route as far as Eskdale and at the bottom of Irton Pike they turned left to take to the Irton Flatts to reach Holmrook and then through Drigg and back to Seascale and their cars.Angela and Steve drove back to Bootle and their home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 24th July Syke Farm Café. Buttermere by Roy Jackson
Starting from Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth on an overcast morning were Maurice, Tom, Ivan, Janet, Anita, Dianne and Roy. After the usual tea and coffee Maurice left first to do his own thing, due to his knee not being a 100%.
His route took into Cockermouth and onto the Greenway then over Strawberry How to turn left to reach and pass Wythop Mill to continue on to The Pheasant Inn and the A66. After the A66 and the Bassenthwaite Sailing Club he turned left at Ouse Bridge and then turned right at The Lakes Distillery to reach Cockermouth and then back to his car at the Brewers Fayre.
The rest of the group turned left up the A5086 then left again at Paddle School. Then taking the second turning right towards Rogerscale, then over the bridge at Lorton and crossing the B5289, the group turned right onto the Hopebeck road. Then turning left onto the B5289 again and after the climb up and over Langthwaite Green a pleasant ride alongside Crummock Water to Buttermere and lunch at Syke Farm Café.
The cafe was busy including some other cyclists so the group had lunch sitting outside. Just as lunch was finished it started to spit with rain so everyone moved inside for an ice cream.
After the rain had stopped the group headed back to Cockermouth. At the Hundith Hill cross roads Janet and Ivan turned left and the rest carried on to Brewers Fayre to return home on four wheels, with the exception of Dianne who rode home into Cockermouth by bike.
Sunday 21st July Mill Inn Mungrisdale.
Sue, John and Tom left Braithwaite to meet Dianne at Dubwath at ten o'clock.
Having gone half a mile Tom noticed Sue's hair blowing in the wind she had left her helmet at home, most unusual for Sue.
A quick trip back home and the trio continued along the old road through Thornthwaite to join the A66 to Dubwath to find Dianne waiting.
After a brief discussion they set of following the lake before crossing Ouse Bridge to the Castle Inn where they crossed the A591.
This was followed by the long climb to the Ireby junction, before the fast descent into Uldale that was followed by more climbing.
Once on the top and with a following wind it was now all downhill to Caldbeck where they decided to carry onto Mungrisdale.
On reaching Hesket Newmarket with the choice of three routes to Mungrisdale they left it to John to pick a route.
Leaving Hesket Newmarket now into the wind they headed for Millhouse where they turned right to follow the road that climbed steadily to Greystoke Forest.
Still into the wind they final arrived at the Mill Inn where they had a good roast dinner and watched part of the tour stage on the TV.
With rain forecast for the afternoon they decided to leave hoping to get home to watch the end of the tour.
Opting to use the gated route to the White House Inn where they joined the cycle path to Threlkeld, before crossing the A66 to Burns.
After climbing Burns Brow it was on through Keswick to follow the A66 back to Braithwaite, just as spots of rain we're felt.
With the tour still in progress, Tom and Dianne watched it to the end while Sue provided tea and biscuits.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 17th July Ennerdale
Eight members made their way to Anita's at Sandwith they were Tom, Roy, Ivan, Sue, Paul and Sue and the two John's.
All were made most welcome by Anita who had gone to the trouble of providing tea coffee and biscuits.
With rain in the air and a dark looking sky the group set of following John R who had prepared a route heading for St Bees. Having described the route before setting off this was going to be a hilly ride.
The first climb came just after Rottington this was followed by the steep descent into St Bees where the group had to wait at the railway crossing.
With John R setting the pace on the front it was along the coast road overlooking the sea in places, as they made their way to Braystones.
At Braystones Anita, Sue and Paul decided to take a flatter route to Ennerdale, while the rest continued on to Beckermet followed by the steady climb to Haile.
Although it was overcast it was quite warm, as road reared up on leaving Haile for almost two miles before reaching the road over Cold Fell.
A brief stop to regroup was followed by more climbing, reaching the summit after 752 ft of climbing, before the welcome descent into Ennerdale for lunch.
Not long after arriving Anita, Sue and Paul appeared having made their way from Braystones via Low Mill and Egremont.
During lunch the rain that had been forecast arrived early, meaning it could be a damp ride back Sandwith.
With no sign of the rain easing the group decided to make a move heading in the direction of Wath Brow, where the group split.
Anita, Sue and Paul made their way to join the cycle track into Whitehaven, while the rest turned left to Egremont.
With heavy rain falling John R led the group back to Anita's via St Bees and up that steep climb to Rottington, arriving in Sandwith rather wet.
All the effort was rewarded by Anita providing jam and cream scones, tea and coffee.
Sunday 14th July Club Run Great Orton.
On a sunny morning with a slight westerly wind eleven members made it to Allonby they were Dianne, Anita, Roy, Clive, Ivan, Sue and Paul, Tom, Sue and John and John R.
After unloading bikes it was straight across the road to the cafe for the usual beverage and natter.
The nine thirty start became more like ten o'clock before the group made a move with Dianne leading them out off Allonby to Edderside.
Edderside noted for its muck on the road was no different; just as well it was dry as they negotiated the farm buildings.
Just before Jericho they turned right to New Cowper to join the Aspatria to Silloth road as far as Aikshaw, where they turned right to Abbeytown.
A brief stop in Abbeytown someone noticed that in the afternoon they were serving cream teas in the Abbey, something to look forward to on their return.
Pressing on it was on through Lessonhall, Moorhouse and Woodhouses before arriving in Great Orton for lunch at the Wellington Inn.
Half the group had opted for a picnic lunch, while the rest enjoyed a good lunch, eventually all getting together for a drink in the pub garden.
On leaving Great Orton it was mostly all downhill to join the main road at Thurstonfield, still on the main road as far as Kirkbampton where they turned left to Little Bampton.
Following the narrow lanes that were a first for some, they eventually arrived in Little Bampton, here John sent them down the wrong lane.
Nothing to do with John's Garmin he just misread the instructions, a quick turnaround and they were back on track down a lane full of craters before reaching The Laythes.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 10th July Greystoke.
On a dry morning with very little wind eleven members made it to Greystoke they were
Sue, John, Sue, Paul, Janet, Ivan, Maggie, Stewart, Tom, John R and Clive.
John having downloaded a route on his Garmin that they were all happy to follow left the car park following Sustrans Sea to Sea route.
Just after Little Blencow they turned left to Skelton stopping for some to shed clothing as it got warmer.
Setting of again they crossed the B5305 along a long straight road where Janet could be seen disappearing down the road.
Having gone past a left turn Ivan had to chase after her, all back together again it was along undulating lanes towards Sowerby Row.
On one short steep climb that came unexpectedly, Ivan came off as the group bunched up taking the skin of his elbow that needed attention.
Not long after Sue had to stop having got her chain jammed on another short climb that took some time fixing.
After those two mishaps the group continued onto Raughton Head this was followed by a fast descent into Stockdalewath.
Leaving Stockdalewath after crossing Roe Beck the road climbed steeply before levelling out to join the Durdar to Unthank road.
Turning right at the junction they continued on to Hutton End with dark clouds gathering in the distance.
On reaching Hutton End they turned left to Calthwaite and onto the Pot Place for lunch sitting out in the sun having escaped any rain showers.
With the sun getting warmer no one was in any hurry to move except Sue and Paul who decided to take it easy back to Greystoke.
Eventually after a long chat the remainder started to make a move, with Sue on the front they followed the motorway to Catterlen splitting on the climb.
Turning right at the top it was on through Laithes, Blencow back to Greystoke, where Tom produced a box of ginger biscuits to share with everyone, made by his daughter Sarah.
Sunday 7th July Parkside Hotel Cleator.
With members making their own way there, Dianne, Janet, Ivan, Clive and Roy met at the Brewers Fayre with Roy having done a route.
Leaving the Brewers Fayre on a sunny morning they headed up the A5086 to Paddle School where they turned right to Eaglesfield and onto Greysouthen.
After the descent into Greysouthen they turned left to Dean encountering two short steep climbs before reaching Dean.
From Dean it was onto Ullock turning left after crossing the River Marron to negotiate the climb to Dean Cross where they turned left to Asby.
After the welcome descent, this was followed by more climbing before reaching Rowrah and the cycle track to the Parkside for lunch.
Sue and John left Braithwaite heading over Whinlatter into Lorton to follow the road through Thackthwaite to Loweswater.
With very little wind and the sun getting warmer they started the climb up Fangs Brow before starting the steady descent to Lamplugh to join the A5086 to Rowrah.
On reaching Rowrah it was onto the cycle track for the final three miles to the lunch stop to find Maurice, Shirley, Steve, Dave and the Roy group.
After a good lunch Maurice and Shirley left first, while the rest discussed an alternative route back to Rowrah.
Finally having sorted out a route, the group made their way towards Wath Brow saying goodbye to Steve and Dave (good to see Steve out on his bike).
Just before Wath Brow they turned left down a hill onto an undulating road that followed the River Ehen in the valley below, exiting by Kirkland School.
At this point Dianne, Roy and Clive took a more direct route back to the Brewers Fayre, while Sue, Janet, Ivan and John carried on to Kirkland to follow Sustrans route to Lorton.
From Lorton they carried onto Hundith crossroads where Sue and John turned right to Embleton and home, leaving Janet and Ivan to carry onto Cockermouth.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 3rd July Craggs Bothel.
Can I even remember what we did last week? I remember the day was dry and really sunny by lunchtime. We met at Brewer’s Fayre, Cockermouth, and even John Moyes came for coffee. There were 12 riders in all though Dave Swift only just arrived as we were ready to go having parked his car in Ullock. The rest were Maurice, Janet, Ivan, Roy, John R, Stewart, Bacca ( a rare Wednesday rider), Tom, Anita, Clive and me, Dianne. We followed a different route to Bothel going via Low Brigham, Great Broughton, Little Broughton, then Dearham. After Dearham we were really on the quiet roads to Gilcrux, Parsonby, Threapland and Bothel. We lost Dave briefly in Bothel but he soon turned up and we all made our way over the Carlisle Road to The Craggs Cafe where we were soon joined by Sue and Paul and John and Sue making 16 in total. Sue and Paul had come out via Wythop Mill, the Pheasant Inn and then up the long drag from the Castle Inn.
Sue and John left Braithwaite heading for Keswick where John had a brief appointment at the ear clinic supposedly to make him ear better (Sue doesn't think so).Leaving Keswick they took the high road through Applethwaite finding it much hillier than they remembered, to eventually join the A591.
Leaving the A591 away from the traffic they made their way to Scarness and across the A591 into Bassenthwaite to join the A591 again to the Castle Inn.Turning left at the Castle Inn they made their way passed the Lakes Distillery to Isel Bridge where they turned right towards Sunderland.
After the drag up through Sunderland it was on to join the A591 again to the Craggs for lunch.
Quite a few people sat outside as it was such a lovely day. The group broke up after lunch, actually before lunch as Maurice went straight back to Cockermouth. Bacca was next to leave, then Stewart, Sue and Paul and finally Dave decided to go straight back via the Castle Inn. And then there were 10. It was much too nice a day to go home so we dropped down the hill towards Keswick then took the first left signed to Whitrigg, Torpenhow and Ireby. We steadily climbed a lovely quiet road with verges full of wildflowers, including common spotted orchids, and lots of dark brown ringlet butterflies then dropped down into Ireby. From there we went to Uldale where Janet, Ivan and Clive left us to take the straight route to the Castle Inn and home. The rest of us went to Mae’s Cafe for coffees, teas and cake. We sat outside enjoying the lovely afternoon and having the usual banter. After that it was Overwater, Orthwaite, Park Wood, Bassenthwaite, Castle Inn, Embleton and back to Cockermouth, while Sue and John made their way home via the A66.