Autumn Tints Wednesday 27th April.
On a sunny morning with the prospect of wintery showers twelve members made it to the Sheep Centre. They were Dianne, John, Maggie, Stewart, Sue, Paul, Pat, Johnny, Sue, John, Anita and Roy, John Moyes just there for the chat, before going to hit a few white balls.
Roy having been given the job of doing a route spelt out the route over tea and coffee which was welcomed by a few sighs.
Starting of late, Roy led the group over the A66 to join the Green Way, heading for the Isel road.
Once on the Isel road it was a matter of trying to find a smooth bit of tarmac, before dropping down the hill to the river.
A brief stop before the climb to Blindcrake, that so group splinter on the climb to regroup in the village.
A right turn out of the village was followed by more climbing before reaching the main Cockermouth Carlisle road.
After short distance on the main road the group turned left to Arkleby, turning left after the fast descent to Gilcrux.
So far the showers had stayed away as the group made their way through Gilcrux and Tallentire for some welcome descent.
Crossing the A594 it was on towards Great Broughton to cross the river and A66 to Brigham, for the final push to the Melbreak for lunch.
The group having split on the last couple of miles arrived in one and two's to be welcomed by Peter and John Moyes.
Lunch at chat over members began to leave, the two wheel group leaving together apart from Anita who had left earlier.
At Bridgefoot Pat and Johnny said goodbye heading home via Little Clifton while Sue and Paul said goodbye just up the road heading for Greysouthen.
The rest continued onto High Brigham to join the A66 back to the Sheep Centre and Parkside for Dianne.
Today was the last time the Solway Sociable’s would have the use of the Sheep Centre, Sunday the 1st May will be the last day it will be open to residents.
Stats: Miles 26. Ascent 1902ft.
Sunday 24th April Sheep Centre Cockermouth.
With early morning rain and a sudden change in the temperature from last few days so member opting for a shorter ride.
Maggie and Stewart keen to get the miles in left Wythop Mill heading for Braithwaite to collect Roy.
Roy always keen to please, dug in for the climb up Whinlatter, followed by the welcome descent into Lorton.
They then crossed the River Cocker to Rodgerscale, turning left at Sandy Beck Bridge towards Brandlingill.
At the end of the rough lane they turned right heading for Paddle School, where they joined the main road to the Sheep Centre.
Sue and John feeling worse for wear after Sue's birthday took the easy route along the A66 to Dubwath, then onto the old road through Embleton.
From Embleton it was over Slate Fell into Cockermouth, and on to the Sheep Centre.
Sue and Paul left Eaglesfield to ride up Whinlatter from the Lorton side, to visit the visitor centre to see the Ospreys.
Dianne did a short ride to see a friend at Broughton Cross, before making her way to the Sheep Centre.
Anita headed to Whitehaven to join the cycle path to Rowrah then switched between the main road and lanes before arriving at the lunch venue.
Round the table joining two wheelers were Maurice, Joe, Tracy, Michelle and Peter.
This was to be the Solway's last lunch at the Sheep Centre, due to its closure on Sunday the 1st May.
After lunch and chat member began to leave in different directions on two and four wheels back home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 20th April.
Seventeen members made it to the start line In Allonby, on a sunny morning with a slight westerly breeze.
First port of call was the cafe for the usual tea and coffee, some deciding to soak up the sun instead.
Eventually the group the largest to date set of heading for Westnewton and Langrigg to join the A596, after a short climb the group turned right.
Some having missed the turn continued along the A596, only to retrace their wheel tracks back to the junction.
All together again it was on through the quiet lanes to Waterside, crossing the A596 at Waverton to join the B5302 at Waverbridge.
A short distance on the B5302 the group turned right to Lessonhall to follow the River Waver towards Abbey Town.
Leaving Abbey Town ignoring the closed road sign the group continued on to the damaged bridge and road caused by the storms in December.
Safely negotiating the damage it was onto Seaville for lunch at Cups and Saucers.
After lunch the group set of into a cold wind headed by Maurice towards the main road were the group split.
Turning right of the main road the two groups headed for Balladoyle to join the B5301 before turning right to Wolsty Hall where the two groups joined up.
Following well known lanes through Newtown and Holme St Cuthbert the group stopped in Maybray for a group photo.
Missing from the photo were Sue and Paul who had managed to take a wrong turning finishing up on the coast road at Bankmill.
All were reunited back in Allonby to load bikes and say their farewells.
Chairman's Run – Sunday 17th April – Parkside Hotel, Frizington.
On a sunny and slightly breezy day 14 riders met at Margo's Cafe at the top end of Egremont for tea and coffee prior to the start of the Chairman's Run. They were John and Sue, Dianne, Roy, Paul and Sue, Michelle and Peter, John R, Maggie and Stewart, Anita, Steve L, and Maurice.
After coffee and tea had been consumed the group started down Egremont Main Street and up to St. Thomas's Cross and then onto the Cyclepath through Thornhill. Crossing the A595 it was then up Thorny Lane to pass through Carleton and along the only bit of rough stuff on the run to turn right onto Egremont/Haile road to pass through the Carletonmoor Woods. Then it was a descent to Haile church only to climb up to Haile Village. A right was taken and just after Orchard Brow Farm a left to pass Sheepfields Farm and Robertgate Wood and then to turn left up the steep beginning of the long climb over Cold Fell. After struggling up this first bit of the climb the riders rode over the flat region passing Abbey Flatts to reach the next climb to the top of Cold Fell.
The next climb was after passing and crossing the two cattle grids at Cold Fell Gate. This climb up and over Swarth Fell was not so steep or as long as when ascending Cold Fell but the views were exceptional and the steep descent was fast for some!!
At the bottom of Swarth Fell the riders regrouped then turned left along Long Moor to drop down to the side of the River Ehen passing a clutch of Primroses, which showed that we were in the middle of the spring season, then to cross the river after passing Hazelholme Farm using Wath Bridge and then to climb up to Wath Brow. Here John R turned for his home at Whitehaven while the rest turned right on the A5806 on the Frizington road to arrive the Parkside Hotel for a welcome break and lunch.
Joe and Frances were already seated there having ridden up the Cycleway to Rowrah and back and Shirley arrived soon after the group had got seated.
Paul and Sue left early to get Egremont and their car, Dianne and Michelle also left early to ride home to Cockermouth and Little Clifton and Anita left to visit her mother at Cleator.
After a long chat and eating a good lunch Shirley, Joe and France left for home by car while the riders retraced the route to Wath Bridge where a right was taken along what is locally known as “the Fell Road” to pass over Brisco Mill Bridge to climb up the last hill of the day and arrive at Egremont Main Street and the cars.
John and Sue after saying there goodbyes rode back to their car from Egremont to Whitehaven and Steve L rode back home to Padstow while Maurice said his goodbyes and rode home up to Thornhill.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 13th April.
Another wet morning as members made their way to Braithwaite, they were Dianne, Maurice, John R and Steve.
Leaving Braithwaite with the rain still falling, the group made their way along the A66 to Keswick, this was followed by the climb to High Briary
With the rain easing of the group finally arrived at the community cafe in Threlkeld, to find Maurice having decided to start from Threlkeld.
Following Sustrans Sea to Sea route the group used the cycle way and old road by the A66, climbing most of the way to Troutbeck.
Regrouping after the climb it was all downhill to the lunch stop at Cocklakes just of the A66, a first for all.
After a good lunch and a look round the Farm Shop it was time to leave, just as the rain started again.
Crossing the A66 (eight times in total)it was onto the old road to Troutbeck, to join the back road and the fast descent to Wallthwaite.
After the climb from Wallthwaite, was followed by more downhill to Threlkeld were Maurice said goodbye.
More climbing as the group tackled Burns Brow, regrouping for the descent into Keswick and final run back to Braithwaite.
Sunday 10th April Kirkstile Inn Loweswater.
A bright start to the day with snow on the mountains along with a light frost as Sue, John and Roy left Braithwaite.
Meanwhile John R was leaving Whitehaven, while Anita was setting off from Sandwith.
Although not together they followed the same route along the cycle track to Rowrah then on through Lamplugh to Fangs Brow, followed by the descent to Loweswater.
The Braithwaite trio followed the closed bit of the A66 overlooking Bass Lake, having to negotiating heavy plant working on the road.
Leaving the A66 it was onto the old road to Embleton to meet up with Michelle and Stewart outside the Wheatsheaf.
They then followed the road over Slate Fell to the green way, to join the Lorton road to the Kirkstile.
Brian and Tracy on their tandem trike did a circuit round Thackthwaite and back Down the Lorton valley.
Maurice set of from the Kirkstile (with pot of tea on his mind) for Buttermere, only getting as far as the castle grid at Lanthwaite with gear trouble.
Thirteen members made it for lunch, the none cyclists being Frances, Joe and Peter, having use of the back room.
After a good lunch members began to leave, heading back the way they had arrived on two and four wheels.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 6th April
Not such a good morning with a strong westerly wind and heavy showers, wintery at times, followed members had they made their way to the Sheep Centre.
They were Maurice, Maggie, Stewart, Roy, Steve, Sue, John and Johnny.
With the rain having stopped but with the wind still blowing it was decision time, after a lot of ifs and buts, Maurice, Maggie and Stewart decided to go back home.
Finally the group of five set off heading through the back streets of Cockermouth to join the main road by the Lakes Centre.
It was then onto Brigham into a strong head wind, before crossing the A66 to Broughton Craggs, followed by the drag up to Tallentire.
After the welcome descent from Tallentire, the group turned right to Gilcrux with a following wind all the way to Bothel.
Changing direction in Bothel was straight into the wind, before joining the A591 into a cross wind for the last mile to the Craggs.
Arriving at the Craggs dry was not what one was expecting, with heavy showers forecast.
Joining the group for lunch were Pat and Anita both having driven out from home.
After lunch and a good old chat it was time to leave, just as it decided to throw a wintery shower, sending them back into the cafe.
Shower over the group set off along the A591 leaving Johnny behind to get a lift back home with Pat.
Turning right at Castle Inn, it was into the wind through Embleton, as the tail end of shower passed over Slate Fell, before arriving in Cockermouth.
It was then onto the green way for final push to the Sheep Centre and parked cars and a welcome drink in the Centre.
Sunday 3rd April Club Run Stag Inn Crosby.
Following an invite from Sue C for coffee before the ride member’s made their way to Eaglesfield.
Down as a club ride from the Sheep Centre some decided to wait in case someone had not been told.
That turned out to be the case, Steve turning up not aware of the change, after a cup of coffee the group decided they better make their way to Eaglsfield.
Just about to leave a phone call from Paul to John, decided we could meet in or around Brigham.
The timing was perfect with the two groups merging together in the centre of Brigham, after brief stop the group moved off to Bridgefoot.
It was then the usual route done many times through Workington to join the Cycle track to Maryport, joining up with Michelle at Siddick.
With a following wind the group finally arrived in Maryport to meet up with Peter, increasing the group to twelve.
They were Sue, Paul, Maggie, Stewart, Dianne, John R, Sue, John, Roy, Steve, Michelle and Peter.
Again a brief stop the group continued along the promenade to join the Allonby cycle track as far as Crosscanonby road end.
This was followed by the climb through Crosscanonby to join the main A596 to the Stag inn at Crosby.
Having had their lunch due to the late arrival of the group were France's, Joe, Tracy and Brian,
Tracy and Brian having done a circular ride before lunch.
After lunch that turned out to be a mixture of good and bad, members began to leave in two's and three's, leaving six to do a longer ride.
Eventually after a long chat the six including Peter decided to move headed back in their wheel tracks to Workington, saying goodbye to Peter in Maryport.
A brief stop on the footbridge over the River Derwent, one could see the damage caused by the flood back in December.
It was then on through Workington following the cycle track to Distington, Lillyhall and Chapel Brow.
Saying goodbye to Michelle and John R in Bridgfoot the remainder of the group made their way back to the Sheep Centre.
On a sunny morning with the prospect of wintery showers twelve members made it to the Sheep Centre. They were Dianne, John, Maggie, Stewart, Sue, Paul, Pat, Johnny, Sue, John, Anita and Roy, John Moyes just there for the chat, before going to hit a few white balls.
Roy having been given the job of doing a route spelt out the route over tea and coffee which was welcomed by a few sighs.
Starting of late, Roy led the group over the A66 to join the Green Way, heading for the Isel road.
Once on the Isel road it was a matter of trying to find a smooth bit of tarmac, before dropping down the hill to the river.
A brief stop before the climb to Blindcrake, that so group splinter on the climb to regroup in the village.
A right turn out of the village was followed by more climbing before reaching the main Cockermouth Carlisle road.
After short distance on the main road the group turned left to Arkleby, turning left after the fast descent to Gilcrux.
So far the showers had stayed away as the group made their way through Gilcrux and Tallentire for some welcome descent.
Crossing the A594 it was on towards Great Broughton to cross the river and A66 to Brigham, for the final push to the Melbreak for lunch.
The group having split on the last couple of miles arrived in one and two's to be welcomed by Peter and John Moyes.
Lunch at chat over members began to leave, the two wheel group leaving together apart from Anita who had left earlier.
At Bridgefoot Pat and Johnny said goodbye heading home via Little Clifton while Sue and Paul said goodbye just up the road heading for Greysouthen.
The rest continued onto High Brigham to join the A66 back to the Sheep Centre and Parkside for Dianne.
Today was the last time the Solway Sociable’s would have the use of the Sheep Centre, Sunday the 1st May will be the last day it will be open to residents.
Stats: Miles 26. Ascent 1902ft.
Sunday 24th April Sheep Centre Cockermouth.
With early morning rain and a sudden change in the temperature from last few days so member opting for a shorter ride.
Maggie and Stewart keen to get the miles in left Wythop Mill heading for Braithwaite to collect Roy.
Roy always keen to please, dug in for the climb up Whinlatter, followed by the welcome descent into Lorton.
They then crossed the River Cocker to Rodgerscale, turning left at Sandy Beck Bridge towards Brandlingill.
At the end of the rough lane they turned right heading for Paddle School, where they joined the main road to the Sheep Centre.
Sue and John feeling worse for wear after Sue's birthday took the easy route along the A66 to Dubwath, then onto the old road through Embleton.
From Embleton it was over Slate Fell into Cockermouth, and on to the Sheep Centre.
Sue and Paul left Eaglesfield to ride up Whinlatter from the Lorton side, to visit the visitor centre to see the Ospreys.
Dianne did a short ride to see a friend at Broughton Cross, before making her way to the Sheep Centre.
Anita headed to Whitehaven to join the cycle path to Rowrah then switched between the main road and lanes before arriving at the lunch venue.
Round the table joining two wheelers were Maurice, Joe, Tracy, Michelle and Peter.
This was to be the Solway's last lunch at the Sheep Centre, due to its closure on Sunday the 1st May.
After lunch and chat member began to leave in different directions on two and four wheels back home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 20th April.
Seventeen members made it to the start line In Allonby, on a sunny morning with a slight westerly breeze.
First port of call was the cafe for the usual tea and coffee, some deciding to soak up the sun instead.
Eventually the group the largest to date set of heading for Westnewton and Langrigg to join the A596, after a short climb the group turned right.
Some having missed the turn continued along the A596, only to retrace their wheel tracks back to the junction.
All together again it was on through the quiet lanes to Waterside, crossing the A596 at Waverton to join the B5302 at Waverbridge.
A short distance on the B5302 the group turned right to Lessonhall to follow the River Waver towards Abbey Town.
Leaving Abbey Town ignoring the closed road sign the group continued on to the damaged bridge and road caused by the storms in December.
Safely negotiating the damage it was onto Seaville for lunch at Cups and Saucers.
After lunch the group set of into a cold wind headed by Maurice towards the main road were the group split.
Turning right of the main road the two groups headed for Balladoyle to join the B5301 before turning right to Wolsty Hall where the two groups joined up.
Following well known lanes through Newtown and Holme St Cuthbert the group stopped in Maybray for a group photo.
Missing from the photo were Sue and Paul who had managed to take a wrong turning finishing up on the coast road at Bankmill.
All were reunited back in Allonby to load bikes and say their farewells.
Chairman's Run – Sunday 17th April – Parkside Hotel, Frizington.
On a sunny and slightly breezy day 14 riders met at Margo's Cafe at the top end of Egremont for tea and coffee prior to the start of the Chairman's Run. They were John and Sue, Dianne, Roy, Paul and Sue, Michelle and Peter, John R, Maggie and Stewart, Anita, Steve L, and Maurice.
After coffee and tea had been consumed the group started down Egremont Main Street and up to St. Thomas's Cross and then onto the Cyclepath through Thornhill. Crossing the A595 it was then up Thorny Lane to pass through Carleton and along the only bit of rough stuff on the run to turn right onto Egremont/Haile road to pass through the Carletonmoor Woods. Then it was a descent to Haile church only to climb up to Haile Village. A right was taken and just after Orchard Brow Farm a left to pass Sheepfields Farm and Robertgate Wood and then to turn left up the steep beginning of the long climb over Cold Fell. After struggling up this first bit of the climb the riders rode over the flat region passing Abbey Flatts to reach the next climb to the top of Cold Fell.
The next climb was after passing and crossing the two cattle grids at Cold Fell Gate. This climb up and over Swarth Fell was not so steep or as long as when ascending Cold Fell but the views were exceptional and the steep descent was fast for some!!
At the bottom of Swarth Fell the riders regrouped then turned left along Long Moor to drop down to the side of the River Ehen passing a clutch of Primroses, which showed that we were in the middle of the spring season, then to cross the river after passing Hazelholme Farm using Wath Bridge and then to climb up to Wath Brow. Here John R turned for his home at Whitehaven while the rest turned right on the A5806 on the Frizington road to arrive the Parkside Hotel for a welcome break and lunch.
Joe and Frances were already seated there having ridden up the Cycleway to Rowrah and back and Shirley arrived soon after the group had got seated.
Paul and Sue left early to get Egremont and their car, Dianne and Michelle also left early to ride home to Cockermouth and Little Clifton and Anita left to visit her mother at Cleator.
After a long chat and eating a good lunch Shirley, Joe and France left for home by car while the riders retraced the route to Wath Bridge where a right was taken along what is locally known as “the Fell Road” to pass over Brisco Mill Bridge to climb up the last hill of the day and arrive at Egremont Main Street and the cars.
John and Sue after saying there goodbyes rode back to their car from Egremont to Whitehaven and Steve L rode back home to Padstow while Maurice said his goodbyes and rode home up to Thornhill.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 13th April.
Another wet morning as members made their way to Braithwaite, they were Dianne, Maurice, John R and Steve.
Leaving Braithwaite with the rain still falling, the group made their way along the A66 to Keswick, this was followed by the climb to High Briary
With the rain easing of the group finally arrived at the community cafe in Threlkeld, to find Maurice having decided to start from Threlkeld.
Following Sustrans Sea to Sea route the group used the cycle way and old road by the A66, climbing most of the way to Troutbeck.
Regrouping after the climb it was all downhill to the lunch stop at Cocklakes just of the A66, a first for all.
After a good lunch and a look round the Farm Shop it was time to leave, just as the rain started again.
Crossing the A66 (eight times in total)it was onto the old road to Troutbeck, to join the back road and the fast descent to Wallthwaite.
After the climb from Wallthwaite, was followed by more downhill to Threlkeld were Maurice said goodbye.
More climbing as the group tackled Burns Brow, regrouping for the descent into Keswick and final run back to Braithwaite.
Sunday 10th April Kirkstile Inn Loweswater.
A bright start to the day with snow on the mountains along with a light frost as Sue, John and Roy left Braithwaite.
Meanwhile John R was leaving Whitehaven, while Anita was setting off from Sandwith.
Although not together they followed the same route along the cycle track to Rowrah then on through Lamplugh to Fangs Brow, followed by the descent to Loweswater.
The Braithwaite trio followed the closed bit of the A66 overlooking Bass Lake, having to negotiating heavy plant working on the road.
Leaving the A66 it was onto the old road to Embleton to meet up with Michelle and Stewart outside the Wheatsheaf.
They then followed the road over Slate Fell to the green way, to join the Lorton road to the Kirkstile.
Brian and Tracy on their tandem trike did a circuit round Thackthwaite and back Down the Lorton valley.
Maurice set of from the Kirkstile (with pot of tea on his mind) for Buttermere, only getting as far as the castle grid at Lanthwaite with gear trouble.
Thirteen members made it for lunch, the none cyclists being Frances, Joe and Peter, having use of the back room.
After a good lunch members began to leave, heading back the way they had arrived on two and four wheels.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 6th April
Not such a good morning with a strong westerly wind and heavy showers, wintery at times, followed members had they made their way to the Sheep Centre.
They were Maurice, Maggie, Stewart, Roy, Steve, Sue, John and Johnny.
With the rain having stopped but with the wind still blowing it was decision time, after a lot of ifs and buts, Maurice, Maggie and Stewart decided to go back home.
Finally the group of five set off heading through the back streets of Cockermouth to join the main road by the Lakes Centre.
It was then onto Brigham into a strong head wind, before crossing the A66 to Broughton Craggs, followed by the drag up to Tallentire.
After the welcome descent from Tallentire, the group turned right to Gilcrux with a following wind all the way to Bothel.
Changing direction in Bothel was straight into the wind, before joining the A591 into a cross wind for the last mile to the Craggs.
Arriving at the Craggs dry was not what one was expecting, with heavy showers forecast.
Joining the group for lunch were Pat and Anita both having driven out from home.
After lunch and a good old chat it was time to leave, just as it decided to throw a wintery shower, sending them back into the cafe.
Shower over the group set off along the A591 leaving Johnny behind to get a lift back home with Pat.
Turning right at Castle Inn, it was into the wind through Embleton, as the tail end of shower passed over Slate Fell, before arriving in Cockermouth.
It was then onto the green way for final push to the Sheep Centre and parked cars and a welcome drink in the Centre.
Sunday 3rd April Club Run Stag Inn Crosby.
Following an invite from Sue C for coffee before the ride member’s made their way to Eaglesfield.
Down as a club ride from the Sheep Centre some decided to wait in case someone had not been told.
That turned out to be the case, Steve turning up not aware of the change, after a cup of coffee the group decided they better make their way to Eaglsfield.
Just about to leave a phone call from Paul to John, decided we could meet in or around Brigham.
The timing was perfect with the two groups merging together in the centre of Brigham, after brief stop the group moved off to Bridgefoot.
It was then the usual route done many times through Workington to join the Cycle track to Maryport, joining up with Michelle at Siddick.
With a following wind the group finally arrived in Maryport to meet up with Peter, increasing the group to twelve.
They were Sue, Paul, Maggie, Stewart, Dianne, John R, Sue, John, Roy, Steve, Michelle and Peter.
Again a brief stop the group continued along the promenade to join the Allonby cycle track as far as Crosscanonby road end.
This was followed by the climb through Crosscanonby to join the main A596 to the Stag inn at Crosby.
Having had their lunch due to the late arrival of the group were France's, Joe, Tracy and Brian,
Tracy and Brian having done a circular ride before lunch.
After lunch that turned out to be a mixture of good and bad, members began to leave in two's and three's, leaving six to do a longer ride.
Eventually after a long chat the six including Peter decided to move headed back in their wheel tracks to Workington, saying goodbye to Peter in Maryport.
A brief stop on the footbridge over the River Derwent, one could see the damage caused by the flood back in December.
It was then on through Workington following the cycle track to Distington, Lillyhall and Chapel Brow.
Saying goodbye to Michelle and John R in Bridgfoot the remainder of the group made their way back to the Sheep Centre.