Autumn Tints Wednesday 28th March by Steve Lunt
+ 5oc was forecast for this day didn't seem too bad for us “now acclimatised” winter riders, and so sat around the now usual viewing table in the Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth were Maurice (with 2 dogs to walk at Maryport), Roy, John R, Sue and John M, Tom, Dianne, Maggie and Stewart, Stewart awaiting medical treatment on his hip joint and Maggie not riding today. As we emerged from the building and prepared to set off on our bikes it started raining – cold rain!!
The route in this now drab climate took us into the outskirts of Cockermouth but avoiding the town centre, we took a shortcut down Brigham Road and through the new Parkside Housing Estate to emerge on the main road at the Lakes Home Centre and then along to the A66 Roundabout at the Water Treament Works. There is a superb walking/cycleway from this junction along the “old A66” road up to Brigham and then on to Chapel Brow Roundabout. We stayed on the A66 to the outskirts of Stainburn/Workington and from the brow of this hill above town down into Curwen Park. The weather was now sunny and getting warmer as the group pressed on along the River Derwent cycle path and over the main road now pointing north past North Side housing estate and at the Camerton/Maryport junction we took the the usual left down passing the Siddick Wetlands and a chemical plant undergoing demolition – now almost down. The usual route, now onto the Maryport approaches and then the harbour side and the Aquarium Cafe.
When we left the Aquarium and harbour John R mused that they were never disappointed at the cafe and the prices were reasonable also.
The decision was taken to go through town to ride up through Dearham. This requres a 2 mile uphill drag (with no flat spots to recover) but the gradient isn't too bad – middle chain ring possible. At a 4-way crossing we went right passing through a quaint back water hamlet “Harker Marsh”. Uphill to a view point above Broughton Moor and then a real downhill swoop to Great Broughton village, and over the arched bridge over the River Derwent and into Brigham. Here we elected to take the old road past the house that was once The Wheatsheaf Inn. At a “Y” junction a short way on we took the right up a uphill pull into High Brigham. From here the minor road eastwards points straight to Cockermouth town (Brigham Road entrance) and thence upto Parkside Avenue – Di's place where ginger cake and coffee were gratefully received. After recovering – last half mile to Brewers Fayre car park and our cars.
Great but varied day out. (26miles)
Sunday 25th March Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater by Steve Lunt
There were two separate rides to the Kirkstile Inn – the “northern group” from Cockermouth and Braithwaite viz Roy, John and Sue M and Dianne, and the “south-western group” viz Steve L, Tom B, and John R.
Dianne met up with the Braithwaite trio at Embleton to join them on the ride to the Kirkstile Inn.
It was then back over Slate Fell for Dianne into Cockermouth to join the Lorton Road after negotiating the Greenway.
Steve L, Tom B and John R drove to Brewers Fayre and parked up and around 10:30am set off on bikes into Cockermouth and onto the Greenway, usual route starting at the Fire Station and very soon after passing under the Lorton Road bridge the trio rode up to the Lorton Road to ride directly out of town and down the Lorton Valley. In Lorton Village one has a choice of roads on either side of the River Cocker; in this direction we chose the most direct but busier route towards Low Lorton arriving at the Kirkstile Inn half an hour too soon. Fastened up our bikes across the road from what appeared to be a small village church: appearances are often deceptive for when we opened the front door to see what lay within – the “tardis” effect revealed a larger than expected, a well kept church interior which teamed up with Lorton and Buttermere churches.
We all tucked into great food. No Maurice today, he was away on other business – just seven members noted above.
Leaving we all elected to ride together taking the Thackthwaite route for a bit of peace and quiet and onto the road through Low Lorton to arrive at the Hundith Hill crossroads.
Sue, John and Roy continued on into Cockermouth to pick up the Greenway and follow their wheel tracks back to Braithwaite.
Dianne wanting a few more miles and more time out in the lovely bright day and joined the Steve L, Tom B and John R to take the turn that leads to Southwaite Mill, Brandlingill and Aikbank Mill and then crossing the A5086 into Eaglesfield and looping round at this point through the village and back to the Paddle School junction where a left turn up the A5086 (busy traffic) soon took us to the end of our trip at Brewers Fayre. Only 211/2 miles but “lumpy” and certainly worth being out on a day like this – lovely.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 21st March
On a much better morning eight members met at Roy's they were Maurice, Dianne, Janet, Tom , Steve, Sue and the two John's.
After tea coffee and biscuits provided by Roy the group made a move to set off in the direction of Keswick.
Maurice with the dogs on board set off to Threlkeld to walk the dogs, to meet up later with the group for lunch.
Leaving Braithwaite the group joined the cycle path along the A66 into Keswick with Dianne and Sue on the front.
On the climb out of Keswick the group split with those on e-bikes setting the pace only to regroup at High Briery.
Setting off again it was on towards Burns turning right before Burns to Shundraw to join the St John's in the Vale road.
With the sun making a brief appearance now and then, the group made their way to Thirlmere to cross the A591 to the Dam lightly covered in ice.
With time in hand it was decided to cycle down the west side of the lake, but this was not to be because of fallen trees caused by the Beast from the East.
After viewing the devastation it was back over the Dam to Threlkeld to meet up with Maurice for lunch in the Horse and Farrier.
Lunch and chat over it was time to say goodbye to Maurice and the dogs, leaving the group to head back to Braithwaite as spots of rain began to fall.
Luckily the rain didn't materialise as the group crossed the A66 to climb Burns Brow, stopping at High Briery to regroup.
Moving of again Janet caught her handlebars on a fence post causing her to hit the deck,
after giving her time to recover the group moved on.
It was then on through Keswick to join the A66 back to Roy's to parked cars.
Sunday 18th March Mawsons Cafe, Seascale by Maurice Cowley
It is to be hoped we get a descent summer because the winter has been very long and cold. The Solway has never known so many outings taken by car because the poor weather. This Sunday was no exception.
Meeting at the Mawsons Cafe today were Bacca and Tracy, Maurice and Steve H, Steve L and Tom B. Only 2 members were brave enough to ride. They were Bacca and Tracy Moore and they elected to only ride from Gosforth to Seascale and back because of the weather. The food was good and the chat was lengthy. The group was joined by Maurice's sister Linda and her husband Ian who joined in the chat.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 14th March by Dianne Moyes
On an overcast and blustery day six of us set off from Seascale after meeting at the Cafe by the car park. John R, Steve, Tom, Roy, Maggie and me, Dianne, were keen to look at the new cycleway which runs parallel with the B5344 to Gosforth. It starts at the edge of Seascale and runs mainly behind the hedge but not always on the northern side of the road. It is a good width too. From Gosforth we took the road past the church then over the River Bleng, a tributary of the Irt which flows out of Wast Water and up the very steep hill where some had to dismount. It was then on, keeping left on the narrow road which follows the foot of the fells. As the valley narrowed the head wind got stronger and more blustery, pushing even me on my heavy bike across the road. We all regrouped at the road junction by the lake and decided the wind was too strong to go to Wasdale Head. It was a pleasure to turn right and have the wind on our backs as we made our way to Nether Wasdale and The Strands Pub. After a good lunch and natter we headed back to Santon Bridge then along a lovely road I am not sure I have been on before past Irton Hall to Holmrook. After a very short stretch on the A595 we turned left into Drigg and back to Seascale for exactly three o’clock. The easterly wind direction was unusual but it meant our return ride was much easier.
Sunday 11th March Club Run Allonby Cafe by Steve Lunt
Lovely day (at last) sunny, breezy from the north east.
Meeting up at the “Solway Table” at the Cockermouth Brewers Fayre looking out over the car park with a watch over the weather were: John R, Roy, Tom B, Steve L, and Ivan Morris.
Five men only today and some time later than 9:30am we set off along the A66 westwards towards Brigham where we left the main road to take to the quieter road over the River Derwent – lovely arched bridge – then a short sharp uphill to a “T” junction then passing the Broughton Craggs Hotel. This quiet road led us to a busy crossing near Dovenby and straight over to pass Bridekirk School, to bypass Bridekirk itself, and to ride directly to Tallentire Village and then through Gilcrux and Parsonby and then to Arkelby and then a downhill relief to Arkleby Mill to climb up to Aspatria. Then we rode along the A5301 to West Newton then turning sharp westwards to the coast and Allonby. A challenging ride into a constant breeze.
At the teashop, already finished his meal, was Maurice who had been out on his bike only for only the 2nd time this year, due to the cold weather. He had ridden from Allonby through the lanes via Tarns, Skinberness and back through Silloth and to the lanes leading through Wolsty, Mawbray and Salta to end his 25 mile ride by returning to Allonby.
While seated at dinner in the teashop we were joined by Paul and Sue C who had ridden in from their home at Eaglesfield. It was good to meet up again after their absence of a few weeks.
We left them in peace with their lunch and the five of us set off southwards along the coastal route and cycle path the usual way to Maryport Promenade. Onwards onto the cycleway through Flimby to the bridge opposite Iggesund Mills passing the wetlands to the cycleway “Y” junction to turn left through Seaton and onto Camerton, then downhill to the Broughton Road and through Great Broughton. Then to cross the A66 to reach Brigham and the old road, now greatly refurbished and most suitable for cyclists. The quiet route terminates at the Cockermouth Sewage Works roundabout and the most direct way for our way back to Brewers Fayre and to avoid the town centre was to cycle in line up the A66 trunk road to the A66/Egremont/Cockermouth Roundabout back to the cars at Brewers Fayre and the end of the ride. Lovely ride today-breezy-but well worth it to be out. (Distance 40 miles)
Sunday 4th March Wheatsheaf Lorton. By Roy Jackson
On an overcast day with a very cold wind blowing, Sue and John M stayed at home suffering from flue.
Roy, Maurice and Steve H travelled to the Wheatsheaf at Lorton by car, Bacca and Tracy feeling much braver arrived by bike, having parked at Hundith Hill crossroads they cycled via Rodgescales to Lorton.
A little later they were joined by Sue and Paul who also arrived on four wheels.
After lunch Bacca and Tracy cycled back to Hundith Hill by the direct route while the rest made their way home the way they arrived.
+ 5oc was forecast for this day didn't seem too bad for us “now acclimatised” winter riders, and so sat around the now usual viewing table in the Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth were Maurice (with 2 dogs to walk at Maryport), Roy, John R, Sue and John M, Tom, Dianne, Maggie and Stewart, Stewart awaiting medical treatment on his hip joint and Maggie not riding today. As we emerged from the building and prepared to set off on our bikes it started raining – cold rain!!
The route in this now drab climate took us into the outskirts of Cockermouth but avoiding the town centre, we took a shortcut down Brigham Road and through the new Parkside Housing Estate to emerge on the main road at the Lakes Home Centre and then along to the A66 Roundabout at the Water Treament Works. There is a superb walking/cycleway from this junction along the “old A66” road up to Brigham and then on to Chapel Brow Roundabout. We stayed on the A66 to the outskirts of Stainburn/Workington and from the brow of this hill above town down into Curwen Park. The weather was now sunny and getting warmer as the group pressed on along the River Derwent cycle path and over the main road now pointing north past North Side housing estate and at the Camerton/Maryport junction we took the the usual left down passing the Siddick Wetlands and a chemical plant undergoing demolition – now almost down. The usual route, now onto the Maryport approaches and then the harbour side and the Aquarium Cafe.
When we left the Aquarium and harbour John R mused that they were never disappointed at the cafe and the prices were reasonable also.
The decision was taken to go through town to ride up through Dearham. This requres a 2 mile uphill drag (with no flat spots to recover) but the gradient isn't too bad – middle chain ring possible. At a 4-way crossing we went right passing through a quaint back water hamlet “Harker Marsh”. Uphill to a view point above Broughton Moor and then a real downhill swoop to Great Broughton village, and over the arched bridge over the River Derwent and into Brigham. Here we elected to take the old road past the house that was once The Wheatsheaf Inn. At a “Y” junction a short way on we took the right up a uphill pull into High Brigham. From here the minor road eastwards points straight to Cockermouth town (Brigham Road entrance) and thence upto Parkside Avenue – Di's place where ginger cake and coffee were gratefully received. After recovering – last half mile to Brewers Fayre car park and our cars.
Great but varied day out. (26miles)
Sunday 25th March Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater by Steve Lunt
There were two separate rides to the Kirkstile Inn – the “northern group” from Cockermouth and Braithwaite viz Roy, John and Sue M and Dianne, and the “south-western group” viz Steve L, Tom B, and John R.
Dianne met up with the Braithwaite trio at Embleton to join them on the ride to the Kirkstile Inn.
It was then back over Slate Fell for Dianne into Cockermouth to join the Lorton Road after negotiating the Greenway.
Steve L, Tom B and John R drove to Brewers Fayre and parked up and around 10:30am set off on bikes into Cockermouth and onto the Greenway, usual route starting at the Fire Station and very soon after passing under the Lorton Road bridge the trio rode up to the Lorton Road to ride directly out of town and down the Lorton Valley. In Lorton Village one has a choice of roads on either side of the River Cocker; in this direction we chose the most direct but busier route towards Low Lorton arriving at the Kirkstile Inn half an hour too soon. Fastened up our bikes across the road from what appeared to be a small village church: appearances are often deceptive for when we opened the front door to see what lay within – the “tardis” effect revealed a larger than expected, a well kept church interior which teamed up with Lorton and Buttermere churches.
We all tucked into great food. No Maurice today, he was away on other business – just seven members noted above.
Leaving we all elected to ride together taking the Thackthwaite route for a bit of peace and quiet and onto the road through Low Lorton to arrive at the Hundith Hill crossroads.
Sue, John and Roy continued on into Cockermouth to pick up the Greenway and follow their wheel tracks back to Braithwaite.
Dianne wanting a few more miles and more time out in the lovely bright day and joined the Steve L, Tom B and John R to take the turn that leads to Southwaite Mill, Brandlingill and Aikbank Mill and then crossing the A5086 into Eaglesfield and looping round at this point through the village and back to the Paddle School junction where a left turn up the A5086 (busy traffic) soon took us to the end of our trip at Brewers Fayre. Only 211/2 miles but “lumpy” and certainly worth being out on a day like this – lovely.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 21st March
On a much better morning eight members met at Roy's they were Maurice, Dianne, Janet, Tom , Steve, Sue and the two John's.
After tea coffee and biscuits provided by Roy the group made a move to set off in the direction of Keswick.
Maurice with the dogs on board set off to Threlkeld to walk the dogs, to meet up later with the group for lunch.
Leaving Braithwaite the group joined the cycle path along the A66 into Keswick with Dianne and Sue on the front.
On the climb out of Keswick the group split with those on e-bikes setting the pace only to regroup at High Briery.
Setting off again it was on towards Burns turning right before Burns to Shundraw to join the St John's in the Vale road.
With the sun making a brief appearance now and then, the group made their way to Thirlmere to cross the A591 to the Dam lightly covered in ice.
With time in hand it was decided to cycle down the west side of the lake, but this was not to be because of fallen trees caused by the Beast from the East.
After viewing the devastation it was back over the Dam to Threlkeld to meet up with Maurice for lunch in the Horse and Farrier.
Lunch and chat over it was time to say goodbye to Maurice and the dogs, leaving the group to head back to Braithwaite as spots of rain began to fall.
Luckily the rain didn't materialise as the group crossed the A66 to climb Burns Brow, stopping at High Briery to regroup.
Moving of again Janet caught her handlebars on a fence post causing her to hit the deck,
after giving her time to recover the group moved on.
It was then on through Keswick to join the A66 back to Roy's to parked cars.
Sunday 18th March Mawsons Cafe, Seascale by Maurice Cowley
It is to be hoped we get a descent summer because the winter has been very long and cold. The Solway has never known so many outings taken by car because the poor weather. This Sunday was no exception.
Meeting at the Mawsons Cafe today were Bacca and Tracy, Maurice and Steve H, Steve L and Tom B. Only 2 members were brave enough to ride. They were Bacca and Tracy Moore and they elected to only ride from Gosforth to Seascale and back because of the weather. The food was good and the chat was lengthy. The group was joined by Maurice's sister Linda and her husband Ian who joined in the chat.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 14th March by Dianne Moyes
On an overcast and blustery day six of us set off from Seascale after meeting at the Cafe by the car park. John R, Steve, Tom, Roy, Maggie and me, Dianne, were keen to look at the new cycleway which runs parallel with the B5344 to Gosforth. It starts at the edge of Seascale and runs mainly behind the hedge but not always on the northern side of the road. It is a good width too. From Gosforth we took the road past the church then over the River Bleng, a tributary of the Irt which flows out of Wast Water and up the very steep hill where some had to dismount. It was then on, keeping left on the narrow road which follows the foot of the fells. As the valley narrowed the head wind got stronger and more blustery, pushing even me on my heavy bike across the road. We all regrouped at the road junction by the lake and decided the wind was too strong to go to Wasdale Head. It was a pleasure to turn right and have the wind on our backs as we made our way to Nether Wasdale and The Strands Pub. After a good lunch and natter we headed back to Santon Bridge then along a lovely road I am not sure I have been on before past Irton Hall to Holmrook. After a very short stretch on the A595 we turned left into Drigg and back to Seascale for exactly three o’clock. The easterly wind direction was unusual but it meant our return ride was much easier.
Sunday 11th March Club Run Allonby Cafe by Steve Lunt
Lovely day (at last) sunny, breezy from the north east.
Meeting up at the “Solway Table” at the Cockermouth Brewers Fayre looking out over the car park with a watch over the weather were: John R, Roy, Tom B, Steve L, and Ivan Morris.
Five men only today and some time later than 9:30am we set off along the A66 westwards towards Brigham where we left the main road to take to the quieter road over the River Derwent – lovely arched bridge – then a short sharp uphill to a “T” junction then passing the Broughton Craggs Hotel. This quiet road led us to a busy crossing near Dovenby and straight over to pass Bridekirk School, to bypass Bridekirk itself, and to ride directly to Tallentire Village and then through Gilcrux and Parsonby and then to Arkelby and then a downhill relief to Arkleby Mill to climb up to Aspatria. Then we rode along the A5301 to West Newton then turning sharp westwards to the coast and Allonby. A challenging ride into a constant breeze.
At the teashop, already finished his meal, was Maurice who had been out on his bike only for only the 2nd time this year, due to the cold weather. He had ridden from Allonby through the lanes via Tarns, Skinberness and back through Silloth and to the lanes leading through Wolsty, Mawbray and Salta to end his 25 mile ride by returning to Allonby.
While seated at dinner in the teashop we were joined by Paul and Sue C who had ridden in from their home at Eaglesfield. It was good to meet up again after their absence of a few weeks.
We left them in peace with their lunch and the five of us set off southwards along the coastal route and cycle path the usual way to Maryport Promenade. Onwards onto the cycleway through Flimby to the bridge opposite Iggesund Mills passing the wetlands to the cycleway “Y” junction to turn left through Seaton and onto Camerton, then downhill to the Broughton Road and through Great Broughton. Then to cross the A66 to reach Brigham and the old road, now greatly refurbished and most suitable for cyclists. The quiet route terminates at the Cockermouth Sewage Works roundabout and the most direct way for our way back to Brewers Fayre and to avoid the town centre was to cycle in line up the A66 trunk road to the A66/Egremont/Cockermouth Roundabout back to the cars at Brewers Fayre and the end of the ride. Lovely ride today-breezy-but well worth it to be out. (Distance 40 miles)
Sunday 4th March Wheatsheaf Lorton. By Roy Jackson
On an overcast day with a very cold wind blowing, Sue and John M stayed at home suffering from flue.
Roy, Maurice and Steve H travelled to the Wheatsheaf at Lorton by car, Bacca and Tracy feeling much braver arrived by bike, having parked at Hundith Hill crossroads they cycled via Rodgescales to Lorton.
A little later they were joined by Sue and Paul who also arrived on four wheels.
After lunch Bacca and Tracy cycled back to Hundith Hill by the direct route while the rest made their way home the way they arrived.