Sunday 25th November Parkside Hotel by Maurice Cowley
On a cold overcast day 6 members met for lunch at the Parkside Hotel, they were Maurice, Dianne, Roy, Brian (Bacca) and Tracy and Big Tom.
Maurice had left his home at Thornhill and rode across the A595 to go up Thorny Lane and through Carleton Village and onto Egremont/Haile road and pass through Carleton Moor wood and drop down to pass Haile Church and then to climb up to Haile Village. After turning right and on the outskirts of the village a left was taken to pass by Sheepfields Farm and on to the junction of the Calderbridge/Ennerdale road which led him up the long hill up Cold fell and down to Cold Fell Gate up the hill over Swarth Fell and down to Ennerdale Bridge. Another long hill took him up to Kirkland where his route then took him down to the A5086 at Rowrah and the Whitehaven/Rowrah cycle path as far as Winder where he rode up to the A5086 and down Dub brow as far as the track to Bleak House. At the end of this track a left was taken up to Frizington and down to The Parkside Hotel to meet up with the others.
Roy had parked his Car at Mockerkin Tarn lay-by and rode through the lanes to the Whitehaven/Rowrah cycle path down to The Parkside Hotel.
Dianne had rode from home, on her e-bike, through the lanes taking in the Soskgill road to Mockerkin Village then through the lanes to the Whitehaven/Rowrah cycle path and down to The Parkside Hotel. She spotted Roy as she entered the cycle path but was unable to catch up with him before reaching the Parkside.
Bacca and Tracy had been out walking in the region of Cogra Moss.
Tom had ridden from his home at Kells, Whitehaven up the cycle path to the Parkside.
After a very good meal and beverages along with lively banter the group decided to leave the warmth of the Parkside.
Bacca and Tracy to go shopping.
Because of the time of year the days were getting shorter and colder so afternoon riding was also getting shorter!!
Dianne rode straight back to Cockermouth through the lanes.
Roy rode straight back to his car through the lanes.
Tom went to visit relatives in Cleator Moor.
Maurice took the fell road back to Egremont and then onto Thornhill and home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 21st November Buttermere.
Ten members and a friend of Tom's made it to the Brewers Fayre for the ride to Buttermere, except John Moyes who was there for the chat.
In the warm surroundings the coffee flowed along with the chat all oblivious of the time until someone said it was time to leave.
Stepping outside into the cold air came as no surprise having downloaded the forecast as we all do, saying 70 percent rain possible.
With Dianne on that Derny (e-bike) led the group following last Thursday's route to Lorton.
Just before Rodgescales the group stopped, Dianne not liking the dark clouds and the threat of rain decided to put on over trousers.
With snow on the highest peaks and spots of rain starting to fall turned out to be the right decision as the rain got heavier as they approached Buttermere.
On the climb to Lanthwaite Paul was seen going in the opposite direction heading back home.
Finally the group arrived in Buttermere at the same time as Maurice and Steve Lunt who arrived by car, Steve sporting a walking stick after his fall.
Over lunch Steve explained what had happened having tripped over a low bollard on his way to catch a train, saying the contraption on his leg was like warring a chastity belt.
With the rain having stopped and the prospect of a following wind the group set off leaving Maurice and Steve in more comfortable surroundings.
Leaving Crummock with the group already split, Tom and his friend Dave on an e-bike were not to be seen again.
Regrouping after the descent from Lanthwaite, it was onto the valley road to Lorton, saying goodbye to Roy and Clive, who decided to follow their tyre tracks back to the Brewers Fayre.
The rest continued onto Cockermouth to join the Greenway back to parked vehicles at the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 18th November My ride on Sunday by David Swift
Set off from Whitehaven on the cycle path along the back of St. Benedict's Church, Mirehouse, and went all the way to the Iron Bridge at Cleator Moor, thereafter on the main road to Ennerdale. I rode down to the left turn before the bridge in order to work my way round via the church to arrive at the Fox and Hounds.
There I had a wonderful “small” portion of Steak and Ale pie and chip and peas etc. and 1/2 pint of soda and lime all for £6! it filled a large plate – so I'm sure I wouldn't have managed a larger one!!
While there I chatted to with an American whom was on holiday from Atlanta City – a little north of Florida, he was here fell walking etc. with another two weeks to go. I told him I had a lot of family in Canada.
Then back this time all the way by road and called in for a cup of tea at Steve Ls place where I stayed a good hour. Finally home via Hensingham and approximately 16 miles in all.
There wouldn't have been time to have gone to Allonby to be with the club even partly by car which is why I went to Ennerdale.
Sunday 18th November Club Run Allonby
Arriving at the Melbreak on a cool sunny morning were Maurice, Tom, Sue, John, Dianne, Maggie, Stewart, Roy, Clive and John R.
After the usual tea and coffee in the refurbished surroundings and route decided the group set off taking the well worn track to Workington.
Crossing Curwin Park to join the cycle track passed Siddick Ponds to eventually arrive in Maryport for a brief stop.
Leaving Marport via the promenade the group split with Maurice being the main culprit as he set the pace into the wind.
Maurice (I want to be alone) with John on his wheel joined the coast road at Blue Dial to find Tom, John R and another John on their wheel.
John a member of Velo Club Cumbria and known to Maurice and Tom took off with Tom on his wheel arriving at the cafe first.
With a table waiting having been booked by Sue, saw ten hungry cyclist crammed round the table with Roy having been last in, with table to himself.
Following the rest were Sue and Paul having parked their car in Maryport.
Lunch and chat over Maurice was first to leave with John from the Velo heading for Bullgill.
From Bullgill it was onto Dearham, Broughton Moor, and Camerton then over the river back to the Melbreak.
Meanwhile the rest followed Maurice's wheel track to the A596 here they decided to avoid the climb at Bullgill and headed straight across the junction.
This was followed by a welcome descent to the River Ellen where they turned right to Gilcrux then onto Greengill.
Turning left at Greengill for the drag up to Tallentire before dropping down to the Duvenby road where the said goodbye to Dianne.
Crossing the junction it was on towards Little Broughton to cross the A66 to Brigham for the final push back to parked vehicles at the Melbreak.
Autumn Tints Thursday 15th November. Royal Yew Dean.
Having cancelled Wednesday ride to Thursday turned out to be the right decision as it rained all day on Wednesday.
Gathering at the Brewers Fayre were Maurice, Tom, Stewart, Roy, Dianne, Sue, Paul, Janet, Ivan, Sue and the two John's.
After a good old chat about Brexit and how to save the World, the group final made a move leaving Dianne to find a hilly route.
Turning left out of the car park it was onto Paddle School to turn left onto a quieter road to Lorton.
On the climb through Thackthwaite Janet slipped her chain for Ivan do some adjustment, meanwhile Dianne was keen to take a photo of the group.
With it safe to continue Janet and Ivan decided to go back and meet up for lunch, while the rest pushed on stopping to take in the view from Foulsyke overlooking Crummock Water.
With the sun low in the sky, seeing the road ahead and coupled by the strobe affect from the trees was not ideal.
Finally the group reached the climb of the day Fangs Brow no guessing who got the prime, this split the group only to regroup on the top.
After the lung busting climb it was all downhill through Mockerkin to join the A5086 to Ullock and the final stretch to Dean for lunch.
Joining the group for lunch was Maggie having cycled out from home to make the number up to thirteen.
After a good lunch buy one get one free it was back to the Brewers Fayre via Deanscales, Eaglesfield and Paddle School to parked cars.
Sunday 11th. November Wheatsheaf Inn Lorton.
Waiting for a phone call from Roy to say Maurice and Tom had negotiated Whinlatter Pass came at ten o'clock just as Sue and John intended to leave.
With it raining and welcome cup of tea on the table Maurice decided to leave Roy's about ten thirty to head down the west side of Bass Lake.
The duo decided to leave on their own taking the east side of the lake along the A591 going via Scarness and Bassenthwaite village, stopping in the village at 11 o'clock to observe a two minutes silence.
Meanwhile the Maurice group having left Roy's were about twenty minutes in front of Sue and John as they crossed the A66 at Dubwath.
With rain still falling the duo set off again to join A591 turning left at the Castle Inn to join the old road to Cockermouth to pick up the Greenway.
Leaving the Greenway covered in fallen leaves it was onto the Lorton road for the final miles to the Wheatsheaf following the Maurice group wheel tracks.
Already sat waiting for their meals were Maurice, Tom, Dianne, Clive, Maggie, Stewart and Roy, arriving with Sue and John was Anita having been swimming in Crummock.
With a good fire burning and sat in the usual place members enjoyed a good meal and natter before leaving to much better weather.
First to leave was Anita who would be absent for four months spending her time in Australia who was followed by the four wheel brigade.
The two wheel group headed to Hundith crossroads where they split Dianne and Clive continuing onto Cockermouth while the Braithwaite trio made their way to the A66.
After crossing the A66 it was the usual way back to Braithwaite via Embleton and Dudwath to join the A66 before following old road back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 7th November.
Starting from Roy's were Maurice, Dianne, Anita, Paul, Sue and the two John's there for the chat was Stewart.
After the usual tea, coffee and biscuits the group set off with Maurice in his usual position on the front, testing the new cycle path along the A66.
Before the group reached Keswick it had split into two groups only to regroup overlooking the Borrowdale Valley.
The autumn colours were at their best although the strong winds from previous days had stripped some trees off their leaves.
Avoiding standing water in places the group finally reached Stonethwaite were a tour point was on offer for those collecting points.
While standing talking a gust of wind blew Maurice's bike over leaving him to have to remove the front mudguard.
With the mudguard strapped on back of John R's bike the group set off heading for the Chalet Cafe in Portinscale.
More water to avoid as they climbed out off Grange onto the shelf overlooking Derwent Water, the group having split on the climb arrived at the Chalet in two's and three's.
Already having lunch was Paul sat with Clarence (Pozzi) a member of the Derwent Valley who is a regular visitor at the Chalet.
With plenty of tables on offer five decided to squeeze round one table leaving Dianne and Anita to share a table.
After lunch four made their way back into Keswick to see the Poppy display at St John's Church before heading back to Braithwaite.
Sunday 4th November Post House Deanscales by John Murphy and Maurice Cowley
After all the rain on Saturday it was most welcome to wake to a dry morning although cloudy.
Leaving Braithwaite were Sue, John and Roy with Roy on the front they pressed on through Thornthwaite to join the A66. With the west bound duel carriageway closed to motor vehicles they had it to themselves to Dubwath, where the joined the old road to Embleton. With Roy still on the front they made it over Slate Fell into Cockermouth, after brief stop at Aldi it was onto Brigham.
With time to spare they extended the route going via Greysouthen and Eglesfield before arriving at Deanscales.
Already in the pub were Maggie, Stewart, Dianne, Michelle and Peter all having arrived by car.
Maurice had parked his car at the Posting House and started his ride to get a couple of points by going down towards Cockermouth for about ¼ mile and then took a right towards Pardshaw and then onto Mosser Mains to climb up to Mosser Church with the intention of going on to Sosgill, Mockerkin, Loweswater, Thackthwate and back to Brandlingill – but having tired legs for some reason – he turned round and and went straight to Brandlingill and onto Paddle School then to Eaglesfield and Greysouthen to turn left and onto Dean before arriving back at Deanscales and the Posting House for lunch.
Tom arrived at the Posting House on his bike. He had started from Whitehaven along the cycle route to Parton and up the hill to the cycle path at Lowca to reach Distington. Here he transferred to the cycle route alongside the A595 up to the roundabout and where that took him to Branthwaite. Having plenty of time in hand he deviated round by Ullock, Dean and Eaglesfield before finally ending up at Deanscales and the Posting House.
After an excellent meal and the usual chat members began to leave the way they had arrived.
Dianne, Sue, John and Roy left together. They headed to Brigham then onto Cockermouth where they said goodbye to Dianne, leaving the Braithwaite trio to follow their wheel tracks back to Braithwaite.
Tom more or less went straight home to Whitehaven via Dean, Branthwaite, Distington, Lowca and Parton using the cycle routes where ever possible.
On a cold overcast day 6 members met for lunch at the Parkside Hotel, they were Maurice, Dianne, Roy, Brian (Bacca) and Tracy and Big Tom.
Maurice had left his home at Thornhill and rode across the A595 to go up Thorny Lane and through Carleton Village and onto Egremont/Haile road and pass through Carleton Moor wood and drop down to pass Haile Church and then to climb up to Haile Village. After turning right and on the outskirts of the village a left was taken to pass by Sheepfields Farm and on to the junction of the Calderbridge/Ennerdale road which led him up the long hill up Cold fell and down to Cold Fell Gate up the hill over Swarth Fell and down to Ennerdale Bridge. Another long hill took him up to Kirkland where his route then took him down to the A5086 at Rowrah and the Whitehaven/Rowrah cycle path as far as Winder where he rode up to the A5086 and down Dub brow as far as the track to Bleak House. At the end of this track a left was taken up to Frizington and down to The Parkside Hotel to meet up with the others.
Roy had parked his Car at Mockerkin Tarn lay-by and rode through the lanes to the Whitehaven/Rowrah cycle path down to The Parkside Hotel.
Dianne had rode from home, on her e-bike, through the lanes taking in the Soskgill road to Mockerkin Village then through the lanes to the Whitehaven/Rowrah cycle path and down to The Parkside Hotel. She spotted Roy as she entered the cycle path but was unable to catch up with him before reaching the Parkside.
Bacca and Tracy had been out walking in the region of Cogra Moss.
Tom had ridden from his home at Kells, Whitehaven up the cycle path to the Parkside.
After a very good meal and beverages along with lively banter the group decided to leave the warmth of the Parkside.
Bacca and Tracy to go shopping.
Because of the time of year the days were getting shorter and colder so afternoon riding was also getting shorter!!
Dianne rode straight back to Cockermouth through the lanes.
Roy rode straight back to his car through the lanes.
Tom went to visit relatives in Cleator Moor.
Maurice took the fell road back to Egremont and then onto Thornhill and home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 21st November Buttermere.
Ten members and a friend of Tom's made it to the Brewers Fayre for the ride to Buttermere, except John Moyes who was there for the chat.
In the warm surroundings the coffee flowed along with the chat all oblivious of the time until someone said it was time to leave.
Stepping outside into the cold air came as no surprise having downloaded the forecast as we all do, saying 70 percent rain possible.
With Dianne on that Derny (e-bike) led the group following last Thursday's route to Lorton.
Just before Rodgescales the group stopped, Dianne not liking the dark clouds and the threat of rain decided to put on over trousers.
With snow on the highest peaks and spots of rain starting to fall turned out to be the right decision as the rain got heavier as they approached Buttermere.
On the climb to Lanthwaite Paul was seen going in the opposite direction heading back home.
Finally the group arrived in Buttermere at the same time as Maurice and Steve Lunt who arrived by car, Steve sporting a walking stick after his fall.
Over lunch Steve explained what had happened having tripped over a low bollard on his way to catch a train, saying the contraption on his leg was like warring a chastity belt.
With the rain having stopped and the prospect of a following wind the group set off leaving Maurice and Steve in more comfortable surroundings.
Leaving Crummock with the group already split, Tom and his friend Dave on an e-bike were not to be seen again.
Regrouping after the descent from Lanthwaite, it was onto the valley road to Lorton, saying goodbye to Roy and Clive, who decided to follow their tyre tracks back to the Brewers Fayre.
The rest continued onto Cockermouth to join the Greenway back to parked vehicles at the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 18th November My ride on Sunday by David Swift
Set off from Whitehaven on the cycle path along the back of St. Benedict's Church, Mirehouse, and went all the way to the Iron Bridge at Cleator Moor, thereafter on the main road to Ennerdale. I rode down to the left turn before the bridge in order to work my way round via the church to arrive at the Fox and Hounds.
There I had a wonderful “small” portion of Steak and Ale pie and chip and peas etc. and 1/2 pint of soda and lime all for £6! it filled a large plate – so I'm sure I wouldn't have managed a larger one!!
While there I chatted to with an American whom was on holiday from Atlanta City – a little north of Florida, he was here fell walking etc. with another two weeks to go. I told him I had a lot of family in Canada.
Then back this time all the way by road and called in for a cup of tea at Steve Ls place where I stayed a good hour. Finally home via Hensingham and approximately 16 miles in all.
There wouldn't have been time to have gone to Allonby to be with the club even partly by car which is why I went to Ennerdale.
Sunday 18th November Club Run Allonby
Arriving at the Melbreak on a cool sunny morning were Maurice, Tom, Sue, John, Dianne, Maggie, Stewart, Roy, Clive and John R.
After the usual tea and coffee in the refurbished surroundings and route decided the group set off taking the well worn track to Workington.
Crossing Curwin Park to join the cycle track passed Siddick Ponds to eventually arrive in Maryport for a brief stop.
Leaving Marport via the promenade the group split with Maurice being the main culprit as he set the pace into the wind.
Maurice (I want to be alone) with John on his wheel joined the coast road at Blue Dial to find Tom, John R and another John on their wheel.
John a member of Velo Club Cumbria and known to Maurice and Tom took off with Tom on his wheel arriving at the cafe first.
With a table waiting having been booked by Sue, saw ten hungry cyclist crammed round the table with Roy having been last in, with table to himself.
Following the rest were Sue and Paul having parked their car in Maryport.
Lunch and chat over Maurice was first to leave with John from the Velo heading for Bullgill.
From Bullgill it was onto Dearham, Broughton Moor, and Camerton then over the river back to the Melbreak.
Meanwhile the rest followed Maurice's wheel track to the A596 here they decided to avoid the climb at Bullgill and headed straight across the junction.
This was followed by a welcome descent to the River Ellen where they turned right to Gilcrux then onto Greengill.
Turning left at Greengill for the drag up to Tallentire before dropping down to the Duvenby road where the said goodbye to Dianne.
Crossing the junction it was on towards Little Broughton to cross the A66 to Brigham for the final push back to parked vehicles at the Melbreak.
Autumn Tints Thursday 15th November. Royal Yew Dean.
Having cancelled Wednesday ride to Thursday turned out to be the right decision as it rained all day on Wednesday.
Gathering at the Brewers Fayre were Maurice, Tom, Stewart, Roy, Dianne, Sue, Paul, Janet, Ivan, Sue and the two John's.
After a good old chat about Brexit and how to save the World, the group final made a move leaving Dianne to find a hilly route.
Turning left out of the car park it was onto Paddle School to turn left onto a quieter road to Lorton.
On the climb through Thackthwaite Janet slipped her chain for Ivan do some adjustment, meanwhile Dianne was keen to take a photo of the group.
With it safe to continue Janet and Ivan decided to go back and meet up for lunch, while the rest pushed on stopping to take in the view from Foulsyke overlooking Crummock Water.
With the sun low in the sky, seeing the road ahead and coupled by the strobe affect from the trees was not ideal.
Finally the group reached the climb of the day Fangs Brow no guessing who got the prime, this split the group only to regroup on the top.
After the lung busting climb it was all downhill through Mockerkin to join the A5086 to Ullock and the final stretch to Dean for lunch.
Joining the group for lunch was Maggie having cycled out from home to make the number up to thirteen.
After a good lunch buy one get one free it was back to the Brewers Fayre via Deanscales, Eaglesfield and Paddle School to parked cars.
Sunday 11th. November Wheatsheaf Inn Lorton.
Waiting for a phone call from Roy to say Maurice and Tom had negotiated Whinlatter Pass came at ten o'clock just as Sue and John intended to leave.
With it raining and welcome cup of tea on the table Maurice decided to leave Roy's about ten thirty to head down the west side of Bass Lake.
The duo decided to leave on their own taking the east side of the lake along the A591 going via Scarness and Bassenthwaite village, stopping in the village at 11 o'clock to observe a two minutes silence.
Meanwhile the Maurice group having left Roy's were about twenty minutes in front of Sue and John as they crossed the A66 at Dubwath.
With rain still falling the duo set off again to join A591 turning left at the Castle Inn to join the old road to Cockermouth to pick up the Greenway.
Leaving the Greenway covered in fallen leaves it was onto the Lorton road for the final miles to the Wheatsheaf following the Maurice group wheel tracks.
Already sat waiting for their meals were Maurice, Tom, Dianne, Clive, Maggie, Stewart and Roy, arriving with Sue and John was Anita having been swimming in Crummock.
With a good fire burning and sat in the usual place members enjoyed a good meal and natter before leaving to much better weather.
First to leave was Anita who would be absent for four months spending her time in Australia who was followed by the four wheel brigade.
The two wheel group headed to Hundith crossroads where they split Dianne and Clive continuing onto Cockermouth while the Braithwaite trio made their way to the A66.
After crossing the A66 it was the usual way back to Braithwaite via Embleton and Dudwath to join the A66 before following old road back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 7th November.
Starting from Roy's were Maurice, Dianne, Anita, Paul, Sue and the two John's there for the chat was Stewart.
After the usual tea, coffee and biscuits the group set off with Maurice in his usual position on the front, testing the new cycle path along the A66.
Before the group reached Keswick it had split into two groups only to regroup overlooking the Borrowdale Valley.
The autumn colours were at their best although the strong winds from previous days had stripped some trees off their leaves.
Avoiding standing water in places the group finally reached Stonethwaite were a tour point was on offer for those collecting points.
While standing talking a gust of wind blew Maurice's bike over leaving him to have to remove the front mudguard.
With the mudguard strapped on back of John R's bike the group set off heading for the Chalet Cafe in Portinscale.
More water to avoid as they climbed out off Grange onto the shelf overlooking Derwent Water, the group having split on the climb arrived at the Chalet in two's and three's.
Already having lunch was Paul sat with Clarence (Pozzi) a member of the Derwent Valley who is a regular visitor at the Chalet.
With plenty of tables on offer five decided to squeeze round one table leaving Dianne and Anita to share a table.
After lunch four made their way back into Keswick to see the Poppy display at St John's Church before heading back to Braithwaite.
Sunday 4th November Post House Deanscales by John Murphy and Maurice Cowley
After all the rain on Saturday it was most welcome to wake to a dry morning although cloudy.
Leaving Braithwaite were Sue, John and Roy with Roy on the front they pressed on through Thornthwaite to join the A66. With the west bound duel carriageway closed to motor vehicles they had it to themselves to Dubwath, where the joined the old road to Embleton. With Roy still on the front they made it over Slate Fell into Cockermouth, after brief stop at Aldi it was onto Brigham.
With time to spare they extended the route going via Greysouthen and Eglesfield before arriving at Deanscales.
Already in the pub were Maggie, Stewart, Dianne, Michelle and Peter all having arrived by car.
Maurice had parked his car at the Posting House and started his ride to get a couple of points by going down towards Cockermouth for about ¼ mile and then took a right towards Pardshaw and then onto Mosser Mains to climb up to Mosser Church with the intention of going on to Sosgill, Mockerkin, Loweswater, Thackthwate and back to Brandlingill – but having tired legs for some reason – he turned round and and went straight to Brandlingill and onto Paddle School then to Eaglesfield and Greysouthen to turn left and onto Dean before arriving back at Deanscales and the Posting House for lunch.
Tom arrived at the Posting House on his bike. He had started from Whitehaven along the cycle route to Parton and up the hill to the cycle path at Lowca to reach Distington. Here he transferred to the cycle route alongside the A595 up to the roundabout and where that took him to Branthwaite. Having plenty of time in hand he deviated round by Ullock, Dean and Eaglesfield before finally ending up at Deanscales and the Posting House.
After an excellent meal and the usual chat members began to leave the way they had arrived.
Dianne, Sue, John and Roy left together. They headed to Brigham then onto Cockermouth where they said goodbye to Dianne, leaving the Braithwaite trio to follow their wheel tracks back to Braithwaite.
Tom more or less went straight home to Whitehaven via Dean, Branthwaite, Distington, Lowca and Parton using the cycle routes where ever possible.