Trip to Callander 28th - 31st March 2019
Thursday 28th March
A fine sunny morning.
Anita, Maurice and Roy left Braithwaite in Tom's car at 9:15 am and a stop was made at Gretna Services to meet up with Bacca and Tracy who had all the bikes in their van, and Jim Lawley ( a trike friend) from Barrow in his camper van. With Bacca and Tracy now leading the way the group had a coffee stop at Hamilton, and then Tom led the way to Callander arriving at 12:15 pm.
After booking in and having lunch the group climbed the very steep hill up and over to the Brachlinn Falls, followed by a ride to on the south side of Loch Venachar as far as the sailing club, and returned by the same route. After arriving back at the hostel the group were introduced to Roy's Granddaughter, Mika, who works at the hostel.
The group enjoyed a good meal at the Riverside Hotel, a 10 minute walk from the hostel. (91/2 miles)
Friday 29th March
Dry and cloudy
Joining the cycle path near the hostel, pleasant ride through woods and alongside the River Tieth, then alongside Loch Lubnaig, then onto Strathyre for a coffee stop. Then another pleasant ride alongside the river to Balquhidder, with a stop to see Rob Roy's grave.
Tracy and Bacca, Jim and Maurice decided to return the same route stopping at Strathyre for lunch. Anita, Tom, Tom and Roy rode 4 miles further to the end of Loch Voil and had lunch at Monachyle Mhor Hotel, then returned the same route arriving at the hostel at 4:45 pm.
Dinner at the Riverside Hotel again, where the group was joined by Roy's daughter, Sue and son-in-law Matt. (33miles)
Saturday 30th March
Leaving the hostel on the A81, turning left after 2 miles onto the B8032 to Deaston Distillery where the group went on a conducted tour. After refreshments in the Distillery Cafe, returned along the A826 – a very hilly route via Thornhill then to Callander arriving at the hostel at 1:15 pm.
In the afternoon Roy went to visit his family, and the group went by car to Falkirk to see the Kelpies – a large sculpture of horses heads.That night the group ate again in the Riverside Hotel. (18miles)
Sunday 31st March
Overnight frost but no ice on the roads.
Rode up the track alongside Loch Lubnaig, as for as the cafe at Log Cabin Holiday Homes then back to the hostel.
Then loaded the bikes onto the van starting off home stopping for lunch at the Annandale Services. (9miles).
Sunday 24th March Kirkstile Inn Loweswater.
Members made their own routes to get to the Kirkstile on a very windy day but dry until early in the afternoon.
Maurice, Tom, Anita and John R parked their cars in the Kirkstile car park and followed Maurice on a point collecting exercise.
First up was the track from Loweswater over to Mosser not much of a bike ride but more like a walk. (2points)
Next was Whinfell more of a ride if you like dodging pot holes and loose gravel, (2 more points) once in Lorton it was on a more suitable road back to the Kirkstile.
Clive made his way to Trough Bridge to join Maggie and Stewart who would test Clive on his new bike up the hill out of Wythop Mill.
On reaching Lorton they took the quieter road to Hope Beck to avoid the busy valley road only to join it for the final run to the Kirkstile
Dianne on her own arrived at the Kirkstile early, having taken note of the state of the road through Thackthwaite with all its pot holes etc.
The Braithwaite trio made their way to Cockermouth into the wind where they joined the Greenway to the Lorton road.
It was then straight down the valley with Sue on the front, who after crossing the river took the first left for a slight detour to the Kirkstile.
Tracy and Brian having parked the van by the Pheasant at Dubwath did their own thing on two wheels.
Joining the two wheelers for lunch was Steve still recovering from his knee problem.
With the back room in the Inn reserved for the group, courtesy of Sue, a good meal and banter was had, before members made a move.
John R, Anita and Tom needing more miles headed off to Buttermere, while Maurice content with his four points headed for home.
The rest excluding Steve made their way via Thackthwaite to Lorton to join the main road where they turned right to Armaside.
With rain forecast for the afternoon it came as no surprise as the heavens opened just before the Hundith road.
With the group split and the rain quite heavy, along with the strong wind it was on with waterproof trousers, with Dianne already prepared she disappeared up the road.
By the time the Braithwaite trio had got to the A66 the rain had stopped for dry run back to Braithwaite.
Maggie, Stewart and Clive who also stopped because of the rain found their way back to Trough Bridge.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 20th March Allonby
Starting from the Melbreak on another windy morning were Maurice, Maggie, Stewart, Sue, John, Roy, Tom, Janet, Ivan, John R and Anita.
Anita looking sun tanned had just got back from three months in the southern hemisphere
Joining them for tea, coffee and the chat were Dianne and John, Dianne deciding not to cycle after just having surgery on her foot.
Eventually Maurice got the group to make a move and with him on the front they made their way to Workington to join the cycle track to Maryport.
Maggie and Stewart had decided to have their lunch at the Aquarium and would cycle through to Allonby.
Meanwhile the rest continued onto Allonby with a following wind that had been with them from Workington, joining them for lunch were Sue, Paul and Steve L who had driven out.
After lunch and chat it had been decided on a different route back via Gilcrux and Tallentire where the group split on three occasions on the drags.
After regrouping in Tallentire they made their way towards Great Broughton saying goodbye to Janet and Ivan on the way.
On the short climbs the group kept splitting not to mention the number of chain's that came off before they all got back safely to the Melbreak.
Sunday 17th March Ennerdale Brewery Rowrah.
Starting from Braithwaite were Sue, John and Tom on a much better morning from the previous day when it rained with strong winds for most of the day.
Although it was dry there was a strong westerly wind as they made their way over Whinlatter with streams of water running down the side of the road.
On reaching Lorton they stopped to get some circulation back in John's hands by adding thin plastic gloves inside his gloves.(a freebie from the filling station).
With water and debris on the road they made their way through Thackthwaite to join the road past Loweswater followed by the climb up Fangs Brow.
Once over Fangs it was mostly downhill to Lamplugh where they joined the main road to Rowrah, the ride out had been identical to a month ago with a strong head wind.
Already sat having lunch were Tracy, Brian, Catherine, Maurice, Steve H, Dave, Steve L, Dianne, Roy, Clive, Maggie and Stewart.
Roy having parked his car by Mockerkin Tarn decided on the hilly option by making his way into Ullock where he turned left after crossing the River Marron to Dean Cross.
After the steep climb to Dean Cross, was followed by the fast descent towards Asby, this was followed by more climbing to reach the lunch stop.
Maggie, Stewart and Clive having parked their vehicles at the Brewers Fayre turning left out of the car park onto the A5086 to Paddle School.
Turning right at Paddle School it was onto Eaglesfield, Dean and Ullock to join the A5086 again to Lamplugh Church before joining A5086 again to Kirkland.
Eventually after all the climbing it was mostly downhill to the Ennerdale Brewery for lunch.
Joining the latter for lunch was Paul who had been out earlier on his new e-bike round Southwaite.
With lunch and the usual chat over members began to leave on four and two wheels heading east and west.
The two wheel members split although all heading in the Cockermouth direction, Roy going back to his car at Mockerkin via Dean Cross.
While Maggie, Stewart and Clive headed back to the Brewers Fayer almost the same way they had ridden out.
Sue, John and Tom continued on the A5086 to Paddle School where they tuned right to Southwaite, Hundith to eventually join the A66 back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 13th March Buttermere by John Rowell
Eleven of us met at brewers fare Cockermouth they were Maurice, Dianne, John, Janet, Ivan, Stewart, Roy, Tom, Sue, John and John R. At 10 am after a chat over tea/ coffee the majority decided not to ride to Buttermere because of the weather forecast (wind and squally showers) only two riders decided to chance it, Tom and J. R.
They left at about 10-30am riding towards Cockermouth to join the Greenway by the old fire station. After half a mile or so they turned sharp right to join the Cockermouth Lorton road, the B5292. With a tail wind they made good time and sat down for lunch (bait in Cumbrian) at Croft house farm cafe in Buttermere village. The cafe was fairly quiet but they both enjoyed a sit and natter. After 40 minutes or so they headed back by the same route to join the Cockermouth greenway at Strawberry How to retrace their wheels back to Brewers Fayre. They were pretty lucky as no rain and fairly sheltered on the return ride back. Except when rounding Rannerdale Knot, where the head wind almost stopped them. But we were glad we took the chance as the road was pretty free of traffic and the weather was kind to them.
Sunday 10th March Craggs Bothel
Leaving Braithwaite on a wet morning Sue and John made their way to the Brewers Fayre with his mobile phone ringing continually.
As they travelled west along the A66 the weather got worse, by the time they got to Dubwath the rain had turned to snow.
Cars travelling in the opposite direction were covered in snow an indication that it was getting worse.
By the time they reached the Brewers Fayre there was a two inch covering of snow on the road with the snow still falling.
It came as no surprise to find no one in the lounge, except for residents, with a welcome mug of coffee John scrolled through his phone to answer all the mist calls.
Maurice had set of from home but turned round as the weather got worse so did Roy who turned round to follow the gritter back along the A66.
Only Tracy, Brian, Janet and Ivan made it to the Craggs for lunch albeit on four wheels.
Autumn Tints Thursday 7th March. Start from Brewers Fare. By Clive Wylie
Maurice was first to be seen through the window, sitting in the warmth clasping his coffeebut not in his cycling gear.
Then Stewart and Clive arrived followed by Roy, back from his French holiday, and .well kitted out in wet weather gear. Shortly after, Ivan and Janet arrived ready for cycling. John and Sue turned upbut not intending to cycle as they had other priorities.
There was quite a bit of chat but mostly about the weather and Buttermere was decided against. Instead a very short circuit was preferred. It was still cold and raining at 10.15 when Roy, Ivan, Janet and Clive set off up to left turn at Paddle School, downhill to Abbeygate Bridge, turning left to Southwaite bridge. Just before the sharp right hander at Southwaite Mill there was a cracking view through tall trees of the River Cocker boiling it’s way down to the bridge (must remember to come back with paints and easel in better weather).
Southwaite Bridge is now open again after what looks like a lot of work has been carried out on the pointing of the bridge walls. It’s road surface has been newly covered in tarmac as well. All very smart.
We made our way up past Hundith Hill Hotel with Janet bombing along ahead followed by Ivan with Roy and I following, although I struggled a bit going uphill and Roy was good enough to wait for me (must get in more hill climbing practice!!).
Ivan and Janet decided to carry on and cross the A66 at Lambfoot and make their way home to Cockermouth via the Embleton Road but before that Roy and I turned left along Strawberry How Road, turning off to the right onto the cycle track back into Cockermouth giving us a good look at work progressing on the new Lidl!
Back up to Brewers Fare, cars home for a hot shower!
Sunday 3rd March Wheatsheaf Lorton.
That time of year when the weather can be unpredictable, so the weather change from record temperatures at the beginning of the week to cold and windy.
With rain forecast for later in the day only four made it by bike they were Sue, John, Maggie and Stewart.
Sue and John left Braithwaite heading for Cockermouth where they joined the Lorton road via the Greenway.
Maggie and Stewart made their way out of Wythop Mill by negotiating the steep climb, followed by the undulating road towards Hundith and Lorton.
Joining the two wheelers were Maurice, Steve, Tom, Janet and Ivan, Tracy and Brian dressed in cycling gear had obviously been for a spin.
After a good lunch and natter it was agreed to change the Wednesday ride to Thursday due to the forecast.
That sorted members began to leave the way they had arrived, not to mention Tom in his new car.
With rain forecast for the afternoon Sue and John delaying their start with talking too much got caught in the rain before reaching Braithwaite.
Thursday 28th March
A fine sunny morning.
Anita, Maurice and Roy left Braithwaite in Tom's car at 9:15 am and a stop was made at Gretna Services to meet up with Bacca and Tracy who had all the bikes in their van, and Jim Lawley ( a trike friend) from Barrow in his camper van. With Bacca and Tracy now leading the way the group had a coffee stop at Hamilton, and then Tom led the way to Callander arriving at 12:15 pm.
After booking in and having lunch the group climbed the very steep hill up and over to the Brachlinn Falls, followed by a ride to on the south side of Loch Venachar as far as the sailing club, and returned by the same route. After arriving back at the hostel the group were introduced to Roy's Granddaughter, Mika, who works at the hostel.
The group enjoyed a good meal at the Riverside Hotel, a 10 minute walk from the hostel. (91/2 miles)
Friday 29th March
Dry and cloudy
Joining the cycle path near the hostel, pleasant ride through woods and alongside the River Tieth, then alongside Loch Lubnaig, then onto Strathyre for a coffee stop. Then another pleasant ride alongside the river to Balquhidder, with a stop to see Rob Roy's grave.
Tracy and Bacca, Jim and Maurice decided to return the same route stopping at Strathyre for lunch. Anita, Tom, Tom and Roy rode 4 miles further to the end of Loch Voil and had lunch at Monachyle Mhor Hotel, then returned the same route arriving at the hostel at 4:45 pm.
Dinner at the Riverside Hotel again, where the group was joined by Roy's daughter, Sue and son-in-law Matt. (33miles)
Saturday 30th March
Leaving the hostel on the A81, turning left after 2 miles onto the B8032 to Deaston Distillery where the group went on a conducted tour. After refreshments in the Distillery Cafe, returned along the A826 – a very hilly route via Thornhill then to Callander arriving at the hostel at 1:15 pm.
In the afternoon Roy went to visit his family, and the group went by car to Falkirk to see the Kelpies – a large sculpture of horses heads.That night the group ate again in the Riverside Hotel. (18miles)
Sunday 31st March
Overnight frost but no ice on the roads.
Rode up the track alongside Loch Lubnaig, as for as the cafe at Log Cabin Holiday Homes then back to the hostel.
Then loaded the bikes onto the van starting off home stopping for lunch at the Annandale Services. (9miles).
Sunday 24th March Kirkstile Inn Loweswater.
Members made their own routes to get to the Kirkstile on a very windy day but dry until early in the afternoon.
Maurice, Tom, Anita and John R parked their cars in the Kirkstile car park and followed Maurice on a point collecting exercise.
First up was the track from Loweswater over to Mosser not much of a bike ride but more like a walk. (2points)
Next was Whinfell more of a ride if you like dodging pot holes and loose gravel, (2 more points) once in Lorton it was on a more suitable road back to the Kirkstile.
Clive made his way to Trough Bridge to join Maggie and Stewart who would test Clive on his new bike up the hill out of Wythop Mill.
On reaching Lorton they took the quieter road to Hope Beck to avoid the busy valley road only to join it for the final run to the Kirkstile
Dianne on her own arrived at the Kirkstile early, having taken note of the state of the road through Thackthwaite with all its pot holes etc.
The Braithwaite trio made their way to Cockermouth into the wind where they joined the Greenway to the Lorton road.
It was then straight down the valley with Sue on the front, who after crossing the river took the first left for a slight detour to the Kirkstile.
Tracy and Brian having parked the van by the Pheasant at Dubwath did their own thing on two wheels.
Joining the two wheelers for lunch was Steve still recovering from his knee problem.
With the back room in the Inn reserved for the group, courtesy of Sue, a good meal and banter was had, before members made a move.
John R, Anita and Tom needing more miles headed off to Buttermere, while Maurice content with his four points headed for home.
The rest excluding Steve made their way via Thackthwaite to Lorton to join the main road where they turned right to Armaside.
With rain forecast for the afternoon it came as no surprise as the heavens opened just before the Hundith road.
With the group split and the rain quite heavy, along with the strong wind it was on with waterproof trousers, with Dianne already prepared she disappeared up the road.
By the time the Braithwaite trio had got to the A66 the rain had stopped for dry run back to Braithwaite.
Maggie, Stewart and Clive who also stopped because of the rain found their way back to Trough Bridge.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 20th March Allonby
Starting from the Melbreak on another windy morning were Maurice, Maggie, Stewart, Sue, John, Roy, Tom, Janet, Ivan, John R and Anita.
Anita looking sun tanned had just got back from three months in the southern hemisphere
Joining them for tea, coffee and the chat were Dianne and John, Dianne deciding not to cycle after just having surgery on her foot.
Eventually Maurice got the group to make a move and with him on the front they made their way to Workington to join the cycle track to Maryport.
Maggie and Stewart had decided to have their lunch at the Aquarium and would cycle through to Allonby.
Meanwhile the rest continued onto Allonby with a following wind that had been with them from Workington, joining them for lunch were Sue, Paul and Steve L who had driven out.
After lunch and chat it had been decided on a different route back via Gilcrux and Tallentire where the group split on three occasions on the drags.
After regrouping in Tallentire they made their way towards Great Broughton saying goodbye to Janet and Ivan on the way.
On the short climbs the group kept splitting not to mention the number of chain's that came off before they all got back safely to the Melbreak.
Sunday 17th March Ennerdale Brewery Rowrah.
Starting from Braithwaite were Sue, John and Tom on a much better morning from the previous day when it rained with strong winds for most of the day.
Although it was dry there was a strong westerly wind as they made their way over Whinlatter with streams of water running down the side of the road.
On reaching Lorton they stopped to get some circulation back in John's hands by adding thin plastic gloves inside his gloves.(a freebie from the filling station).
With water and debris on the road they made their way through Thackthwaite to join the road past Loweswater followed by the climb up Fangs Brow.
Once over Fangs it was mostly downhill to Lamplugh where they joined the main road to Rowrah, the ride out had been identical to a month ago with a strong head wind.
Already sat having lunch were Tracy, Brian, Catherine, Maurice, Steve H, Dave, Steve L, Dianne, Roy, Clive, Maggie and Stewart.
Roy having parked his car by Mockerkin Tarn decided on the hilly option by making his way into Ullock where he turned left after crossing the River Marron to Dean Cross.
After the steep climb to Dean Cross, was followed by the fast descent towards Asby, this was followed by more climbing to reach the lunch stop.
Maggie, Stewart and Clive having parked their vehicles at the Brewers Fayre turning left out of the car park onto the A5086 to Paddle School.
Turning right at Paddle School it was onto Eaglesfield, Dean and Ullock to join the A5086 again to Lamplugh Church before joining A5086 again to Kirkland.
Eventually after all the climbing it was mostly downhill to the Ennerdale Brewery for lunch.
Joining the latter for lunch was Paul who had been out earlier on his new e-bike round Southwaite.
With lunch and the usual chat over members began to leave on four and two wheels heading east and west.
The two wheel members split although all heading in the Cockermouth direction, Roy going back to his car at Mockerkin via Dean Cross.
While Maggie, Stewart and Clive headed back to the Brewers Fayer almost the same way they had ridden out.
Sue, John and Tom continued on the A5086 to Paddle School where they tuned right to Southwaite, Hundith to eventually join the A66 back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 13th March Buttermere by John Rowell
Eleven of us met at brewers fare Cockermouth they were Maurice, Dianne, John, Janet, Ivan, Stewart, Roy, Tom, Sue, John and John R. At 10 am after a chat over tea/ coffee the majority decided not to ride to Buttermere because of the weather forecast (wind and squally showers) only two riders decided to chance it, Tom and J. R.
They left at about 10-30am riding towards Cockermouth to join the Greenway by the old fire station. After half a mile or so they turned sharp right to join the Cockermouth Lorton road, the B5292. With a tail wind they made good time and sat down for lunch (bait in Cumbrian) at Croft house farm cafe in Buttermere village. The cafe was fairly quiet but they both enjoyed a sit and natter. After 40 minutes or so they headed back by the same route to join the Cockermouth greenway at Strawberry How to retrace their wheels back to Brewers Fayre. They were pretty lucky as no rain and fairly sheltered on the return ride back. Except when rounding Rannerdale Knot, where the head wind almost stopped them. But we were glad we took the chance as the road was pretty free of traffic and the weather was kind to them.
Sunday 10th March Craggs Bothel
Leaving Braithwaite on a wet morning Sue and John made their way to the Brewers Fayre with his mobile phone ringing continually.
As they travelled west along the A66 the weather got worse, by the time they got to Dubwath the rain had turned to snow.
Cars travelling in the opposite direction were covered in snow an indication that it was getting worse.
By the time they reached the Brewers Fayre there was a two inch covering of snow on the road with the snow still falling.
It came as no surprise to find no one in the lounge, except for residents, with a welcome mug of coffee John scrolled through his phone to answer all the mist calls.
Maurice had set of from home but turned round as the weather got worse so did Roy who turned round to follow the gritter back along the A66.
Only Tracy, Brian, Janet and Ivan made it to the Craggs for lunch albeit on four wheels.
Autumn Tints Thursday 7th March. Start from Brewers Fare. By Clive Wylie
Maurice was first to be seen through the window, sitting in the warmth clasping his coffeebut not in his cycling gear.
Then Stewart and Clive arrived followed by Roy, back from his French holiday, and .well kitted out in wet weather gear. Shortly after, Ivan and Janet arrived ready for cycling. John and Sue turned upbut not intending to cycle as they had other priorities.
There was quite a bit of chat but mostly about the weather and Buttermere was decided against. Instead a very short circuit was preferred. It was still cold and raining at 10.15 when Roy, Ivan, Janet and Clive set off up to left turn at Paddle School, downhill to Abbeygate Bridge, turning left to Southwaite bridge. Just before the sharp right hander at Southwaite Mill there was a cracking view through tall trees of the River Cocker boiling it’s way down to the bridge (must remember to come back with paints and easel in better weather).
Southwaite Bridge is now open again after what looks like a lot of work has been carried out on the pointing of the bridge walls. It’s road surface has been newly covered in tarmac as well. All very smart.
We made our way up past Hundith Hill Hotel with Janet bombing along ahead followed by Ivan with Roy and I following, although I struggled a bit going uphill and Roy was good enough to wait for me (must get in more hill climbing practice!!).
Ivan and Janet decided to carry on and cross the A66 at Lambfoot and make their way home to Cockermouth via the Embleton Road but before that Roy and I turned left along Strawberry How Road, turning off to the right onto the cycle track back into Cockermouth giving us a good look at work progressing on the new Lidl!
Back up to Brewers Fare, cars home for a hot shower!
Sunday 3rd March Wheatsheaf Lorton.
That time of year when the weather can be unpredictable, so the weather change from record temperatures at the beginning of the week to cold and windy.
With rain forecast for later in the day only four made it by bike they were Sue, John, Maggie and Stewart.
Sue and John left Braithwaite heading for Cockermouth where they joined the Lorton road via the Greenway.
Maggie and Stewart made their way out of Wythop Mill by negotiating the steep climb, followed by the undulating road towards Hundith and Lorton.
Joining the two wheelers were Maurice, Steve, Tom, Janet and Ivan, Tracy and Brian dressed in cycling gear had obviously been for a spin.
After a good lunch and natter it was agreed to change the Wednesday ride to Thursday due to the forecast.
That sorted members began to leave the way they had arrived, not to mention Tom in his new car.
With rain forecast for the afternoon Sue and John delaying their start with talking too much got caught in the rain before reaching Braithwaite.