Sunday 28th April Mawsons Cafe Seascale.
Eight members made their way to Anita's at Sandwith all by car with the exception of Tom who cycled up from Whitehaven.
With tea, coffee and a selection of energy bars etc, Sue, John, Janet, Ivan, Maggie, Stewart, Dianne and Tom sat round the table munching and chatting, while Anita topped up the drinks.
Eventually the group made a move with Anita and Sue on the front talking nonstop till they hit the first climb out of Rottington, followed by the steep descent into St Bees.
From St Bees and with a following wind it was along the narrow road overlooking the sea to Nethertown and Braystones. After crossing the River Ehen they made their way through Beckermet to join the main road just before Calder Bridge. Still following the main road the group split on the steady incline out of Calder Bridge as they made their way towards Gosforth. Just before the Red Admiral pub they turned left of the main road, again more climbing that was followed by a steep descent into Wellington.
As they approached Gosforth they encountered runners heading into Gosforth to complete their run. Leaving the runners behind they crossed the busy A595 to join the new cycle way into Seascale to meet up with Maurice and Dave in the café.
Dave had ridden from Whitehaven using the A595 trunk road to Gosforth where he turnd right onto the new cycle path to Seacale and Mawsons Cafe for lunch with the rest of the riders.
Maurice “I want to be alone” had left home at Thornhill and using the cycle track and back lane rode through Beckermet to reach the A595 just prior to Calderbridge, and after the climb up through New Mill turned left just before The Red Admiral Inn and then rode up passing through Low and High Boonwood. A turn right took him down Wellington (a very steep hill) passing Wind Hall Farm. After this hill a left turn over the River Bleng and then up another steep hill and then a long downhill passing by Bolton Wood and the junction to Nether Wasdale to climb up to below Buckbarrow Fell and then drop down to Greendale Village and onto Wastwater Lake. A right turn took him alongside the lake to a narrow road to pass by Wasdale YHA hostel and then onto Nether Wasdale for welcome refreshments at the Campsite Cafe. Leaving the cafe Maurice returned to the road which took him him up and over to Santon Bridge and Santon and onto Gosforth. After crossing the A595 Maurice then rode to Seacale using the new Seascale/Gosforth cycle path to his sister’s house for a chat and a coffee after which he arrived at Mawson's Cafe to meet up with the rest of the club and lunch.
After lunch Maurice was the first to leave the cafe and used the the cinder track to Sellafield which now was getting in need of some work, and then it was round Sellafield and on to Beckermet using the cycle track, after which it was up Chestnut Hill and onto the cycle track along the A595 to Thornhill and home.
Dave alos did not ride with the group but made his way into Gosforth and met a exphotographer and sat for an hour discussing photography and camera's before using the A595 once more to return home in Whitehaven.
The rest of the group after lunch rode along the cinder track to Sellafield covered in deep patches of sand in places, before emerging at the other end to regroup. From there it was onto the cycle way to Beckermet where Anita took the group via Low Mill along a quiet road into St Bees. Back in St Bees it was up that steep climb to Rottington where some walked while others with assistance had no trouble. Over the top and a steady climb back to Anita's where she had laid on tea, coffee and scones to end a perfect day.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 24th April Buttermere.
Starting from the usual watering hole the Brewers Fayre were Maggie, Stewart, Dianne, Tom, Sue, John, Janet, Roy, and John R.
Maurice arrived for the chat, unable to ride his bike, due to damaging his knee doing the Coach Road with Roy, just for two points.
Maurice left to make his way back home, while the group having decided on a route made their way out of the car park with Roy on the front.
With Roy setting an unusually fast pace they headed to Paddle School, where they turned left into a cool breeze to Lorton.
After a brief stop on the bridge at Lorton, they continued on down the valley, this was followed by the climb to Lanthwaite where they regrouped on the cattle grid.
It was now mostly downhill to Crummock Water, stopping at Rannerdale to view the bluebells in the distance.
Maggie and Stewart decided they would take a closer look leaving the rest to carry onto Buttermere, for them to join them later.
Although not sunny the group decided to eat outside, where they were joined by Maggie and Stewart, Dave Swift arriving just as the group were about to leave.
A brief talk to Dave before leaving following wheel tracks back to Lorton where Maggie and Stewart carried onto to Beck Wythop.
The rest continued following wheel tracks to Sandy Beck Bridge where they turned left to Brandlingill and back to parked cars at the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 21st April Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth by Roy Jackson
On a warm sunny morning, Maurice and Tom parked at Roy's, in Braithwaite, then rode round to Sue and John's, soon followed by Dianne who had ridden over Whinlatter on her E-Bike.
The group left at 11am, later than usual because of the Bank Holiday and Brewers Fayre could not fit them in for lunch until 2pm.
With Roy in the lead they rode through Keswick to Crosthwaite roundabout, then along the A591 as far as Mirehouse turning left to go through Mirehouse grounds to St. Begas Church, with a short stop to visit the church to see the collection of bibles written in many foreign languages. Leaving the church the group rode via Scarness, crossing the A591 to go to Bassenthwaite Village, then to Castle Inn, turning right to get to Ouse Bridge after which another right to the Distillery then along Isle Road passing Prospect House and into Cockermouth to Brewers Fayre.
After a good lunch Dianne rode straight home and the rest of the group took the Green Way out to the Strawberry How road and Embleton and then back to Braithwaite. A very warm but pleasant day. (31miles)
Autumn Tints Wednesday 17th April Royal Yew Dean.
On a cool dry morning fourteen members made their way to the Brewers Fayre for the usual coffee and chat.
With a table booked for 12 o'clock at the Royal Yew, Maurice proposed a route that would get the group there on time, seeing that members enjoyed chatting.
Leaving the Brewers Fayre Dianne led the group across the A66 into Cockermouth where they negotiated the back streets to join the Low road pass The Laureats
Crossing the A66 again it was onto Low Brigham followed by the climb up Chapel Brow to follow the cycle way to Lillyhall.
With the sun having burned off any early cloud some members decided to remove some clothing as the temperature increased.
From Lillyhall it was onto Branthwaite on stretches off newly resurfaced tarmac before hitting the rough surface down the hill by the Wild Duck.
Arriving at the pub just before twelve, turned out Maurice's route had been the right choice.
Joining the group for lunch was Ivan having driven out due to problems with his e-bike.
With the choice from the menu off two for the price of one made for a cheap lunch compared to some prices recently.
Lunch and chat over Dianne on that e-bike was keen to take the group over any hill she could find although the group were keen to follow.
Leaving Dean with the exception off Maggie and Stewart who had to be back at Through Bridge, made their way to Ullock.
After crossing the A5086 the struggle began seeing the group splinter on the climb through Mockerkin to regroup on the top of Fangs Brow.
With the temperature registering 21 degrees on John's Garmin they made their way past Loweswater to follow the sea to sea route to Lorton.
It was then onto Rodgerscale, turning left at Sandy Beck up Mirk Lane to Brandlingill, where they turned right heading to Paddle School and back to the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 14th April Wheatsheaf Inn Abbeytown by Dianne Moyes
A large group assembled at the Allonby cafe, Sue, John, Janet, Ivan, Maurice, Tom, Roy, John R, Dianne, Anita and 2 locals, Clive and Brian. Sue and Paul also arrived to have a chat before we set off. A section of coast road just north of Dubmill Point is currently closed to traffic because of storm damage , this means only locals are using the lanes around the point. Most of the traffic is being warned off further south. As Dianne was so keen to ride on the coast road because of the reduced traffic, we set off north via Salta and Mawbray to get onto the coast road. The road through Beckfoot was lovely apart from a fierce cold north easterly wind, on reflection we should have done the route in reverse leaving the coast road till last with the wind on our backs. We turned off through Wolsty taking the road with the grass in the middle and passing people who were heavily laden and probably doing the Hadrian’s Route. Clive took us a novel way through Silloth avoiding the cobbles and then through the Holiday Village to get us on the Skinburness Road. We crossed the marsh into the headwind so got a bit strung out, then it was a short stretch of main road until we turned off into the lanes near Seaville before reaching the Wheatsheaf at Abbeytown.
There was some criticism of the size and price of the smaller portion of the Sunday Roast, this didn’t bother Tom of course who always goes for the large portions. Anyway we were adequately fed and watered and looking forward to having the wind on our backs in the afternoon. Maurice and Tom had left earlier saying they had to get back to the Allonby cafe to pick up an order of scones! Or did Maurice really just want to be alone. We went back towards Silloth and took the first on the left through Highlaws to Tarns. Brian left us to go home to Newtown and then we turned up a little road I have never been on before to Goodyhills where Clive lives. After that we continued to Jericho, Edderside and back to Allonby.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 10th April Threlkeld.
With the dry weather continuing thirteen members made their way to Roy's for tea coffee and biscuits.
On leaving Stewart was seen looking out of an upstairs window, unknown to Roy he had locked him in the house, much to the laughter of those watching.
Eventually the group set off along the A66 into a cold easterly wind to Keswick, this was followed by the climb to High Briary to join the old road.
Just before Burns the group turned right to Shundraw to join the Vale of St John's road to Thirlmere.
Just out of curiosity they took the road to the dam to find it still closed off completely
Having taken in the views, the group made their way back down the Vale to Threlkeld for lunch at the community cafe to find Maurice and Steve.
Steve still not able to ride his bike accompanied Maurice who had the dogs to walk choosing the Keswick to Threlkeld railway track.
Lunch and chat over the group set off for Burns Brow where the group split on the climb, only to regroup at the top.
With the wind now on their backs it was onto Keswick and an extended loop to Little Town, on reaching Portinscale foot bridge four off the group were missing.
After a long wait Ivan arrived to say Maggie's rear wheel had failed but she was ok, but Stewart was having to go for the van and collect her.
All back together again with the exception of Maggie and Stewart they made their way to Little Town climbing most off the way for a welcome ice cream for some.
In the shelter off the farm buildings and the sun, made a perfect stopping point, along with the view down the valley towards Skiddaw.
Finally the group made a move heading for the Newlands road and the fast descent back to Braithwaite and parked vehicles.
(The group Maurice and Steve walking. Clive, Dianne, Maggie, Sue, Janet, Stewart, Ivan, Tom, Roy, Sam, and the two John's).
Sunday 7th April Post House Deanscales.
Sixteen members made it to the Post House for lunch on a dry overcast morning with the sun making a brief appearance in the afternoon.
Maggie and Stewart left Trough Bridge heading for Lorton where they bumped into Dianne who was waiting for the Braithwaite group.
After a brief conversation they made their way to Hope Beck before joining the valley road again to Loweswater.
Leaving the lake behind they took the track to Mosser collecting tour points in the process before arriving at the Post House.
Tom and Ivan drove to the Murphy's to join them on the ride over Whinlatter, to meet up with Dianne in Lorton who had made her way there from home.
With them all on e-bikes they decided on the hilliest route going via Thackthwaite then over Fangs to Mockerkin.
From Mockerkin they threaded their way through the lanes via Ullock and Dean before arriving at the Post House.
Roy having a commitment in the afternoon parked his car at the pub and did his own thing during a circuit round the lanes back to the pub.
Dave also on his own cycled from Whitehaven following the A----- to the Post House.
Joining the two wheelers for lunch were John Moyes, Anita, Steve, Tracy, Brian, Sue and Paul.
After lunch members began to leave the way they had arrived Maggie and Stewart headed for home via Brandlingill to collect another tour point.
The e-bike group made their way to Paddle School where they said goodbye to Dianne leaving them to carry on to Southwaite Mill.
After crossing the river one could see the reason for the road closed signs, a new water pipe was waiting to be laid underground.
The four pressed on through Embleton and Dubwath to join the A66 back to Braithwaite.
Eight members made their way to Anita's at Sandwith all by car with the exception of Tom who cycled up from Whitehaven.
With tea, coffee and a selection of energy bars etc, Sue, John, Janet, Ivan, Maggie, Stewart, Dianne and Tom sat round the table munching and chatting, while Anita topped up the drinks.
Eventually the group made a move with Anita and Sue on the front talking nonstop till they hit the first climb out of Rottington, followed by the steep descent into St Bees.
From St Bees and with a following wind it was along the narrow road overlooking the sea to Nethertown and Braystones. After crossing the River Ehen they made their way through Beckermet to join the main road just before Calder Bridge. Still following the main road the group split on the steady incline out of Calder Bridge as they made their way towards Gosforth. Just before the Red Admiral pub they turned left of the main road, again more climbing that was followed by a steep descent into Wellington.
As they approached Gosforth they encountered runners heading into Gosforth to complete their run. Leaving the runners behind they crossed the busy A595 to join the new cycle way into Seascale to meet up with Maurice and Dave in the café.
Dave had ridden from Whitehaven using the A595 trunk road to Gosforth where he turnd right onto the new cycle path to Seacale and Mawsons Cafe for lunch with the rest of the riders.
Maurice “I want to be alone” had left home at Thornhill and using the cycle track and back lane rode through Beckermet to reach the A595 just prior to Calderbridge, and after the climb up through New Mill turned left just before The Red Admiral Inn and then rode up passing through Low and High Boonwood. A turn right took him down Wellington (a very steep hill) passing Wind Hall Farm. After this hill a left turn over the River Bleng and then up another steep hill and then a long downhill passing by Bolton Wood and the junction to Nether Wasdale to climb up to below Buckbarrow Fell and then drop down to Greendale Village and onto Wastwater Lake. A right turn took him alongside the lake to a narrow road to pass by Wasdale YHA hostel and then onto Nether Wasdale for welcome refreshments at the Campsite Cafe. Leaving the cafe Maurice returned to the road which took him him up and over to Santon Bridge and Santon and onto Gosforth. After crossing the A595 Maurice then rode to Seacale using the new Seascale/Gosforth cycle path to his sister’s house for a chat and a coffee after which he arrived at Mawson's Cafe to meet up with the rest of the club and lunch.
After lunch Maurice was the first to leave the cafe and used the the cinder track to Sellafield which now was getting in need of some work, and then it was round Sellafield and on to Beckermet using the cycle track, after which it was up Chestnut Hill and onto the cycle track along the A595 to Thornhill and home.
Dave alos did not ride with the group but made his way into Gosforth and met a exphotographer and sat for an hour discussing photography and camera's before using the A595 once more to return home in Whitehaven.
The rest of the group after lunch rode along the cinder track to Sellafield covered in deep patches of sand in places, before emerging at the other end to regroup. From there it was onto the cycle way to Beckermet where Anita took the group via Low Mill along a quiet road into St Bees. Back in St Bees it was up that steep climb to Rottington where some walked while others with assistance had no trouble. Over the top and a steady climb back to Anita's where she had laid on tea, coffee and scones to end a perfect day.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 24th April Buttermere.
Starting from the usual watering hole the Brewers Fayre were Maggie, Stewart, Dianne, Tom, Sue, John, Janet, Roy, and John R.
Maurice arrived for the chat, unable to ride his bike, due to damaging his knee doing the Coach Road with Roy, just for two points.
Maurice left to make his way back home, while the group having decided on a route made their way out of the car park with Roy on the front.
With Roy setting an unusually fast pace they headed to Paddle School, where they turned left into a cool breeze to Lorton.
After a brief stop on the bridge at Lorton, they continued on down the valley, this was followed by the climb to Lanthwaite where they regrouped on the cattle grid.
It was now mostly downhill to Crummock Water, stopping at Rannerdale to view the bluebells in the distance.
Maggie and Stewart decided they would take a closer look leaving the rest to carry onto Buttermere, for them to join them later.
Although not sunny the group decided to eat outside, where they were joined by Maggie and Stewart, Dave Swift arriving just as the group were about to leave.
A brief talk to Dave before leaving following wheel tracks back to Lorton where Maggie and Stewart carried onto to Beck Wythop.
The rest continued following wheel tracks to Sandy Beck Bridge where they turned left to Brandlingill and back to parked cars at the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 21st April Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth by Roy Jackson
On a warm sunny morning, Maurice and Tom parked at Roy's, in Braithwaite, then rode round to Sue and John's, soon followed by Dianne who had ridden over Whinlatter on her E-Bike.
The group left at 11am, later than usual because of the Bank Holiday and Brewers Fayre could not fit them in for lunch until 2pm.
With Roy in the lead they rode through Keswick to Crosthwaite roundabout, then along the A591 as far as Mirehouse turning left to go through Mirehouse grounds to St. Begas Church, with a short stop to visit the church to see the collection of bibles written in many foreign languages. Leaving the church the group rode via Scarness, crossing the A591 to go to Bassenthwaite Village, then to Castle Inn, turning right to get to Ouse Bridge after which another right to the Distillery then along Isle Road passing Prospect House and into Cockermouth to Brewers Fayre.
After a good lunch Dianne rode straight home and the rest of the group took the Green Way out to the Strawberry How road and Embleton and then back to Braithwaite. A very warm but pleasant day. (31miles)
Autumn Tints Wednesday 17th April Royal Yew Dean.
On a cool dry morning fourteen members made their way to the Brewers Fayre for the usual coffee and chat.
With a table booked for 12 o'clock at the Royal Yew, Maurice proposed a route that would get the group there on time, seeing that members enjoyed chatting.
Leaving the Brewers Fayre Dianne led the group across the A66 into Cockermouth where they negotiated the back streets to join the Low road pass The Laureats
Crossing the A66 again it was onto Low Brigham followed by the climb up Chapel Brow to follow the cycle way to Lillyhall.
With the sun having burned off any early cloud some members decided to remove some clothing as the temperature increased.
From Lillyhall it was onto Branthwaite on stretches off newly resurfaced tarmac before hitting the rough surface down the hill by the Wild Duck.
Arriving at the pub just before twelve, turned out Maurice's route had been the right choice.
Joining the group for lunch was Ivan having driven out due to problems with his e-bike.
With the choice from the menu off two for the price of one made for a cheap lunch compared to some prices recently.
Lunch and chat over Dianne on that e-bike was keen to take the group over any hill she could find although the group were keen to follow.
Leaving Dean with the exception off Maggie and Stewart who had to be back at Through Bridge, made their way to Ullock.
After crossing the A5086 the struggle began seeing the group splinter on the climb through Mockerkin to regroup on the top of Fangs Brow.
With the temperature registering 21 degrees on John's Garmin they made their way past Loweswater to follow the sea to sea route to Lorton.
It was then onto Rodgerscale, turning left at Sandy Beck up Mirk Lane to Brandlingill, where they turned right heading to Paddle School and back to the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 14th April Wheatsheaf Inn Abbeytown by Dianne Moyes
A large group assembled at the Allonby cafe, Sue, John, Janet, Ivan, Maurice, Tom, Roy, John R, Dianne, Anita and 2 locals, Clive and Brian. Sue and Paul also arrived to have a chat before we set off. A section of coast road just north of Dubmill Point is currently closed to traffic because of storm damage , this means only locals are using the lanes around the point. Most of the traffic is being warned off further south. As Dianne was so keen to ride on the coast road because of the reduced traffic, we set off north via Salta and Mawbray to get onto the coast road. The road through Beckfoot was lovely apart from a fierce cold north easterly wind, on reflection we should have done the route in reverse leaving the coast road till last with the wind on our backs. We turned off through Wolsty taking the road with the grass in the middle and passing people who were heavily laden and probably doing the Hadrian’s Route. Clive took us a novel way through Silloth avoiding the cobbles and then through the Holiday Village to get us on the Skinburness Road. We crossed the marsh into the headwind so got a bit strung out, then it was a short stretch of main road until we turned off into the lanes near Seaville before reaching the Wheatsheaf at Abbeytown.
There was some criticism of the size and price of the smaller portion of the Sunday Roast, this didn’t bother Tom of course who always goes for the large portions. Anyway we were adequately fed and watered and looking forward to having the wind on our backs in the afternoon. Maurice and Tom had left earlier saying they had to get back to the Allonby cafe to pick up an order of scones! Or did Maurice really just want to be alone. We went back towards Silloth and took the first on the left through Highlaws to Tarns. Brian left us to go home to Newtown and then we turned up a little road I have never been on before to Goodyhills where Clive lives. After that we continued to Jericho, Edderside and back to Allonby.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 10th April Threlkeld.
With the dry weather continuing thirteen members made their way to Roy's for tea coffee and biscuits.
On leaving Stewart was seen looking out of an upstairs window, unknown to Roy he had locked him in the house, much to the laughter of those watching.
Eventually the group set off along the A66 into a cold easterly wind to Keswick, this was followed by the climb to High Briary to join the old road.
Just before Burns the group turned right to Shundraw to join the Vale of St John's road to Thirlmere.
Just out of curiosity they took the road to the dam to find it still closed off completely
Having taken in the views, the group made their way back down the Vale to Threlkeld for lunch at the community cafe to find Maurice and Steve.
Steve still not able to ride his bike accompanied Maurice who had the dogs to walk choosing the Keswick to Threlkeld railway track.
Lunch and chat over the group set off for Burns Brow where the group split on the climb, only to regroup at the top.
With the wind now on their backs it was onto Keswick and an extended loop to Little Town, on reaching Portinscale foot bridge four off the group were missing.
After a long wait Ivan arrived to say Maggie's rear wheel had failed but she was ok, but Stewart was having to go for the van and collect her.
All back together again with the exception of Maggie and Stewart they made their way to Little Town climbing most off the way for a welcome ice cream for some.
In the shelter off the farm buildings and the sun, made a perfect stopping point, along with the view down the valley towards Skiddaw.
Finally the group made a move heading for the Newlands road and the fast descent back to Braithwaite and parked vehicles.
(The group Maurice and Steve walking. Clive, Dianne, Maggie, Sue, Janet, Stewart, Ivan, Tom, Roy, Sam, and the two John's).
Sunday 7th April Post House Deanscales.
Sixteen members made it to the Post House for lunch on a dry overcast morning with the sun making a brief appearance in the afternoon.
Maggie and Stewart left Trough Bridge heading for Lorton where they bumped into Dianne who was waiting for the Braithwaite group.
After a brief conversation they made their way to Hope Beck before joining the valley road again to Loweswater.
Leaving the lake behind they took the track to Mosser collecting tour points in the process before arriving at the Post House.
Tom and Ivan drove to the Murphy's to join them on the ride over Whinlatter, to meet up with Dianne in Lorton who had made her way there from home.
With them all on e-bikes they decided on the hilliest route going via Thackthwaite then over Fangs to Mockerkin.
From Mockerkin they threaded their way through the lanes via Ullock and Dean before arriving at the Post House.
Roy having a commitment in the afternoon parked his car at the pub and did his own thing during a circuit round the lanes back to the pub.
Dave also on his own cycled from Whitehaven following the A----- to the Post House.
Joining the two wheelers for lunch were John Moyes, Anita, Steve, Tracy, Brian, Sue and Paul.
After lunch members began to leave the way they had arrived Maggie and Stewart headed for home via Brandlingill to collect another tour point.
The e-bike group made their way to Paddle School where they said goodbye to Dianne leaving them to carry on to Southwaite Mill.
After crossing the river one could see the reason for the road closed signs, a new water pipe was waiting to be laid underground.
The four pressed on through Embleton and Dubwath to join the A66 back to Braithwaite.