Autumn Tints Wednesday 30th November Aquarium, Maryport by Steve Lunt
A great attendance today – must be the “less cold” temperature affect after the recent frosts. John and Sue M, Stewart, Anita and colleague Peter, Steve L, Johnnie and Pat, and John R all met at the Melbreak Hotel (Maurice with dogs to walk) – now a regular popular starting point for many of our rides.
Setting off in good spirits – slightly dampened by Johnie's front wheel puncture just before the Stainburn turn off. Didn't take him long to to fix it because he caught up with us somewhere around the cycle way bridge over the A596 just after the Siddick Wetland only to suffer a a rear wheel slow leak just as we we approached the run in to Maryport.
Lunch was at the Aquarium cafe where we met up with Maurice (having walked the dogs) and then Roy who arrived by means of “two sticks and four wheels”, he had used the bus from Braithwaite to Maryport.
To go home we traveled northwards (strangely?) along the promenade, the golf course to the end of the cycle way to just south of Allonby, then turning at Mealo House inland to take the Hayton/Allerby Road where we started the gradual climb towards Allerby – then a crafty turnoff took us via Crosby Villa into a long and strenuous uphill slog through Bullgill, passing Gilcrux road end and so into Tallentire (the smallest village I know with a one way ring road system!). This road took us to the Dovenby/Cockermouth crossroads but our exit was the quiet road past Broughton Craggs to the Derwent River bridge to Brigham and onto Broughton Cross old road to Bridge Foot and up the Chapel Brow climb and the end of our day at the Melbreak Hotel service road.
A lovely much milder day but cloudy all the while. 8Oc and 273/4 miles not bad eh!
Sunday 27th November Parkside Hotel Cleator.
After a week off over night frost making the roads quite dangerous for two wheels, Sunday morning turned out to be dry and frost free.
Starting from the Melbreak were Sue, John and Stewart, but not before the usual tea and coffee.
On an almost perfect morning the trio set off following the cycle path to Whitehaven.
Joining the cycle path out of Whitehaven Stewart had rear wheel puncture, repaired by Stewart while Sue and John looked on.
Back on the bikes the trio pushed on following the cycle path to the Parkside covered in fallen leaves.
Seventeen members and friends made it to the Parkside to celebrate Michelle's 50th birthday.
Only four arrived on two wheels, while the rest arrived in the comfort off four wheels.
After a good lunch, and chocolate cake provided by Michelle, members left the way they had arrived.
The trio now joined by Steve headed up the cycle way to Rowrah, where they joined the main road to Mockerkin.
Turning left to Ullock they followed the lanes to Dean, where they said goodbye to Steve who headed for home via Branthwaite.
The trio then continued onto Eaglesfield, Greysouthen and Bridgefoot, for the final climb of the day back to the Melbreak.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 23rd November Royal Yew Dean by Steve Lunt
We met up the Melbreak Hotel - Stewart, Steve L, Sue and John M, and Johnie (who we haven't seen for a while) and it seems that cold mornings are conducive to consumption of the pre-ride drinks and later starts. Peter P joined us for a chat but wasn't able to ride at present (doctor’s orders) but caught up with us by car at the Royal Yew, Dean.
Lovely day with blue skies all over but cold enough to make us wary of possible hidden frosty patches – not helped by a fellow cyclist riding up from the Branthwaite road at the Lillyhall roundabout who declared it was slippery enough to unseat him near Branthwaite. We rode to Branthwaite rather cautiously down and up again (with no incidents) to Dean Village to find the Inn filling up. Johnie left us at the village centre to return to his car at the Melbreak while we dived into the pub for warmth and sustenance.
Only an hour in the pub as the lack of light and temperature was such that we had to set of back for base. This time we went by Deanscales to the Eaglesfield “suburbs” and then to Greysouthen, having just passed a noisy Tendley Quarry. The last stretch after reaching the Brigham road was into Bridgefoot and uphill pull up Chapel Brow then a hop and a skip to the Melbreak Hotel.
A short day but extremely pleasant
Club Run Ride Sunday 20th November Tea Shop, Allonby by Steve Lunt
Could not believe my car thermometer that morning – 0.00c! No wind, thankfully, but very cold and frosty patches along road side and pavements.
So four of us met up at the Melbreak Hotel when a phone call from John and Sue M - problem with their new car, so they had to pull out of the club run.
We held back the start until 1100hrs for a little more sun and tempting more coffee on hand. When we did set off we decided to use only the main roads to get to Allonby (most untypical for the Solway) for safety reasons as hidden frost and ice patches on the cycle ways seemed possible and we noticed a number of other cyclists doing likewise.
A good pace was set up to Maryport town centre and gave each of us a little warmth and at that point we realised we had lost Stewart and John R. Anita and Steve waited at the lights in Maryport for about 8 or 9 minutes but no John or Stewart so they decided to carry on puzzled by their absence and even more puzzled when we caught up with the two yellow jackets of John R and Stewart just approaching Allonby.
The warmth in the Tea Shop was really appreciated and hot soups and drinks really did the trick. We met up with Joe and Frances here who had traveled up on four wheels and Tracy who had an early start and was just leaving to meet someone.
When we left we agreed to all travel together and this time we used the usual cycle way route which seemed reasonably safe underfoot. The temperature started to dip as the light was fading as we approached Great Clifton and finally reached the Melbreak Hotel.
The suggestion of a hot drink and warmth indoors seemed to good to miss until we finally departed at around 1645 hrs. 30mls
Autumn Tints Wednesday 16th November Wheatsheaf, Embleton. By Steve Lunt
It was one of those 'shall we shan't we' days – threat of rain and wind. The wind came from the west as we set off from John and Sue's place at sometime after 1010 hrs ++ in the direction of Keswick – Crosthwaite Roundabout and over to the Bassenthwaite back road. At Scarness Junction the road through Bass Village was taken, en-route to be passed by the Eden Valley riders heading for Keswick (to meet Paul C) for lunch and we turned for Embleton and the Wheatsheaf Pub and lunch.
The Weatsheaf has recently been renovated internally: with the bar being moved to reveal a hidden fireplace, new very plush. At lunch it was a good attendance comprising of Joe, Roy, Maurice, John R, Maggie and Stewart,Sue and John M,And Steve L.
After lunch, Joe cycling back to Cockermouth and John R, John and Sue M, and Steve L retraced the route on which they had came and marvelled at the autumn colours and the clouds and mist looming over Keswick. It was a totally different view traveling in the opposite direction.
As we left the Wheatsheaf John and Sue M had carefully clad up in their over trousers – the brief rain shower stopped and it was a bright sky again; typical. 261/2 miles
Sunday 13th November Wheatsheaf Embleton.
Ten members made it for lunch on a dry grey looking morning they were Maurice, Maggie, Stewart, France's, Joe, Dianne, Ruth, Roy, Sue and John.
Only three made it by bike, Dianne out on her own left home to join the Isel road to the Distillery, were she turned right to Embleton.
Sue and John left home heading for Crosthwaite roundabout to join the A591 as far as the Castle Inn with a few detours in between.
At Ouse Bridge with time in hand they decided to take the Isel road to Cockermouth, meeting Dianne coming in opposite direction.
A brief chat and they were on their way again, heading for the same venue, Dianne having traversed that rough Isel road it was now Sue and John's turn.
After two left turns it was onto the road over Slate Fell, followed by the descent to Embleton and the Wheatsheaf Inn for lunch.
Already round the table were France's, Joe, Maurice, Dianne, Maggie, Stewart, Ruth and Roy, joining them for the chat was Sue and Paul.
Sue and Paul cycled out from home to the Distillery for a welcome beverage, before making their way to the Wheatsheaf.
Large and Small portions were on offer, although it was hard to tell looking round the table.
After a good lunch member left the way they had arrived, Dianne, Sue and Paul turned right on leaving the pub.
While Sue and John turned left heading for the road works on the A66 back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 9th November. Horse and Farrier Threlkeld.
With overnight snow on the fells down as low as 300ft, completely transformed the landscape.
Still cold but no wind to think off, six members made their way to Braithwaite by car, Anita and John and Maurice made their way to Roy’s.
Ruth kindly laid on tea, coffee and biscuits while they chatted away to Roy about his knee operation.
Dianne, Paul and Steve called at Sue and John's for coffee before going down to see Roy.
One look at Roy you would not believe he had just had a new knee replacement, sitting round the table chatting away, he had also ventured upstairs to watch the TV.
Eventually the two wheel group left they were Sue, Anita, Steve and the two John's, leaving Dianne and Maurice behind, both having gone for a walk.
Following the A66 the group turned into Keswick, to join the A66 again at Crosthwaite roundabout to follow the road to the Burns junction.
Turning right of the A66 they continued on towards Burns Farm turning right to Shundraw and St John's in the Vale.
With time in hand they rode out as far as Bridge End Farm where a new bridge had been constructed for access to the farm.
After viewing the work carried out on the bridge and realignment off the Beck, the group turned round and headed for Threlkeld.
Waiting in the pub were Dianne and John, Maurice and Roy all having arrived by car.
After a good lunch it was back into the cold for the two wheel group, while the rest left in the comfort off four wheels.
Deciding to miss out the climb up Burns, the group headed back down the Vale to Shundraw.
Following their wheel tracks back to the A66, the group then dropped down into Keswick for final couple of miles back to Braithwaite.
Sunday 6th November Post House Deanscales.
On a wet morning with a northerly wind Sue and John left Braithwaite heading through Thornthwaite to join the A66.
With road works on the west bound carriage way, they decided to carry on through the road works to avoid the contra flow.
After passing the Pheasant Hotel it was back onto the A66, were extensive road works are being carried out to raise the road, that was flooded in December last year.
With very little traffic heading west it was decided to continue along the A66 to the now Premier Hotel roundabout.
Turning left at the roundabout it was onto Paddle School, to turn right to Eaglesfield for the final mile to Deanscales for lunch at the Post House.
Arriving almost together with Steve and Anita (see Steve's blog) and Dianne, Dianne having cycled from home via Brandlingill.
Tracy and Brian having parked their van on pub car park did a circular ride via Dean.
Joining the two wheel members were Maurice, Maggie, Stewart, Michelle and Peter to be joined later by Sue and Paul.
After a good lunch and chat member left in groups, the four wheels group heading for the car park and home.
While the two wheel members braved the cold to make their way back home, Sue and John headed for Hundith Hill to join the A66 back to Braithwaite.
A Cold Ride to the Posting House by Steve Lunt
Having declined the tempting and kind offer of a warm lift to the lunch stop and realizing that Anita was ready and dressed in thermals to protect everything and about to ride out to the meeting point – Moor Row Station on the cycle way – at 1000hrs they set off into a northerly headwind at about 7/80C.
The Cycle way did seem to have the advantage of giving at least intermittent shelter until they reached Kirkland Village and on towards Keld Head junction
(above Croasdale and Ennerdale) at which point they took the Cockermouth direction to pass Inglenook and uphill passing Lamplugh Church.
Then the Loweswater turn took them passed the Coffin Track above Loweswater – plenty of cars parked; popular spot even at that temperature – finally arriving at the top of Fangs Brow.
The route then was left up and then down to Mockerkin and past the tarn and onto the B5086 Egremont/Cockermouth road towards Deanscales, the
Posting House and warmth and lunch.
After lunch and a good natter with quite a bunch of the Solway Members and reports from several on Roy's condition after his left operation – it was time
to disperse as the daylight goes so fast just now.
Anita and Steve rode with Di as far as Deanscale Village – she to go via Eaglesfield to Cockermouth and Anita and Steve heading westward to Branthwaite (steep hill up!) and along the up and down switchback that takes the West Cumbrians to Lillyhall for a long swoosh down through Distington bye pass and Howgate to the Pelican Garage at Whitehaven.
In town a coffee stop was suggested at the Beacon and this enables Anita to negotiate the hill behind the Beacon to ride home to Sandwith and Steve the cycle way through Mirehouse – Cleator Moor and home. 33 Miles.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 2nd November Craggs Bothel.
Meeting at Dianne's were Maurice, Roy, Steve, Anita, John, Sue and John.
Dianne helped by John provided the tea, coffee and biscuits over a lively chat about everything topical.
It seemed no one was in a hurry to move, maybe it was the warmth of the conservatory having experienced the cold outside.
Eventually Maurice made a move having two dogs to exercise, that prompted the rest to move.
Dianne led the group onto the green way towards the Isel road, on reaching the Isel road the females in the group set the pace, climbing steadily out of Cockermouth.
On reaching Isel Bridge the group stopped to view the river, before setting off again on Dianne's favourite road towards Sunderland.
Just before the climb out of Sunderland the group were held up by a herd of sheep on their way to new pastures.
After the climb out of Sunderland the group joined the A591 to the lunch stop at the Craggs to find Maurice with his legs under the table.
With sun making a brief appearance outside, the group tucked into their lunch and chatted at the same time.
With daylight hours having changed the group decided to make a move, leaving Maurice to drive back home.
The rest having decided to go back to Dianne's and parked cars via, Gilcrux, Tallentire and Bridekirk, for more tea, coffee and biscuits.
A great attendance today – must be the “less cold” temperature affect after the recent frosts. John and Sue M, Stewart, Anita and colleague Peter, Steve L, Johnnie and Pat, and John R all met at the Melbreak Hotel (Maurice with dogs to walk) – now a regular popular starting point for many of our rides.
Setting off in good spirits – slightly dampened by Johnie's front wheel puncture just before the Stainburn turn off. Didn't take him long to to fix it because he caught up with us somewhere around the cycle way bridge over the A596 just after the Siddick Wetland only to suffer a a rear wheel slow leak just as we we approached the run in to Maryport.
Lunch was at the Aquarium cafe where we met up with Maurice (having walked the dogs) and then Roy who arrived by means of “two sticks and four wheels”, he had used the bus from Braithwaite to Maryport.
To go home we traveled northwards (strangely?) along the promenade, the golf course to the end of the cycle way to just south of Allonby, then turning at Mealo House inland to take the Hayton/Allerby Road where we started the gradual climb towards Allerby – then a crafty turnoff took us via Crosby Villa into a long and strenuous uphill slog through Bullgill, passing Gilcrux road end and so into Tallentire (the smallest village I know with a one way ring road system!). This road took us to the Dovenby/Cockermouth crossroads but our exit was the quiet road past Broughton Craggs to the Derwent River bridge to Brigham and onto Broughton Cross old road to Bridge Foot and up the Chapel Brow climb and the end of our day at the Melbreak Hotel service road.
A lovely much milder day but cloudy all the while. 8Oc and 273/4 miles not bad eh!
Sunday 27th November Parkside Hotel Cleator.
After a week off over night frost making the roads quite dangerous for two wheels, Sunday morning turned out to be dry and frost free.
Starting from the Melbreak were Sue, John and Stewart, but not before the usual tea and coffee.
On an almost perfect morning the trio set off following the cycle path to Whitehaven.
Joining the cycle path out of Whitehaven Stewart had rear wheel puncture, repaired by Stewart while Sue and John looked on.
Back on the bikes the trio pushed on following the cycle path to the Parkside covered in fallen leaves.
Seventeen members and friends made it to the Parkside to celebrate Michelle's 50th birthday.
Only four arrived on two wheels, while the rest arrived in the comfort off four wheels.
After a good lunch, and chocolate cake provided by Michelle, members left the way they had arrived.
The trio now joined by Steve headed up the cycle way to Rowrah, where they joined the main road to Mockerkin.
Turning left to Ullock they followed the lanes to Dean, where they said goodbye to Steve who headed for home via Branthwaite.
The trio then continued onto Eaglesfield, Greysouthen and Bridgefoot, for the final climb of the day back to the Melbreak.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 23rd November Royal Yew Dean by Steve Lunt
We met up the Melbreak Hotel - Stewart, Steve L, Sue and John M, and Johnie (who we haven't seen for a while) and it seems that cold mornings are conducive to consumption of the pre-ride drinks and later starts. Peter P joined us for a chat but wasn't able to ride at present (doctor’s orders) but caught up with us by car at the Royal Yew, Dean.
Lovely day with blue skies all over but cold enough to make us wary of possible hidden frosty patches – not helped by a fellow cyclist riding up from the Branthwaite road at the Lillyhall roundabout who declared it was slippery enough to unseat him near Branthwaite. We rode to Branthwaite rather cautiously down and up again (with no incidents) to Dean Village to find the Inn filling up. Johnie left us at the village centre to return to his car at the Melbreak while we dived into the pub for warmth and sustenance.
Only an hour in the pub as the lack of light and temperature was such that we had to set of back for base. This time we went by Deanscales to the Eaglesfield “suburbs” and then to Greysouthen, having just passed a noisy Tendley Quarry. The last stretch after reaching the Brigham road was into Bridgefoot and uphill pull up Chapel Brow then a hop and a skip to the Melbreak Hotel.
A short day but extremely pleasant
Club Run Ride Sunday 20th November Tea Shop, Allonby by Steve Lunt
Could not believe my car thermometer that morning – 0.00c! No wind, thankfully, but very cold and frosty patches along road side and pavements.
So four of us met up at the Melbreak Hotel when a phone call from John and Sue M - problem with their new car, so they had to pull out of the club run.
We held back the start until 1100hrs for a little more sun and tempting more coffee on hand. When we did set off we decided to use only the main roads to get to Allonby (most untypical for the Solway) for safety reasons as hidden frost and ice patches on the cycle ways seemed possible and we noticed a number of other cyclists doing likewise.
A good pace was set up to Maryport town centre and gave each of us a little warmth and at that point we realised we had lost Stewart and John R. Anita and Steve waited at the lights in Maryport for about 8 or 9 minutes but no John or Stewart so they decided to carry on puzzled by their absence and even more puzzled when we caught up with the two yellow jackets of John R and Stewart just approaching Allonby.
The warmth in the Tea Shop was really appreciated and hot soups and drinks really did the trick. We met up with Joe and Frances here who had traveled up on four wheels and Tracy who had an early start and was just leaving to meet someone.
When we left we agreed to all travel together and this time we used the usual cycle way route which seemed reasonably safe underfoot. The temperature started to dip as the light was fading as we approached Great Clifton and finally reached the Melbreak Hotel.
The suggestion of a hot drink and warmth indoors seemed to good to miss until we finally departed at around 1645 hrs. 30mls
Autumn Tints Wednesday 16th November Wheatsheaf, Embleton. By Steve Lunt
It was one of those 'shall we shan't we' days – threat of rain and wind. The wind came from the west as we set off from John and Sue's place at sometime after 1010 hrs ++ in the direction of Keswick – Crosthwaite Roundabout and over to the Bassenthwaite back road. At Scarness Junction the road through Bass Village was taken, en-route to be passed by the Eden Valley riders heading for Keswick (to meet Paul C) for lunch and we turned for Embleton and the Wheatsheaf Pub and lunch.
The Weatsheaf has recently been renovated internally: with the bar being moved to reveal a hidden fireplace, new very plush. At lunch it was a good attendance comprising of Joe, Roy, Maurice, John R, Maggie and Stewart,Sue and John M,And Steve L.
After lunch, Joe cycling back to Cockermouth and John R, John and Sue M, and Steve L retraced the route on which they had came and marvelled at the autumn colours and the clouds and mist looming over Keswick. It was a totally different view traveling in the opposite direction.
As we left the Wheatsheaf John and Sue M had carefully clad up in their over trousers – the brief rain shower stopped and it was a bright sky again; typical. 261/2 miles
Sunday 13th November Wheatsheaf Embleton.
Ten members made it for lunch on a dry grey looking morning they were Maurice, Maggie, Stewart, France's, Joe, Dianne, Ruth, Roy, Sue and John.
Only three made it by bike, Dianne out on her own left home to join the Isel road to the Distillery, were she turned right to Embleton.
Sue and John left home heading for Crosthwaite roundabout to join the A591 as far as the Castle Inn with a few detours in between.
At Ouse Bridge with time in hand they decided to take the Isel road to Cockermouth, meeting Dianne coming in opposite direction.
A brief chat and they were on their way again, heading for the same venue, Dianne having traversed that rough Isel road it was now Sue and John's turn.
After two left turns it was onto the road over Slate Fell, followed by the descent to Embleton and the Wheatsheaf Inn for lunch.
Already round the table were France's, Joe, Maurice, Dianne, Maggie, Stewart, Ruth and Roy, joining them for the chat was Sue and Paul.
Sue and Paul cycled out from home to the Distillery for a welcome beverage, before making their way to the Wheatsheaf.
Large and Small portions were on offer, although it was hard to tell looking round the table.
After a good lunch member left the way they had arrived, Dianne, Sue and Paul turned right on leaving the pub.
While Sue and John turned left heading for the road works on the A66 back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 9th November. Horse and Farrier Threlkeld.
With overnight snow on the fells down as low as 300ft, completely transformed the landscape.
Still cold but no wind to think off, six members made their way to Braithwaite by car, Anita and John and Maurice made their way to Roy’s.
Ruth kindly laid on tea, coffee and biscuits while they chatted away to Roy about his knee operation.
Dianne, Paul and Steve called at Sue and John's for coffee before going down to see Roy.
One look at Roy you would not believe he had just had a new knee replacement, sitting round the table chatting away, he had also ventured upstairs to watch the TV.
Eventually the two wheel group left they were Sue, Anita, Steve and the two John's, leaving Dianne and Maurice behind, both having gone for a walk.
Following the A66 the group turned into Keswick, to join the A66 again at Crosthwaite roundabout to follow the road to the Burns junction.
Turning right of the A66 they continued on towards Burns Farm turning right to Shundraw and St John's in the Vale.
With time in hand they rode out as far as Bridge End Farm where a new bridge had been constructed for access to the farm.
After viewing the work carried out on the bridge and realignment off the Beck, the group turned round and headed for Threlkeld.
Waiting in the pub were Dianne and John, Maurice and Roy all having arrived by car.
After a good lunch it was back into the cold for the two wheel group, while the rest left in the comfort off four wheels.
Deciding to miss out the climb up Burns, the group headed back down the Vale to Shundraw.
Following their wheel tracks back to the A66, the group then dropped down into Keswick for final couple of miles back to Braithwaite.
Sunday 6th November Post House Deanscales.
On a wet morning with a northerly wind Sue and John left Braithwaite heading through Thornthwaite to join the A66.
With road works on the west bound carriage way, they decided to carry on through the road works to avoid the contra flow.
After passing the Pheasant Hotel it was back onto the A66, were extensive road works are being carried out to raise the road, that was flooded in December last year.
With very little traffic heading west it was decided to continue along the A66 to the now Premier Hotel roundabout.
Turning left at the roundabout it was onto Paddle School, to turn right to Eaglesfield for the final mile to Deanscales for lunch at the Post House.
Arriving almost together with Steve and Anita (see Steve's blog) and Dianne, Dianne having cycled from home via Brandlingill.
Tracy and Brian having parked their van on pub car park did a circular ride via Dean.
Joining the two wheel members were Maurice, Maggie, Stewart, Michelle and Peter to be joined later by Sue and Paul.
After a good lunch and chat member left in groups, the four wheels group heading for the car park and home.
While the two wheel members braved the cold to make their way back home, Sue and John headed for Hundith Hill to join the A66 back to Braithwaite.
A Cold Ride to the Posting House by Steve Lunt
Having declined the tempting and kind offer of a warm lift to the lunch stop and realizing that Anita was ready and dressed in thermals to protect everything and about to ride out to the meeting point – Moor Row Station on the cycle way – at 1000hrs they set off into a northerly headwind at about 7/80C.
The Cycle way did seem to have the advantage of giving at least intermittent shelter until they reached Kirkland Village and on towards Keld Head junction
(above Croasdale and Ennerdale) at which point they took the Cockermouth direction to pass Inglenook and uphill passing Lamplugh Church.
Then the Loweswater turn took them passed the Coffin Track above Loweswater – plenty of cars parked; popular spot even at that temperature – finally arriving at the top of Fangs Brow.
The route then was left up and then down to Mockerkin and past the tarn and onto the B5086 Egremont/Cockermouth road towards Deanscales, the
Posting House and warmth and lunch.
After lunch and a good natter with quite a bunch of the Solway Members and reports from several on Roy's condition after his left operation – it was time
to disperse as the daylight goes so fast just now.
Anita and Steve rode with Di as far as Deanscale Village – she to go via Eaglesfield to Cockermouth and Anita and Steve heading westward to Branthwaite (steep hill up!) and along the up and down switchback that takes the West Cumbrians to Lillyhall for a long swoosh down through Distington bye pass and Howgate to the Pelican Garage at Whitehaven.
In town a coffee stop was suggested at the Beacon and this enables Anita to negotiate the hill behind the Beacon to ride home to Sandwith and Steve the cycle way through Mirehouse – Cleator Moor and home. 33 Miles.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 2nd November Craggs Bothel.
Meeting at Dianne's were Maurice, Roy, Steve, Anita, John, Sue and John.
Dianne helped by John provided the tea, coffee and biscuits over a lively chat about everything topical.
It seemed no one was in a hurry to move, maybe it was the warmth of the conservatory having experienced the cold outside.
Eventually Maurice made a move having two dogs to exercise, that prompted the rest to move.
Dianne led the group onto the green way towards the Isel road, on reaching the Isel road the females in the group set the pace, climbing steadily out of Cockermouth.
On reaching Isel Bridge the group stopped to view the river, before setting off again on Dianne's favourite road towards Sunderland.
Just before the climb out of Sunderland the group were held up by a herd of sheep on their way to new pastures.
After the climb out of Sunderland the group joined the A591 to the lunch stop at the Craggs to find Maurice with his legs under the table.
With sun making a brief appearance outside, the group tucked into their lunch and chatted at the same time.
With daylight hours having changed the group decided to make a move, leaving Maurice to drive back home.
The rest having decided to go back to Dianne's and parked cars via, Gilcrux, Tallentire and Bridekirk, for more tea, coffee and biscuits.