Wednesday 28th November Chalet Cafe, Portinscale by Maurice Cowley
On a cold and overcast day but with a forecast of getting better meeting at Roy's, Braithwaite were Tom, Maurice, Dianne, Maggie, Roy, Clive and Stuart Pike. The group was graciously supplied with tea and biscuits by Roy's wife Ruth. While there they agreed to a bit of points hunting for the Tour Competition round Derwent Water.
They set of using the cycle path alongside the A66 and through Keswick and down the Borrowdale Valley to gain points at Derwent Water and the telephone kiosk down Stonethwaite. The route was then reversed back up the Borrowdale Valley to take a left through Grange passing Borrowdale Gates Hotel (1 point) and onwards up passing Manesty and up the hill looking over the lake from the backside where Stuart took plenty photos of the views. From there it was downhill at the bottom of Catbells to climb up the hill passing Swinside Triangle (another point). Then it was downhill to the dinnertime stop at the Chalet Cafe, Portinscale where Bacca was waiting for them having cycled from Embleton. Steve L joined the group for his lunch later.
Bacca and Maurice were the first to leave riding back to the A66 to reach Braithwaite and Maurice's Car where Bacca rode on to Embleton to his van.
Stuart left the group to ride home to Cockermouth over Whinlatter. Clive and Maggie followed Maurice's route back to Braithwaite to their transport for home.
This left Dianne Tom and Roy to extend their point hunting. Their route took them through Ullock and up to Swinside and down to Stair to turn a sharp left for a long climb up to Little Town and then descend to visit Newlands Church. Then it was a climb up to the Newlands Valley high road passing above Stair and Little Braithwaite to reach Braithwaite and their transport home.
Sunday 24th November Parkside Hotel Cleator by Dianne Moyes
A select group made their way to the Parkside Hotel near Cleator Moor on a very grey day. Roy cycled the furthest (24 miles) having come from home via Embleton, Dean, Dean Cross, Asby and the cycleway from Rowrah. At Braithwaite it was clear but he rode into fog and drizzle before the weather improved as he got south. Dianne set off in fog and kept to the eastern side of the A5086 to avoid having to cross it in the fog. She was very grateful for the excellent lights on the e bike. She came via Pardshaw, Mockerkin, Lamplugh, Kirkland , Ennerdale Bridge and Wath Brow. Bacca and Tracy arrived by car. Maurice had been out point collecting. He had parked his car outside The Parkside Inn and rode up the cycle path to Winder and then left it to ride up to the A5086 to ride toward Frizington. After about 200yards he turned right towards Steel Brow to get to the track to Bleak House after which he rode up to Frizington and then down to Parkside again. While riding down it had started to rain hard so he sheltered in his car until it stopped. After this he again used the cycle path to pass through Moor Row and leave it to ride up the A595 to travel through Bigrigg and ride up to the track to Watson Hill and then retrace his route back through Bigrigg and drop down to Woodend and ride to the cycle path at Moor Row and up to Parkside to join the rest of the club. Tom rode from home along the cycle track from Whitehaven but reported having a good 30 mile ride the day before when the weather was better. A little later Steve and Romy arrived by car and were pleased to find vegetarian sausages on the menu.
After the usual good chat and with Dianne showing off pictures of her singing husband, we all headed out to make our way home. Dianne and Roy rode together along the cycleway to its end near Lamplugh School, then to Kirkland and Lamplugh Church. By this time they were back into the fog so Dianne decided not to go over Fangs Brow with Roy but to go home the straightest way via Mockerkin and Sosgill. She left Roy disappearing into the murk but with plenty of charge in his battery to get home over Fangs then Whinlatter, he probably did well over 40 miles.
Wednesday 20th November Ennerdale Brewery Rowrah
On cold morning with an easterly wind John M left Braithwaite heading over Whinlatter to Lorton.
To avoid the cold wind he took the more sheltered road through Thackthwaite to eventually join the road along the side of Loweswater, followed by the climb up Fangs Brow.
Once over Fangs it was mostly downhill to Lamplugh, this was followed by more climbing through Fellside where he caught up with Sue and Paul who had ridden out from home.
Having reached the junction above Croasdale it was mostly all downhill to Kirkland and the lunch stop at Rowrah.
Having arrived a few minutes earlier were the group from Summer Grove they were Dianne, Roy, Tom, Stuart, and John R. plus Maurice and Steve having arrived by car, along with Brian who ridden out.
They had left Summer Grove to join the cycle way to Egremont here they took the low fell road to Wath Brow turning right by the bridge to Ennerdale.
From Ennerdale it was up the climb to Kirkland village where they turned left for the final downhill run to the lunch stop.
After a good lunch and with some about to leave Johnny walked through the door to join the rest for the chat.
Eventually the groups began to make a move Dianne, John and Johnny headed for Kirkland while the rest made their way back to Summer Grove and parked vehicles.
On reaching Kirkland they said goodbye to Johnny who continued on following the sea to sea route to Fellside.
Turning left in Kirkland Dianne and John made their way to Lamplugh church where the parted, John going via Fangs and the gated road back over Whinlatter. While Dianne followed the lanes back to Cockermouth.
Sunday 17th November Club Run Allonby Cafe.
Six members met at the Melbreak Hotel for tea and coffee before settling of for Allonby they were Maurice, Roy, Tom, Anita, Sue, Paul and the two John's.
Maurice not out for the ride would drive through to Allonby while Sue and Paul would park up near Allonby and due a shorter ride.
Leaving the Melbreak they took the usual route via Great Clifton and Stainburn to join the cycle route through Curwin Park.
Still following the cycle route they eventually arrived in Maryport to find Sue and Paul unloading their bikes.
After a quick chat, the group carried on leaving Sue and Paul who would see them for lunch at the cafe.
Seated on arrival were Tracy and Brian plus Dianne and Maurice, Dianne having ridden out from home by herself.
After lunch and the usual banter, Dianne was left to decide a route back this would include a few hills, so Anita decided to go back the same way.
Leaving Allonby along the coast road the group turned left at Mealo House to follow the lanes to join the A596 to Crosby Villa.
Turning of the busy A596 took them via Bullgill and Tallentire where they continued on towards Little Broughton and over the river into Brigham.
Here they said goodbye to Dianne while the rest continued on to the Melbreak and parked cars.
Wednesday 13th November Croft House Farm Cafe, Buttermere by Roy Jackson
On a fine but very cold morning, Tom, Clive, Stuart Pike, John R, Dianne, Maggie and Brian (a volunteer with Sustrans), gathered for a ride – John Moyes, Sue and Paul, Maurice and Laurie (another Sustrans volunteer) joined the group for coffee.
With Dianne in the lead the group set off for Paddle School, then turned left to Rogerscale, then Lorton, followed by a ride up the Hopebeck road. They had a slight headwind along Crummock Water where the trees along the way were a lovely colour.
Lunch was at the Croft House Farm Cafe, where the extension is now nearly finished. Maurice joined them for lunch.
The group returned along Crummock Water, to Lorton, then turned right up the steep hill at Armaside then via Hundith Hill to Paddle School and back to Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 10th November Wheatsheaf Lorton by Dianne Moyes
Members gathered for lunch at the Wheatsheaf Inn Lorton on a beautiful sunny day. Roy and Tom had cycled over Whinlatter, both on e bikes, and into the Lorton Valley, then they went down towards Loweswater before turning right after Scale Hill to reach the Thackthwaite road. After lunch they went back over Whinlatter using the gated road and then took the track to the Force Crag Mine just for the fun of it. Clive parked at my house and we went down the Lorton Valley via Paddle School and the little road from Brandlingill , keeping to the west side in the sunshine. At Foulsyke we stopped to look at the view towards Great Gable, then it was back down the main road along the valley to Lorton. Maggie and Stewart had also ridden out and Janet and Ivan. Maurice had arrived in the car as had John Moyes. It was good to see Sue and John arriving by car, with Sue making steady progress. I hope I haven’t missed anybody as it was over a week ago.
Wednesday 6th November Brewer’s Fayre to Ennerdale Brewery, Rowrah. by Dianne Moyes
John and I were the first to arrive at the meeting point giving me plenty of time to find out about all the work going on there. The scaffolding on the Premier Inn is because the roof was damaged when they fitted the solar panels 8 months ago. Twelve rooms were affected by damp and so the company involved is having to fix it all. The work at the front is to repair and enlarge a waste holding tank ready for the building of the extension at the back. Once I knew what was going on I could enjoy my coffee and the company of Tom, Maggie , Stewart, Roy, and Anita who all turned up to ride. John Rowell had a heavy cold and was staying at home. The weather was dull and cool but dry and we were very lucky that we only had a few spots of rain all day considering the forecast. We headed out via Eaglesfield, Dean and Ullock then climbed the long hill up to Dean Cross where we regrouped. It was then down to Asby and up and down all those drags to Rowrah.
At the cafe, Maurice and Bacca were already settled. Maurice had come out along the cycle track whereas Bacca had got in some miles coming out through Moresby Parks, Branthwaite to Greysouthen before reaching the main road to Rowrah. Jonny and Pat (on her electric bike) had arrived just before us from Pardshaw and a bit later Ivan and Janet arrived by car having been put off by the weather forecast. We enjoyed the warmth, company and food as usual. Maurice and Bacca left first and as the rest of us were preparing to go someone, I think it was Pat or Jonny realised Maurice had left his pannier behind. We tried to contact him with no success so we decided to leave it behind the bar. He wants to thank the people who noticed it and kept it safe for him. He returned in the car later to collect it.
With a bit of rain falling we left the cafe and took the main road towards Cockermouth before turning right towards Kirkland. In Kirkland, Jonny and Pat went straight across to climb up towards the old iron mines and Fell Dyke, the rest of us went left towards Lamplugh. A brief stretch on the main road and we turned right into Lamplugh gradually climbing up to the church. Just after that Maggie and Stewart left us to take the Fangs Brow road to reach home via Loweswater and the Lorton Valley. Tom, Roy, Anita and I carried on through Mockerkin, Pardshaw and Brandlingill to reach Paddle School and the final stretch back to the Brewer’s Fayre.
Sunday, November 3rd, the Posting House, Deanscale by Dianne Moyes
Weather: drizzly rain, dry spells, little wind, low cloud.
Not many people were tempted out on the bike. Bacca cycled from home but Tracy was in the car. Maggie cycled from home but Stewart arrived by car. Tom came to the pub in the car but then just cycled to the Brewer’s Fayre for coffee and back as the weather had closed in. Roy, unusually, was in the car with no bike. Dianne cycled from home via Eaglesfield in turbo as it was raining steadily and then back in the dry. Steve, Dave and Romy arrived in the car. A day with very little cycling to report but most people enjoyed their lunch and the conversation as usual.
On a cold and overcast day but with a forecast of getting better meeting at Roy's, Braithwaite were Tom, Maurice, Dianne, Maggie, Roy, Clive and Stuart Pike. The group was graciously supplied with tea and biscuits by Roy's wife Ruth. While there they agreed to a bit of points hunting for the Tour Competition round Derwent Water.
They set of using the cycle path alongside the A66 and through Keswick and down the Borrowdale Valley to gain points at Derwent Water and the telephone kiosk down Stonethwaite. The route was then reversed back up the Borrowdale Valley to take a left through Grange passing Borrowdale Gates Hotel (1 point) and onwards up passing Manesty and up the hill looking over the lake from the backside where Stuart took plenty photos of the views. From there it was downhill at the bottom of Catbells to climb up the hill passing Swinside Triangle (another point). Then it was downhill to the dinnertime stop at the Chalet Cafe, Portinscale where Bacca was waiting for them having cycled from Embleton. Steve L joined the group for his lunch later.
Bacca and Maurice were the first to leave riding back to the A66 to reach Braithwaite and Maurice's Car where Bacca rode on to Embleton to his van.
Stuart left the group to ride home to Cockermouth over Whinlatter. Clive and Maggie followed Maurice's route back to Braithwaite to their transport for home.
This left Dianne Tom and Roy to extend their point hunting. Their route took them through Ullock and up to Swinside and down to Stair to turn a sharp left for a long climb up to Little Town and then descend to visit Newlands Church. Then it was a climb up to the Newlands Valley high road passing above Stair and Little Braithwaite to reach Braithwaite and their transport home.
Sunday 24th November Parkside Hotel Cleator by Dianne Moyes
A select group made their way to the Parkside Hotel near Cleator Moor on a very grey day. Roy cycled the furthest (24 miles) having come from home via Embleton, Dean, Dean Cross, Asby and the cycleway from Rowrah. At Braithwaite it was clear but he rode into fog and drizzle before the weather improved as he got south. Dianne set off in fog and kept to the eastern side of the A5086 to avoid having to cross it in the fog. She was very grateful for the excellent lights on the e bike. She came via Pardshaw, Mockerkin, Lamplugh, Kirkland , Ennerdale Bridge and Wath Brow. Bacca and Tracy arrived by car. Maurice had been out point collecting. He had parked his car outside The Parkside Inn and rode up the cycle path to Winder and then left it to ride up to the A5086 to ride toward Frizington. After about 200yards he turned right towards Steel Brow to get to the track to Bleak House after which he rode up to Frizington and then down to Parkside again. While riding down it had started to rain hard so he sheltered in his car until it stopped. After this he again used the cycle path to pass through Moor Row and leave it to ride up the A595 to travel through Bigrigg and ride up to the track to Watson Hill and then retrace his route back through Bigrigg and drop down to Woodend and ride to the cycle path at Moor Row and up to Parkside to join the rest of the club. Tom rode from home along the cycle track from Whitehaven but reported having a good 30 mile ride the day before when the weather was better. A little later Steve and Romy arrived by car and were pleased to find vegetarian sausages on the menu.
After the usual good chat and with Dianne showing off pictures of her singing husband, we all headed out to make our way home. Dianne and Roy rode together along the cycleway to its end near Lamplugh School, then to Kirkland and Lamplugh Church. By this time they were back into the fog so Dianne decided not to go over Fangs Brow with Roy but to go home the straightest way via Mockerkin and Sosgill. She left Roy disappearing into the murk but with plenty of charge in his battery to get home over Fangs then Whinlatter, he probably did well over 40 miles.
Wednesday 20th November Ennerdale Brewery Rowrah
On cold morning with an easterly wind John M left Braithwaite heading over Whinlatter to Lorton.
To avoid the cold wind he took the more sheltered road through Thackthwaite to eventually join the road along the side of Loweswater, followed by the climb up Fangs Brow.
Once over Fangs it was mostly downhill to Lamplugh, this was followed by more climbing through Fellside where he caught up with Sue and Paul who had ridden out from home.
Having reached the junction above Croasdale it was mostly all downhill to Kirkland and the lunch stop at Rowrah.
Having arrived a few minutes earlier were the group from Summer Grove they were Dianne, Roy, Tom, Stuart, and John R. plus Maurice and Steve having arrived by car, along with Brian who ridden out.
They had left Summer Grove to join the cycle way to Egremont here they took the low fell road to Wath Brow turning right by the bridge to Ennerdale.
From Ennerdale it was up the climb to Kirkland village where they turned left for the final downhill run to the lunch stop.
After a good lunch and with some about to leave Johnny walked through the door to join the rest for the chat.
Eventually the groups began to make a move Dianne, John and Johnny headed for Kirkland while the rest made their way back to Summer Grove and parked vehicles.
On reaching Kirkland they said goodbye to Johnny who continued on following the sea to sea route to Fellside.
Turning left in Kirkland Dianne and John made their way to Lamplugh church where the parted, John going via Fangs and the gated road back over Whinlatter. While Dianne followed the lanes back to Cockermouth.
Sunday 17th November Club Run Allonby Cafe.
Six members met at the Melbreak Hotel for tea and coffee before settling of for Allonby they were Maurice, Roy, Tom, Anita, Sue, Paul and the two John's.
Maurice not out for the ride would drive through to Allonby while Sue and Paul would park up near Allonby and due a shorter ride.
Leaving the Melbreak they took the usual route via Great Clifton and Stainburn to join the cycle route through Curwin Park.
Still following the cycle route they eventually arrived in Maryport to find Sue and Paul unloading their bikes.
After a quick chat, the group carried on leaving Sue and Paul who would see them for lunch at the cafe.
Seated on arrival were Tracy and Brian plus Dianne and Maurice, Dianne having ridden out from home by herself.
After lunch and the usual banter, Dianne was left to decide a route back this would include a few hills, so Anita decided to go back the same way.
Leaving Allonby along the coast road the group turned left at Mealo House to follow the lanes to join the A596 to Crosby Villa.
Turning of the busy A596 took them via Bullgill and Tallentire where they continued on towards Little Broughton and over the river into Brigham.
Here they said goodbye to Dianne while the rest continued on to the Melbreak and parked cars.
Wednesday 13th November Croft House Farm Cafe, Buttermere by Roy Jackson
On a fine but very cold morning, Tom, Clive, Stuart Pike, John R, Dianne, Maggie and Brian (a volunteer with Sustrans), gathered for a ride – John Moyes, Sue and Paul, Maurice and Laurie (another Sustrans volunteer) joined the group for coffee.
With Dianne in the lead the group set off for Paddle School, then turned left to Rogerscale, then Lorton, followed by a ride up the Hopebeck road. They had a slight headwind along Crummock Water where the trees along the way were a lovely colour.
Lunch was at the Croft House Farm Cafe, where the extension is now nearly finished. Maurice joined them for lunch.
The group returned along Crummock Water, to Lorton, then turned right up the steep hill at Armaside then via Hundith Hill to Paddle School and back to Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 10th November Wheatsheaf Lorton by Dianne Moyes
Members gathered for lunch at the Wheatsheaf Inn Lorton on a beautiful sunny day. Roy and Tom had cycled over Whinlatter, both on e bikes, and into the Lorton Valley, then they went down towards Loweswater before turning right after Scale Hill to reach the Thackthwaite road. After lunch they went back over Whinlatter using the gated road and then took the track to the Force Crag Mine just for the fun of it. Clive parked at my house and we went down the Lorton Valley via Paddle School and the little road from Brandlingill , keeping to the west side in the sunshine. At Foulsyke we stopped to look at the view towards Great Gable, then it was back down the main road along the valley to Lorton. Maggie and Stewart had also ridden out and Janet and Ivan. Maurice had arrived in the car as had John Moyes. It was good to see Sue and John arriving by car, with Sue making steady progress. I hope I haven’t missed anybody as it was over a week ago.
Wednesday 6th November Brewer’s Fayre to Ennerdale Brewery, Rowrah. by Dianne Moyes
John and I were the first to arrive at the meeting point giving me plenty of time to find out about all the work going on there. The scaffolding on the Premier Inn is because the roof was damaged when they fitted the solar panels 8 months ago. Twelve rooms were affected by damp and so the company involved is having to fix it all. The work at the front is to repair and enlarge a waste holding tank ready for the building of the extension at the back. Once I knew what was going on I could enjoy my coffee and the company of Tom, Maggie , Stewart, Roy, and Anita who all turned up to ride. John Rowell had a heavy cold and was staying at home. The weather was dull and cool but dry and we were very lucky that we only had a few spots of rain all day considering the forecast. We headed out via Eaglesfield, Dean and Ullock then climbed the long hill up to Dean Cross where we regrouped. It was then down to Asby and up and down all those drags to Rowrah.
At the cafe, Maurice and Bacca were already settled. Maurice had come out along the cycle track whereas Bacca had got in some miles coming out through Moresby Parks, Branthwaite to Greysouthen before reaching the main road to Rowrah. Jonny and Pat (on her electric bike) had arrived just before us from Pardshaw and a bit later Ivan and Janet arrived by car having been put off by the weather forecast. We enjoyed the warmth, company and food as usual. Maurice and Bacca left first and as the rest of us were preparing to go someone, I think it was Pat or Jonny realised Maurice had left his pannier behind. We tried to contact him with no success so we decided to leave it behind the bar. He wants to thank the people who noticed it and kept it safe for him. He returned in the car later to collect it.
With a bit of rain falling we left the cafe and took the main road towards Cockermouth before turning right towards Kirkland. In Kirkland, Jonny and Pat went straight across to climb up towards the old iron mines and Fell Dyke, the rest of us went left towards Lamplugh. A brief stretch on the main road and we turned right into Lamplugh gradually climbing up to the church. Just after that Maggie and Stewart left us to take the Fangs Brow road to reach home via Loweswater and the Lorton Valley. Tom, Roy, Anita and I carried on through Mockerkin, Pardshaw and Brandlingill to reach Paddle School and the final stretch back to the Brewer’s Fayre.
Sunday, November 3rd, the Posting House, Deanscale by Dianne Moyes
Weather: drizzly rain, dry spells, little wind, low cloud.
Not many people were tempted out on the bike. Bacca cycled from home but Tracy was in the car. Maggie cycled from home but Stewart arrived by car. Tom came to the pub in the car but then just cycled to the Brewer’s Fayre for coffee and back as the weather had closed in. Roy, unusually, was in the car with no bike. Dianne cycled from home via Eaglesfield in turbo as it was raining steadily and then back in the dry. Steve, Dave and Romy arrived in the car. A day with very little cycling to report but most people enjoyed their lunch and the conversation as usual.