Sunday 29th April The Gather Ennerdale Bridge. by John Murphy and Maurice Cowley
Starting from the Brewers Fayre at 0930 were Sue, John and Roy hoping to get some miles in, plus tour points.
Turning left out of the car park onto the A5086 to Paddle School, where they turned right to Eaglesfield and Dean.
From Dean it was on through Ullock to join the A5086 again, turning left after one mile to Lamplugh.
Passing Inglenook Caravan Park (one of Maurice's watering holes) the trio carried on to Felldyke to pick up the track to Cogra Moss. (2 Points)
On the return down the track to the road the panoramic view across to Scotland was outstanding.
Leaving Felldyke the road climbs steadily to the T junction to Kirkland, the trio carried straight on down the steep descent to Croasdale. (1 Point)
A brief stop in Croasdale, then it was of again to the Lake, (1 Point) before arriving at The Gather for lunch hoping to find Maurice.
With a table reserved for six and only three sat having lunch it was difficult trying to keep the seats as the place filled up.
Eventually we had to give up the seats, having given up Maurice, Steve and John R arriving.
Having done 15 miles and the planned route back another 28 miles the trio decided to leave, just missing the Maurice group.
The trio headed down the valley following the River Ehen to Wath Brow where they turned left to Egremont collecting tour point at Black How. (1 Point)
From Egremont it was onto the cycle path to Whitehaven making slight detour to the Beacon, (1 Point) followed by the cycle path to Bridgefoot into a cold north easterly wind.
With Sue setting the pace having done so from Whitehaven, her companions Roy and John were glad when they eventually got back to the Brewers Fayre, having done 43 miles and collected 6 Tour Points.
While Sue and John M, and Roy were doing their thing Maurice, Steve L and John R had met at Steve's home at Padstow and started their ride also looking for tour points. The route took them up to the Moresby road and through Moresby Parks and then to climb over and to pass through Pica Village. Travelling through the wind while going over Dean Moor was testing (2 Points) and the down hill section to Dean Cross Roads was very welcome as was the downhill to the track which took the three of them through Branthwaite Edge Farmyard (2 Points) (very muddy) to reach the Branthwaite Ullock road and up to the A5086 to pass by Mockerkin Tarn (1 Point). They now had a tail wind before turning off the A5086 to get to Lamplugh and then to drop down to take to the Fell Dyke road. But before climbing the hill a welcome pot of tea was drank at the Inglenook Caravan Park and the climb was taken up to Fell Dyke to turn up the track to visit Cogra Moss (2 points)
This tarn always makes Maurice feel good as from the first time he visited it has been transformed into a pleasant place to sit and watch the fishermen and the nature, especially in the sun.
On leaving the tarn the trio carried on up to the cross roads at the top of the hill and turned down to Kirkland and then down to Ennerdale Bridge just in time to catch sight of Roy's red jacket going out of the village and over the hill.
After lunch it was straight to Steve's home at Padstow once more travelling through Cleator Moor to get there and use their cars to get home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 25th April.
Starting from the Brewers Fayre on cool but windy morning were Dianne, Sue, Tom and the two John's.
The usual mugs of coffee were first on the agenda, joining them was Maggie to give the group an update on Stewart.
Dianne with a map on the table started to plot a route suggesting on a circular route taking the group over Fangs Brow.
Agreeing to Dianne's route the group left the warm surroundings of the Brewers Fayre straight into a headwind to Paddle School.
Turning left out of the wind at Paddle School it was on through Rogerscale to Lorton the follow the Sea to Sea route to Loweswater.
With rain clouds threatening it was decided to avoid Fangs Brow and head back down the Lorton Valley.
A short detour past the Kirkstile Inn on a badly surfaced lane took the group back onto the valley road as spots of rain began to fall.
By the time they got up Scale Hill the rain was quite heavy, calling for some to put on over trousers as they sheltered by the old Scale Hill Hotel, now holiday cottages.
With the shower having blown over the group moved of heading for Hopebeck and High Lorton to join the B5292 to Hundith crossroads.
Turning left at the crossroads it was back to the Brewers Fayre for lunch via Southwaite and Paddle School having avoided any more showers.
Sunday 22nd April The Crown, Hesket New Market by Steve Lunt
The venue set for this Sunday was The Crown, Hesket New Market, so we immediately realised on meeting up at Roy's house at Braithwaite this was going to be a long day.
Roy, Tom, Dianne and Steve L, started off from Roy,s on bike in the knowledge that we would be caught up eventually by John and Sue (on E-Bikes this time) – they had stayed behind to wish goodbyes to their family now living way off in the Southhampton area following a birthday get together for Sue – Happy Birthday Sue from all of us.
Meanwhile the riders disappointed by rain set off, took the usual route through Keswick, up the hill on the Penrith Road (which now has a cycle-path on the inward Slip Road instead of the ruined railway track). After this cycle path we took the Burns Road and then crossed the A66 into Threlkeld village to climb the steep gated road out to gain the cycle track once more up to Scales. This leads to the gated road to Mungrisdale and a gradual depart from the highway noise. Passing through Mosedale Village we elected to keep to the main (lower) road to Hesket New Market for a more direct “but still lumpy in places” route.
Surely enough John and Sue caught before Hesket Newmarket.
When we arrived sitting at the table already was Bacca and Tracy plus Maurice and Steve H. After a “good crack and a fine meal” it was time to go onwards.
Not to retrace our steps we elected to go via Caldbeck, climbing slowly out onto Caldbeck Common into a unforgiving headwind and just before Augertree Fell to turn left down to Longlands then to climb over another steep hill and drop down and pass on a nice quiet road behind Overwater to reach the road the led us down to Castle Inn junction. Our remaining route was around Bassenthwaite lakehead and over Ouse Bridge to Dubwath and along the new refurbished A66 (smooth and flat) great to cycle all the way as far as Thornthwaite turning where we took to the old road to leads us directly into Braithwaite and the end of our ride. Distance – approx. 36 (hard) miles
Maurice's ride Saturday 21st April 2018
After looking at the weather forecast Maurice decided to go for his Sunday ride on the Saturday with the added incentive that he would be able to bring Steve H out for dinner with the club on the Sunday and the weather forecast was better on Saturday than the Sunday (less wind and more sunshine).
Parking his car at the lay-by opposite The Castle Inn, Bassenthwaite he set off climbing up the road towards Ireby but turned right downwards passing Overwater to climb over to Uldale.
At Uldale he stopped at Mae's Cafe and the lady kindly opened early to let him have a coffee break.
From Uldale he crossed over the road and just after The Snooty Fox Country Inn rode up and over and passing through Aughertree to reach Ireby.
(The road to Aughertree used to be a good little road but now it is a track with large holes – so members wanting to use this road beware and be careful).
Riding through Ireby towards Castle Inn he turned right at Ruthwaite Farm to climb up to High Ireby after which it was a welcome downhill to Ireby again. He then retrace his ride up to the Aughertree road end which he rode past and up and over to have his sandwiches on Caldbeck Common.
While he was having his break plenty of bikes went by with the riders giving cheery waves, but what took him by surprise was when a aged couple rode by not even out of breath then he realised they were on E-bikes!!
After his break he dropped down to Greenhead and took to the track leading to Longlands and the steep hill leading to Overwater. It wasn't far now to climb up to the road leading down to Castle Inn and his car.
The statistics were: Only approximately 21miles but climbing 2227ft
Autumn Tints Wednesday 18th April Greystoke
On a wet morning members made their way by car to Greystoke, they were Roy, Tom, Paul, Steve, Dianne, Sue and John.
The wet start was not what the group had hoped for as they made their way out of Greystoke straight into the wind.
With Sue setting the pace on the front assisted by Dianne on her e-bike they split the group on the drag towards the A66.
Regrouping they crossed A66 to descend through Hutton John, followed by an undulating section, before descending again to Bennethead.
Turning left at the junction with more descending past Wreay with views of Ullswater and fells beyond, to join the A592 to Pooley Bridge for a coffee stop.
The usual watering hole by the river was most welcome after what had been a miserable morning weather wise.
Tea, coffee and cake for the sugar addict before setting off again to Celleron, with the rain having stopped.
With all the mud on the road from farm traffic was made worse by the rain as they made their way to Askham, as the sun began to make a brief appearance.
A morning of ups and downs continued leaving Askham followed by the climb through Lowther Park stopping to view the castle for some to get their breath back.
Leaving Lowther it was onto the A6 for a short distance turning right after crossing the M6 for the final push to Brougham Hall for lunch.
It was Bacon sandwiches for the majority, before leaving the grounds for Brougham Castle, with sun out making for a pleasant afternoon.
The bridge over the River Eamont, badly damaged in Storm Desmond, was open again, so the group took the underpass below the A66 to Carleton.
It's was then onto the shared pedestrian cycle path along the A66, negotiating four sets of traffic lights on the way, to turn right into Mile Lane to Greystoke Pillar.
Collecting the fourth tour point at the Pillar it was then onto Catterlen Hall for another point.
A brief stop to view tower built sometime in the 1460's, and an Elizabethan hall, built in 1577 by Roland Vaux. The tower has walls measuring 1.2 metres thick.
Leaving the Hall behind the group made their way through Laithes and Blencow before arriving back at Greystoke.
Sunday April 15th Parkside Inn Cleator by Steve Lunt
Today's venue was a last minute change to go to The Parkside Inn, Cleator due to the closure of Singletons Restaurant at Nethertown. Most of today's riders met at the Melbreak Hotel at Chapel Brow with an intended 10:00am prompt start. They were Sue and John M, Roy, Tom, Steve L and Dianne and John Moyes (who had brought Dianne with her E-bike)
So at 10:12am we set off to Great Clifton and in the village a sharp right turn was taken, northwards and steeply downhill to cross the River Derwent on the walkers/cyclists bridge and soon into Camerton village with an outlet road rearing up to an old railway bridge – now joining the cycleway at the very end and we set off in the direction of Seaton and the Siddick Wetlands and so into Workington then crossing Harrington road with the much familiar route via Distington's back-door and into Whitehaven Harbour (and so notched up 2 points on the Tour Competition List for completing the Camerton/Whitehaven cycleway plus 1 point for visiting the Beacon Museum and 1 point for passing the road end in Camerton.).
Onto Mirehouse where we noticed the litter and rubbish problem – calls for a nudge to Sustrans – an offer to help maybe? Along the upper stretches of this old railway route with the views across to St. Bees valley very good, just before the trees and bushes start to bloom. Here a frustrated groan from John M as he found a front wheel puncture, probably due to broken glass we passed a short while back.
At The Parkside Inn we joined Maurice and Shirley, Bacca and Tracy who had already eaten.
Maurice (I want to be alone) had cycled over Cold Fell and up and over to Kirkland, then towards Steel Brow to take in a track passing Bleak House Farm before reaching The Parkside Inn just in time to meet Shirley (who had arrived by car) and Bacca and Tracy who had cycled from Bigrigg and up the cycleway to Rowrah and back down to the Parkside.
After the food, drink and chat – the Melbreak group – Sue and John M, Roy, Tom, Steve L and Dianne continued along the cycleway, northwards, towards Frizington and on up to Rowrah where we left the path. (This meant we had earn another 2 points for completing the Whitehaven/Rowrah cycleway)
We turned in the village of Rowrah to leave the A5086 and take the short stretch of road through Colliergate and the Leys and after which to return to the A5086 again to enable us to pass Mockerkin Tarn and turn down to Ullock - Dean – aiming northward to Greysouthen. In Greysouthen there is a network of little roads, ours was to take us to Bridgefoot and the short sharp climb up to Chapel Brow Roundabout, The Melbreak Hotel and the end of our trip. Smashing day out: well planned John! 361/2 miles
Autumn Tints Wednesday 11th April Fairy Dust Emporium Café, Silloth by Steve & Maurice
The weather was cloudy, cold and with a strong wind!!!
Lots of members out today meeting in the Allonby Café enjoying the beverages – they were Maurice, Maggie, Sue and John M, Sue and Paul C, John R with son Mike and Grandsons Sam and Jonas, Dianne and Steve L.
All together we set off turning inland into a persistent north east headwind with a chill in it, riding in it was extremely hard work.
Prior to reaching West Newton Dianne, not feeling too well and cold turned back to Allonby café to wait in the warmth for the groups return .
After West Newton and still heading into the North Easterly wind the route took the group through Langrigg, Bromfield to Blencogo after which a short stretch up the B5302 to Waverbridge and then a left and a slight relief of a cross wind to Lesson Hall to turn, now with the wind, down the quiet farm road alongside its narrow river to Abbeytown. In the centre of Abbeytown a right turn to take the group towards Seaville but to by-pass it to cross the B5302 and head for Black Dyke Industrial Estate and to turn left at Causewayhead to take us down to Blitterlees and into Silloth and to a welcome lunch at the Fairy Dust Emporium Café – lovely!
Having clocked up 22miles thus far – homeward bound was more direct and with the wind now on our backs. Leaving the B5300 at Blitterlees – inland and south through Wolsty, Newtown and Mawbray to again reach the B5300 into Allonby.
A brief call at the Allonby Café to greet Dianne and to also see Paul and Sue who had left us prior to Silloth to join their Eden Valley Club friends at their lunch stop at the Bankmill Nursery.
To round it all off – the sun came out finally!! 321/2 miles
Sunday 8th April Club Run Stag Inn Crosby
Brewers Fayre again our start point just as popular as the Sheep Centre was.
Making their way by car were Sue and John, Steve, Tom, Roy, John R, Dianne having the cycled the short distance from home.
After the usual coffee and with route agreed the group made a move with Dianne on the front heading for the low road out off Cockermouth.
Crossing the A66 for a third time it over the River Derwent to climb past Broughton Craggs to Tallentire.
Having climbed steadily from Brigham to Tallentire was followed by the welcome downhill to Greengill where the group turned right to Gilcrux.
Turning left out of Gilcrux with more downhill to cross the River Ellen before the drag up to Oughterside to cross the A596 at Prospect to Hayton.
Continuing along the high road overlooking the Solway the group eventually joined the A596 to the lunch stop at Crosby.
On arrival they found Tracy and Brian already in the pub, to be joined later by Maggie and Stewart, Stewart sporting his new hip.
After a good lunch, small portions looking like large portions fuelled the appetite off the two wheel group.
Leaving the pub it was first right down hill to Crosscanonby to join the Maryport Allonby cycle track to Maryport.
Hitting the coast road it was into the wind especially along the promenade as the tide was going out.
Negotiating the harbour the group followed the usual route back to Workington where they took the cycle route to Camerton.
A bit off welcome downhill into Camerton before tackling the undulating section to Great Broughton where some had to get off and walk.
Crossing the river and the busy A66 it was into Low Brigham and the usual route back to the Brewers Fayre and parked cars.
Autumn Tints Thursday 5th April Craggs Bothel
Starting from the Brewers Fayre were Dianne, Maggie, Sue, Tom, Roy and the two John's.
Joining them for the usual coffee were John Moyes and Steve, Steve arrived minus bike having damaged it when he fell off.
As the group decided to make a move John M left to knock a few golf balls about, while Steve was going to see about his bike.
Leaving the Brewers Fayre Dianne led the group heading for the Greenway to eventually join the Isel Road.
On reaching Isel Bridge the group stopped to view the river and look for Sand Martin's that might have been flying about.
Back in the saddle the group took the first right to find it had been newly surfaced over the badly potholed section.
On reaching the T junction it was right again onto the elevated section overlooking Bass Lake and the fells beyond.
Leaving the view behind the group turned left to Sunderland before joining the A591 to the Craggs for lunch.
Joining them for the lunch were Sue and Paul having ridden from home via Southwaite and Castle Inn.
After a good lunch and chat and a route back decided it was off in the direction of Bothel, leaving Maggie to head home via Caste Inn.
From Bothel it was down the mud strewn lane to Threapland, to follow the road through Plumbland and Parsonby with clear views across the Solway.
At Greengill it was left up the drag to Tallentire followed by the usual route back to the Brewers Fayre and parked cars.
Easter Sunday 1st April The Posting House, Deanscales by Steve Lunt & John Murphy
After the slight increase in temperature on Wednesday, it was back to that cold easterly wind.
Leaving Braithwaite with a following wind were Sue, John and Roy making their way through Thornthwaite to join the A66. Leaving the A66 at Dubwath it was onto the old road to Embleton and over Slate Fell to meet Dianne by Cockermouth School. It was then on through Cockermouth to try out the new foot path to the Laureates Housing Development that runs parallel with the Low Road out of Cockermouth.
On reaching the end of the path they found it fenced off, so having to do a u-turn to join the Low Road. After that excursion the group pressed on to Low Brigham turning left in Broughton Cross to Greysouthen. With Dianne, Sue and John on e-bikes it must have been hard for Roy as they climbed up the hill into Greysouthen followed by more climbing up to Eaglesfield. On arrival in Deanscales they met up with Maurice, followed by Maggie.
Maggie had ridden from her home at Wythop Mill, near Embleton.
Maurice had parked his car at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth and rode to The Posting House via High Brigham, Greysoutham, Calva Hall track and then back through Greysoutham, up the hill and through the outskirts of Eaglesfield, across the Egremont/Cockermouth road and loop round on the Mosser and Pardshaw roads, to finally ride along the Egremont/Cockermouth road to the Posting House and meet up with the other riders.
Sue had booked a table limited to ten were joined by Stewart and Ruth who arrived by car, then Steve and Tom on two wheels.
Steve L met up with Tom at Whitehaven harbour side and together they travelled north up the cycleway via Parton, Lowca, to the “long dark tunnel” - through it to the “T” junction to turn right up to the major roundabout and the Lakes College approach. Passing by and using the A595 cycle path to the far Lillyhall roundabout. From here and towards Branthwaite cycling is easy – gentle slopes taking them down to a steep hill passing the Wild Duck Inn in Branthwaite (more about this on the return Journey) and the up again keeping straight on to Dean and after another 2 miles, Deanscales and the Posting House.
After a good lunch the two wheel group left together leaving Stewart and Ruth to drive back home.
Half mile down the road Steve and Tom said goodbye heading for Dean, while the rest continued onto Eaglesfield and Paddle School.
At Paddle School Maurice and Dianne headed to Cockermouth, the rest continued onto Southwaite Mill, Hundith to cross the A66 to Embleton.
Saying goodbye to Maggie the trio followed the usual route back to Braithwaite via the A66 and Thornthwaite.
Steve L and Tom took the Branthwaite route again if only to avoid the heavy traffic conditions on the on the Egremont/Cockermouth road (A5086). All went ok until Steve L had to take on the steep hill to pass the Wild Duck. Unfortunately a late gear change attempt into the “granny ring”, combined with the steepest part of the hill and ferocious push on the pedals was too much for the overworked chain and it parted suddenly, depositing Steve L and bike, locked together, on the ground! Eventually, realising he could stand up after all – limping a few metres further to arrive in the Wild Duck car park with plenty of space and a flat area: he put thoughts to rescue. Tom always a long way in front – had returned, surprised. To cut a long story short – Steve Ls cycling day was finished – badly grazed hip and elbow and at this moment the Inns Landlord appeared - offered them a comforting cup of coffee each with a promise of a lift in the pubs runabout van to Whitehaven. The new chef was happy to load Steve and the bike into the vehicle and took him to Whitehaven Swimming Pool from where he could freewheel downhill to Keekle and home. (Chain had been remove for safety)
Tom was happy to ride from the Inn to home in Kells and at 7 O'clockish he popped into Steve L's place to check on his state of recovery (sore and stiff). His bike is under threat of a return to the bike shop for checks all round.
Starting from the Brewers Fayre at 0930 were Sue, John and Roy hoping to get some miles in, plus tour points.
Turning left out of the car park onto the A5086 to Paddle School, where they turned right to Eaglesfield and Dean.
From Dean it was on through Ullock to join the A5086 again, turning left after one mile to Lamplugh.
Passing Inglenook Caravan Park (one of Maurice's watering holes) the trio carried on to Felldyke to pick up the track to Cogra Moss. (2 Points)
On the return down the track to the road the panoramic view across to Scotland was outstanding.
Leaving Felldyke the road climbs steadily to the T junction to Kirkland, the trio carried straight on down the steep descent to Croasdale. (1 Point)
A brief stop in Croasdale, then it was of again to the Lake, (1 Point) before arriving at The Gather for lunch hoping to find Maurice.
With a table reserved for six and only three sat having lunch it was difficult trying to keep the seats as the place filled up.
Eventually we had to give up the seats, having given up Maurice, Steve and John R arriving.
Having done 15 miles and the planned route back another 28 miles the trio decided to leave, just missing the Maurice group.
The trio headed down the valley following the River Ehen to Wath Brow where they turned left to Egremont collecting tour point at Black How. (1 Point)
From Egremont it was onto the cycle path to Whitehaven making slight detour to the Beacon, (1 Point) followed by the cycle path to Bridgefoot into a cold north easterly wind.
With Sue setting the pace having done so from Whitehaven, her companions Roy and John were glad when they eventually got back to the Brewers Fayre, having done 43 miles and collected 6 Tour Points.
While Sue and John M, and Roy were doing their thing Maurice, Steve L and John R had met at Steve's home at Padstow and started their ride also looking for tour points. The route took them up to the Moresby road and through Moresby Parks and then to climb over and to pass through Pica Village. Travelling through the wind while going over Dean Moor was testing (2 Points) and the down hill section to Dean Cross Roads was very welcome as was the downhill to the track which took the three of them through Branthwaite Edge Farmyard (2 Points) (very muddy) to reach the Branthwaite Ullock road and up to the A5086 to pass by Mockerkin Tarn (1 Point). They now had a tail wind before turning off the A5086 to get to Lamplugh and then to drop down to take to the Fell Dyke road. But before climbing the hill a welcome pot of tea was drank at the Inglenook Caravan Park and the climb was taken up to Fell Dyke to turn up the track to visit Cogra Moss (2 points)
This tarn always makes Maurice feel good as from the first time he visited it has been transformed into a pleasant place to sit and watch the fishermen and the nature, especially in the sun.
On leaving the tarn the trio carried on up to the cross roads at the top of the hill and turned down to Kirkland and then down to Ennerdale Bridge just in time to catch sight of Roy's red jacket going out of the village and over the hill.
After lunch it was straight to Steve's home at Padstow once more travelling through Cleator Moor to get there and use their cars to get home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 25th April.
Starting from the Brewers Fayre on cool but windy morning were Dianne, Sue, Tom and the two John's.
The usual mugs of coffee were first on the agenda, joining them was Maggie to give the group an update on Stewart.
Dianne with a map on the table started to plot a route suggesting on a circular route taking the group over Fangs Brow.
Agreeing to Dianne's route the group left the warm surroundings of the Brewers Fayre straight into a headwind to Paddle School.
Turning left out of the wind at Paddle School it was on through Rogerscale to Lorton the follow the Sea to Sea route to Loweswater.
With rain clouds threatening it was decided to avoid Fangs Brow and head back down the Lorton Valley.
A short detour past the Kirkstile Inn on a badly surfaced lane took the group back onto the valley road as spots of rain began to fall.
By the time they got up Scale Hill the rain was quite heavy, calling for some to put on over trousers as they sheltered by the old Scale Hill Hotel, now holiday cottages.
With the shower having blown over the group moved of heading for Hopebeck and High Lorton to join the B5292 to Hundith crossroads.
Turning left at the crossroads it was back to the Brewers Fayre for lunch via Southwaite and Paddle School having avoided any more showers.
Sunday 22nd April The Crown, Hesket New Market by Steve Lunt
The venue set for this Sunday was The Crown, Hesket New Market, so we immediately realised on meeting up at Roy's house at Braithwaite this was going to be a long day.
Roy, Tom, Dianne and Steve L, started off from Roy,s on bike in the knowledge that we would be caught up eventually by John and Sue (on E-Bikes this time) – they had stayed behind to wish goodbyes to their family now living way off in the Southhampton area following a birthday get together for Sue – Happy Birthday Sue from all of us.
Meanwhile the riders disappointed by rain set off, took the usual route through Keswick, up the hill on the Penrith Road (which now has a cycle-path on the inward Slip Road instead of the ruined railway track). After this cycle path we took the Burns Road and then crossed the A66 into Threlkeld village to climb the steep gated road out to gain the cycle track once more up to Scales. This leads to the gated road to Mungrisdale and a gradual depart from the highway noise. Passing through Mosedale Village we elected to keep to the main (lower) road to Hesket New Market for a more direct “but still lumpy in places” route.
Surely enough John and Sue caught before Hesket Newmarket.
When we arrived sitting at the table already was Bacca and Tracy plus Maurice and Steve H. After a “good crack and a fine meal” it was time to go onwards.
Not to retrace our steps we elected to go via Caldbeck, climbing slowly out onto Caldbeck Common into a unforgiving headwind and just before Augertree Fell to turn left down to Longlands then to climb over another steep hill and drop down and pass on a nice quiet road behind Overwater to reach the road the led us down to Castle Inn junction. Our remaining route was around Bassenthwaite lakehead and over Ouse Bridge to Dubwath and along the new refurbished A66 (smooth and flat) great to cycle all the way as far as Thornthwaite turning where we took to the old road to leads us directly into Braithwaite and the end of our ride. Distance – approx. 36 (hard) miles
Maurice's ride Saturday 21st April 2018
After looking at the weather forecast Maurice decided to go for his Sunday ride on the Saturday with the added incentive that he would be able to bring Steve H out for dinner with the club on the Sunday and the weather forecast was better on Saturday than the Sunday (less wind and more sunshine).
Parking his car at the lay-by opposite The Castle Inn, Bassenthwaite he set off climbing up the road towards Ireby but turned right downwards passing Overwater to climb over to Uldale.
At Uldale he stopped at Mae's Cafe and the lady kindly opened early to let him have a coffee break.
From Uldale he crossed over the road and just after The Snooty Fox Country Inn rode up and over and passing through Aughertree to reach Ireby.
(The road to Aughertree used to be a good little road but now it is a track with large holes – so members wanting to use this road beware and be careful).
Riding through Ireby towards Castle Inn he turned right at Ruthwaite Farm to climb up to High Ireby after which it was a welcome downhill to Ireby again. He then retrace his ride up to the Aughertree road end which he rode past and up and over to have his sandwiches on Caldbeck Common.
While he was having his break plenty of bikes went by with the riders giving cheery waves, but what took him by surprise was when a aged couple rode by not even out of breath then he realised they were on E-bikes!!
After his break he dropped down to Greenhead and took to the track leading to Longlands and the steep hill leading to Overwater. It wasn't far now to climb up to the road leading down to Castle Inn and his car.
The statistics were: Only approximately 21miles but climbing 2227ft
Autumn Tints Wednesday 18th April Greystoke
On a wet morning members made their way by car to Greystoke, they were Roy, Tom, Paul, Steve, Dianne, Sue and John.
The wet start was not what the group had hoped for as they made their way out of Greystoke straight into the wind.
With Sue setting the pace on the front assisted by Dianne on her e-bike they split the group on the drag towards the A66.
Regrouping they crossed A66 to descend through Hutton John, followed by an undulating section, before descending again to Bennethead.
Turning left at the junction with more descending past Wreay with views of Ullswater and fells beyond, to join the A592 to Pooley Bridge for a coffee stop.
The usual watering hole by the river was most welcome after what had been a miserable morning weather wise.
Tea, coffee and cake for the sugar addict before setting off again to Celleron, with the rain having stopped.
With all the mud on the road from farm traffic was made worse by the rain as they made their way to Askham, as the sun began to make a brief appearance.
A morning of ups and downs continued leaving Askham followed by the climb through Lowther Park stopping to view the castle for some to get their breath back.
Leaving Lowther it was onto the A6 for a short distance turning right after crossing the M6 for the final push to Brougham Hall for lunch.
It was Bacon sandwiches for the majority, before leaving the grounds for Brougham Castle, with sun out making for a pleasant afternoon.
The bridge over the River Eamont, badly damaged in Storm Desmond, was open again, so the group took the underpass below the A66 to Carleton.
It's was then onto the shared pedestrian cycle path along the A66, negotiating four sets of traffic lights on the way, to turn right into Mile Lane to Greystoke Pillar.
Collecting the fourth tour point at the Pillar it was then onto Catterlen Hall for another point.
A brief stop to view tower built sometime in the 1460's, and an Elizabethan hall, built in 1577 by Roland Vaux. The tower has walls measuring 1.2 metres thick.
Leaving the Hall behind the group made their way through Laithes and Blencow before arriving back at Greystoke.
Sunday April 15th Parkside Inn Cleator by Steve Lunt
Today's venue was a last minute change to go to The Parkside Inn, Cleator due to the closure of Singletons Restaurant at Nethertown. Most of today's riders met at the Melbreak Hotel at Chapel Brow with an intended 10:00am prompt start. They were Sue and John M, Roy, Tom, Steve L and Dianne and John Moyes (who had brought Dianne with her E-bike)
So at 10:12am we set off to Great Clifton and in the village a sharp right turn was taken, northwards and steeply downhill to cross the River Derwent on the walkers/cyclists bridge and soon into Camerton village with an outlet road rearing up to an old railway bridge – now joining the cycleway at the very end and we set off in the direction of Seaton and the Siddick Wetlands and so into Workington then crossing Harrington road with the much familiar route via Distington's back-door and into Whitehaven Harbour (and so notched up 2 points on the Tour Competition List for completing the Camerton/Whitehaven cycleway plus 1 point for visiting the Beacon Museum and 1 point for passing the road end in Camerton.).
Onto Mirehouse where we noticed the litter and rubbish problem – calls for a nudge to Sustrans – an offer to help maybe? Along the upper stretches of this old railway route with the views across to St. Bees valley very good, just before the trees and bushes start to bloom. Here a frustrated groan from John M as he found a front wheel puncture, probably due to broken glass we passed a short while back.
At The Parkside Inn we joined Maurice and Shirley, Bacca and Tracy who had already eaten.
Maurice (I want to be alone) had cycled over Cold Fell and up and over to Kirkland, then towards Steel Brow to take in a track passing Bleak House Farm before reaching The Parkside Inn just in time to meet Shirley (who had arrived by car) and Bacca and Tracy who had cycled from Bigrigg and up the cycleway to Rowrah and back down to the Parkside.
After the food, drink and chat – the Melbreak group – Sue and John M, Roy, Tom, Steve L and Dianne continued along the cycleway, northwards, towards Frizington and on up to Rowrah where we left the path. (This meant we had earn another 2 points for completing the Whitehaven/Rowrah cycleway)
We turned in the village of Rowrah to leave the A5086 and take the short stretch of road through Colliergate and the Leys and after which to return to the A5086 again to enable us to pass Mockerkin Tarn and turn down to Ullock - Dean – aiming northward to Greysouthen. In Greysouthen there is a network of little roads, ours was to take us to Bridgefoot and the short sharp climb up to Chapel Brow Roundabout, The Melbreak Hotel and the end of our trip. Smashing day out: well planned John! 361/2 miles
Autumn Tints Wednesday 11th April Fairy Dust Emporium Café, Silloth by Steve & Maurice
The weather was cloudy, cold and with a strong wind!!!
Lots of members out today meeting in the Allonby Café enjoying the beverages – they were Maurice, Maggie, Sue and John M, Sue and Paul C, John R with son Mike and Grandsons Sam and Jonas, Dianne and Steve L.
All together we set off turning inland into a persistent north east headwind with a chill in it, riding in it was extremely hard work.
Prior to reaching West Newton Dianne, not feeling too well and cold turned back to Allonby café to wait in the warmth for the groups return .
After West Newton and still heading into the North Easterly wind the route took the group through Langrigg, Bromfield to Blencogo after which a short stretch up the B5302 to Waverbridge and then a left and a slight relief of a cross wind to Lesson Hall to turn, now with the wind, down the quiet farm road alongside its narrow river to Abbeytown. In the centre of Abbeytown a right turn to take the group towards Seaville but to by-pass it to cross the B5302 and head for Black Dyke Industrial Estate and to turn left at Causewayhead to take us down to Blitterlees and into Silloth and to a welcome lunch at the Fairy Dust Emporium Café – lovely!
Having clocked up 22miles thus far – homeward bound was more direct and with the wind now on our backs. Leaving the B5300 at Blitterlees – inland and south through Wolsty, Newtown and Mawbray to again reach the B5300 into Allonby.
A brief call at the Allonby Café to greet Dianne and to also see Paul and Sue who had left us prior to Silloth to join their Eden Valley Club friends at their lunch stop at the Bankmill Nursery.
To round it all off – the sun came out finally!! 321/2 miles
Sunday 8th April Club Run Stag Inn Crosby
Brewers Fayre again our start point just as popular as the Sheep Centre was.
Making their way by car were Sue and John, Steve, Tom, Roy, John R, Dianne having the cycled the short distance from home.
After the usual coffee and with route agreed the group made a move with Dianne on the front heading for the low road out off Cockermouth.
Crossing the A66 for a third time it over the River Derwent to climb past Broughton Craggs to Tallentire.
Having climbed steadily from Brigham to Tallentire was followed by the welcome downhill to Greengill where the group turned right to Gilcrux.
Turning left out of Gilcrux with more downhill to cross the River Ellen before the drag up to Oughterside to cross the A596 at Prospect to Hayton.
Continuing along the high road overlooking the Solway the group eventually joined the A596 to the lunch stop at Crosby.
On arrival they found Tracy and Brian already in the pub, to be joined later by Maggie and Stewart, Stewart sporting his new hip.
After a good lunch, small portions looking like large portions fuelled the appetite off the two wheel group.
Leaving the pub it was first right down hill to Crosscanonby to join the Maryport Allonby cycle track to Maryport.
Hitting the coast road it was into the wind especially along the promenade as the tide was going out.
Negotiating the harbour the group followed the usual route back to Workington where they took the cycle route to Camerton.
A bit off welcome downhill into Camerton before tackling the undulating section to Great Broughton where some had to get off and walk.
Crossing the river and the busy A66 it was into Low Brigham and the usual route back to the Brewers Fayre and parked cars.
Autumn Tints Thursday 5th April Craggs Bothel
Starting from the Brewers Fayre were Dianne, Maggie, Sue, Tom, Roy and the two John's.
Joining them for the usual coffee were John Moyes and Steve, Steve arrived minus bike having damaged it when he fell off.
As the group decided to make a move John M left to knock a few golf balls about, while Steve was going to see about his bike.
Leaving the Brewers Fayre Dianne led the group heading for the Greenway to eventually join the Isel Road.
On reaching Isel Bridge the group stopped to view the river and look for Sand Martin's that might have been flying about.
Back in the saddle the group took the first right to find it had been newly surfaced over the badly potholed section.
On reaching the T junction it was right again onto the elevated section overlooking Bass Lake and the fells beyond.
Leaving the view behind the group turned left to Sunderland before joining the A591 to the Craggs for lunch.
Joining them for the lunch were Sue and Paul having ridden from home via Southwaite and Castle Inn.
After a good lunch and chat and a route back decided it was off in the direction of Bothel, leaving Maggie to head home via Caste Inn.
From Bothel it was down the mud strewn lane to Threapland, to follow the road through Plumbland and Parsonby with clear views across the Solway.
At Greengill it was left up the drag to Tallentire followed by the usual route back to the Brewers Fayre and parked cars.
Easter Sunday 1st April The Posting House, Deanscales by Steve Lunt & John Murphy
After the slight increase in temperature on Wednesday, it was back to that cold easterly wind.
Leaving Braithwaite with a following wind were Sue, John and Roy making their way through Thornthwaite to join the A66. Leaving the A66 at Dubwath it was onto the old road to Embleton and over Slate Fell to meet Dianne by Cockermouth School. It was then on through Cockermouth to try out the new foot path to the Laureates Housing Development that runs parallel with the Low Road out of Cockermouth.
On reaching the end of the path they found it fenced off, so having to do a u-turn to join the Low Road. After that excursion the group pressed on to Low Brigham turning left in Broughton Cross to Greysouthen. With Dianne, Sue and John on e-bikes it must have been hard for Roy as they climbed up the hill into Greysouthen followed by more climbing up to Eaglesfield. On arrival in Deanscales they met up with Maurice, followed by Maggie.
Maggie had ridden from her home at Wythop Mill, near Embleton.
Maurice had parked his car at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth and rode to The Posting House via High Brigham, Greysoutham, Calva Hall track and then back through Greysoutham, up the hill and through the outskirts of Eaglesfield, across the Egremont/Cockermouth road and loop round on the Mosser and Pardshaw roads, to finally ride along the Egremont/Cockermouth road to the Posting House and meet up with the other riders.
Sue had booked a table limited to ten were joined by Stewart and Ruth who arrived by car, then Steve and Tom on two wheels.
Steve L met up with Tom at Whitehaven harbour side and together they travelled north up the cycleway via Parton, Lowca, to the “long dark tunnel” - through it to the “T” junction to turn right up to the major roundabout and the Lakes College approach. Passing by and using the A595 cycle path to the far Lillyhall roundabout. From here and towards Branthwaite cycling is easy – gentle slopes taking them down to a steep hill passing the Wild Duck Inn in Branthwaite (more about this on the return Journey) and the up again keeping straight on to Dean and after another 2 miles, Deanscales and the Posting House.
After a good lunch the two wheel group left together leaving Stewart and Ruth to drive back home.
Half mile down the road Steve and Tom said goodbye heading for Dean, while the rest continued onto Eaglesfield and Paddle School.
At Paddle School Maurice and Dianne headed to Cockermouth, the rest continued onto Southwaite Mill, Hundith to cross the A66 to Embleton.
Saying goodbye to Maggie the trio followed the usual route back to Braithwaite via the A66 and Thornthwaite.
Steve L and Tom took the Branthwaite route again if only to avoid the heavy traffic conditions on the on the Egremont/Cockermouth road (A5086). All went ok until Steve L had to take on the steep hill to pass the Wild Duck. Unfortunately a late gear change attempt into the “granny ring”, combined with the steepest part of the hill and ferocious push on the pedals was too much for the overworked chain and it parted suddenly, depositing Steve L and bike, locked together, on the ground! Eventually, realising he could stand up after all – limping a few metres further to arrive in the Wild Duck car park with plenty of space and a flat area: he put thoughts to rescue. Tom always a long way in front – had returned, surprised. To cut a long story short – Steve Ls cycling day was finished – badly grazed hip and elbow and at this moment the Inns Landlord appeared - offered them a comforting cup of coffee each with a promise of a lift in the pubs runabout van to Whitehaven. The new chef was happy to load Steve and the bike into the vehicle and took him to Whitehaven Swimming Pool from where he could freewheel downhill to Keekle and home. (Chain had been remove for safety)
Tom was happy to ride from the Inn to home in Kells and at 7 O'clockish he popped into Steve L's place to check on his state of recovery (sore and stiff). His bike is under threat of a return to the bike shop for checks all round.