Autumn Tints Wednesday 29th November Horse and Farrier Inn, Threlkeld by Steve Lunt Meeting at Roy;s place were John M, John R, Steve L, Roy, Tom, and Maggie in the unbelievable low temperature (who would even think of riding in this). At least no frost or obvious ice patches despite an icy cold breeze across the skin whilst cycling. The route took them along the A66 cycle path and through Keswick town to climb up to the exit slip road towards Penrith to turn up at the junction to Burns Farm and so on to Threlkeld via the “yellow road” passing the quarry/museum entrance and crossing the A66 to get into the village and to the Horse and Farrier for the welcome shelter and warmth!
Paul and Sue appeared very soon after having gone to Lake Thirlmere, over the dam and part way down the the rear of the lake before returning by way of St. Johns in the Vale to the Horse and Farrier at Threlkeld.
After lunch Roy and Maggie chose a more direct route back to Braithwaite. They turned towards Keswick along the High Road passing near the stone circle and through Keswick town and onto Roy's at Braithwaite.
This left Steve L, John M, John R, and Tom to cycle onto Thirlmere using St. Johns in the Vale route to investigate the dam wall. The requirements for the reservoir now included a fortified dam wall along the length of the existing dam wall, with the lake on one side and a huge drop off on the other side. The newly improved wall is still the same height and now has a neat buttress on the parapet side the full span of the dam up to the junction with the road to the rear of the lake.
It was too cold the hang around so the small group turned northwards to arrive at the A591 and up and over the “Nest” and through Keswick town and back to Braithwaite and Roy's place. It did take a long time to thaw out to recover from a temperature of 40c!
Sunday 26th November Parkside Hotel, Cleator Moor by Steve Lunt
Meeting together for lunch were Dianne and John Moyes, Joe and Frances, Maurice, Steve H, Brian (Bacca) Moore and Tracy, Tom, Steve L and Roy. Only 3 riders braved the cold (70c max) blustery conditions.
Bacca arrived on his trike having ridden from home and via Dean Cross junction and then through the lanes back to The Parkside Hotel to join the rest for lunch.
Steve L and Roy had met up by car at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow at 10am and decided not to hang around and prepared their bikes for a quick getaway – the cold urged them to get moving. Surprising though – no frost or ice to give problems.
The route for Steve and Roy was the usual push along the A595 cycle path as far as Distington, then the cycle way dives downward at the college junction and veers under the new bypass (by tunnel) then on in the direction of Lowca passing a nursery with its acres of greenhouses, then through Parton village to Whitehaven and it's Marina to rejoin the cycle route 92 just after the Aldi Superstore. Now the route was all using the cycle path through Mirehouse – Linethwaite – Moor Row and passing an area that had just been cleared of saplings and overgrowth, probably by Sustrans, and now looks neat, tidy and much wider when approaching. And so to Parkside Halt at Cleator and lunch at the Parkside Hotel.
After lunch there was no staying talking too long at this time of the year! Steve and Roy took to the rest of the cycle path as far as Rowrah leaving it at the main road to turn towards Asby and the long ups and downs to arrive at Dean Cross junction but in the direction of Workington passing the dismantlers site to a junction to turn left to Lillyhall only 1½ miles away – no hesitation as showers of cold rain were frequent. At Lillyhall roundabout, turning north and using the A595 cycle path, took them back to The Melbreak Hotel and their parked cars. The end of a different day to the norm!
It was noted that the route out to the Parkside was 15miles and the return route was 12 miles.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 22nd November
Ride Cancelled due to bad weather
Sunday 19th November Club Run Allonby Tea Rooms by Steve Lunt
Having met at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow and that we must all be mad to consider going out in such a low temperature (near zero) but during the trip it climbed steadily to 70c – very bright, sunny and windless.
Steve L, Tom, John and Sue M, John R, Roy and Ivan in full winter garb, set out from the hotel with the intention of avoiding frozen, muddy and leafy paths in the shade so they took to the main road (A595) to the Stainburn turn off down to Stainburn, crossing the bridge over the A66 to Workington link road, earning a Tourist Competition 1 point. Sticking to the hard surfaces and avoiding Curwen Park they took to the A66 to its end in the town centre to the Derwent Bridge, along to the large roundabout at the dockland approach and turn up the A596 and its parallel cycle way via the Dunmail Park complex, passing the depressing sight of a chemical manufacturing plant being demolished – not very old and a hive of industry a couple of years or so ago. The rest of the route north was the usual route we take many times to arrive at Allonby using the complete Maryport/Allonby cycle path right into the heart of Allonby village thus earning 2 more points in the Tour Competition list.
In the tearoom they joined Brian (Bacca) Moore, Maurice and Steve H, and later by old friend Ray Fitzimmons, who was still recovering from a recent Surgery and was just getting gently back into cycling and was using his folding Brompton bike, they left him at Allonby to have a “tootle” around.
Temperature was notably dropping as they pushed southwards towards Maryport and the group decided to take to the option of the track through Workington and a little further south to join the A595 at Distington, turning north passing Lakes College at Lillyhall and then over Winscales Moor to the downhill to the Melbreak Hotel at Chapel Brow. - End of their cold but lovely day out!! 36miles.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 15th November – Craggs Cafe, Bothel by Steve Lunt
The meet up was at the Brewers Fayre (Premier Inn) Cockermouth for this now regular outing, and at 10am. Although it would be a first if they got away on time!! After the usual tea and coffee Maurice, Roy, Tom, Maggie, John and Sue M, Steve L, John R, and Ivan set off in the usual direction of Cockermouth Greenway cycle path to Derwent School and via the housing estate to Isel road towards Setmurthy but turning downhill to Isel Bridge then immediately turning right uphill passing Long Close Farm and on quiet roads with a fleeting visit to Sunderland to reach the A591 Bothel/Keswick road and onto the Craggs Cafe – the lunch stop and to meet up with Brian and Tracy and Peter Pearce.
After a satisfying lunch stop leaving The Craggs Cafe they took to a slight climb to Bothel Village (crossing the A595) then onto Threapland and almost immediately Plumbland, Arkleby and so to Gilcrux where at the village centre a sharp left up a series of climbs along a muddy lane over Tallentire Hill (for 2 points on the Tour Competition list). Thankfully a long swoop downhill was next all the way to Bridekirk and on down again to the A595 to Belle Vue Roundabout on the outskirts of Cockermouth, more downhill into the town to pass over Gote Bridge. To avoid the usual shaded narrow path (too much mud and leaves possible) the group agreed to ride a little further along to near the Lakes Centre Shop roundabout and took a left turn into Parklands Estates uphill to finally reach the Lamplugh Road (A5086) down to the A66 roundabout and up to the entrance to the Premier Inn car park and their own cars – end of a good ride and almost wind free with a temperature of 9/10 degrees.
However the group had parted at the Craggs Café.
Maggie took a direct route downhill to Castle Inn and thence a quick return to home to Wythop
Maurice and Roy took their own route taking in a track and descending the Robin Hood hill to Bass Village to seek out Tour Points. Then via Castle Inn and onto Embleton to Cockermouth and onto the Premier Inn Car Park.
Sunday 12th November - Wheatsheaf Inn, Lorton.
Felt like winter had arrived as Sue and John left Braithwaite, into a cold side wind as they headed along the A66 to Keswick. Leaving Keswick by the valley road that turned out to be a mistake by the volume of traffic, probably heading for the service on Great Gable. With the sun trying to make a brief appearance and with a following wind it was still cold as the duo made their way to Stonethwaite. A brief stop and it was back down the valley to Grange, this time into the wind, turning left over the river into Grange. As they climbed onto the ridge overlooking the lake they passed dozens of walkers taking advantage of the dry weather. Dropping down off Cat Bells that becomes a car park at weekend, had to be negotiated with care due to the number of parked cars. Back in Braithwaite they decided to avoid Whinlatter and use the A66 to Lambfoot, where they turned left to Hundith, before the final descent into Lorton.
Arriving late to find, Dianne, Maggie, Stewart, Michelle, Peter, France's, Joe, Maurice and Roy having lunch, Dianne having cycled from home.
Maurice parked his car at the Wheatsheaf, Lorton and started his climb over Whinlatter Pass to reach Braithwaite at the other side and to reach Roy,s place to pick him up for the rest of the ride and for a cuppa with him. The higher he climbed the colder his hands got until the ride was not enjoyable anymore and he was wishing he was at Roy's already. The downward swoop was very cold but when reaching Braithwaite Roy was waiting with the kettle boiling. By this time Maurice's hands were so cold he had difficulty undoing his helmet strap to take off his helmet but his hands started to get warm when he wrapped around a cuppa.
With beverages drank and warm hands Maurice and Roy set off and took to the Beck Wythop to Wythop Mill track and when crossing the main track up it became obvious that the vintage cars had used it on a previous day as it was very churned up and very muddy.
On reaching the road above Wythop Mill they took to another track which took them passed High Side Farm and dropped them down to Armaside and the Lorton Valley. This had also been used by the vintage cars and was even more slushy. The good point was the view they got looking across the Solway into Scotland.
On reaching the Lorton Valley it didn't take them long to reach the Wheatsheaf and Dianne sitting all by herself waiting for the rest of us to turn up. Maurice's ride was finished here but Roy had to ride home.
Good lunch and chat over members started to leave the way they had arrived, Roy hungry for tour points headed back home over Whinlatter.
Dianne on her electric bike selected turbo and was not seen again as the Braithwaite duo followed in her wheel tracks.
John and Sue looking for miles not points headed towards Cockermouth, taking a track just after Hundith Hotel onto the A66. It was then along the A66 turning left at Lambfoot onto the old road to Dubwath where they joined the A66 again. Following the road by the lake the temperature dropped considerably, leaving the A66 it was onto the old road back to Braithwaite and warm surroundings.
Sunday 5th November Post House Deanscales.
Leaving Braithwaite on a cool morning were Roy, Sue and John, with Sue on the front they headed through Thornthwaite to join the A66. Having negotiated the A66 it was onto the old road at Dubwath to follow the road over Slate Fell into Cockermouth.
Stopping in Cockermouth to answer a phone call from Dianne, who was calling from Scotch Corner to say they would join us for lunch.
Continuing on the trio crossed the A66 to Brigham then Broughton Cross where they turned left to Greysouthen. It was into the sun has they climbed up to Greysouthen, Sue having to stop and change her glasses the sun was so bright. More climbing before the trio reached Eaglesfield and Deanscales for lunch, to meet Maurice, Brian and Tracy who had just arrived.
Maurice had parked his car at The Old Posting House and rode towards Cockermouth on the A5086 before turning down to Mosser Mains and up to Mosser Church and on through Sossgill to reach Mockerkin Village. Then it was a grind to the top of Fangs Brow but the view across the Solway was worth the effort. The downhill to Loweswater was fast and cold but he soon warmed up climbing the exceptionally rutted track up to the top of Mosser Fell and again lost all the height descending to Mosser Mains once more. Then it was a right turn to go up another well rutted track up Whinfell, but it wasn't long up this track before he was met with a massive puddle which he had to negotiate and did only just without getting his feet wet but only just!! He followed tractor tyre marks and car tracks which he thought was foolish of some driver and near the top he found that unbelievably there were two cars passing each other and had to stop to let one past. Another downhill into the Lorton Valley to turn to go through Rogerscale and Brandlingill and back to the Old Posting House for lunch.
Bacca Moore had tri-cycled from home at Bigrigg to Deanscales to meet up with the club for lunch at The Old Posting House but got a lift home with Tracy.
Seventeen members made it for lunch, most arriving by car with the exception of Tom and Dave, who had cycled from Whitehaven.
After a good lunch now under new management, members began to leave the way they had arrived.
The Braithwaite trio taking a shorter route back via Southwaite Mill, Hundith, Embleton and the A66
Autumn Tints Wednesday 1st November Summergrove Hall by Steve Lunt
The riders turning up at The Melbreak Hotel, Chapel brow were John and Sue, Paul C, Tom Beck, Steve L, John R, Anita, Roy, Ivan, Peter Pearse (by car), Peter Popham, and Maurice.
Maurice rode out to the Melbreak to meet up with the rest and ride back to Summergrove for lunch.
Maurice parked his car at Summergrove and rode over through Moresby Parks and down Swallow Hill to Distington then along the cycle path alongside the A595 to the Melbreak.
For a complete change from the norm and having researched the availability of lunchtime food at Summergrove – a hostel/hotel in the woodlands near Goosebutts and used extensively for seminars and courses etc. we thought to give this venue a try.
We all set off from the start point, The Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow, to make the journey south along the cycle path alongside the A595 (having made an urgent phone call to Summergrove notifying them the 6 that were booked was now 12).
Slightly later than was anticipated they followed the cycle route through Whitehaven and soon after leaving the Mirehouse fringes they took a sharp turn uphill which took them across the A595 to the Westlakes Science Park which very conveniently exits via a barrier on to the Moor Row road close to the Galemire Veterinary Practice. Left turn and downwards slightly to the crossroads that led to Goosebutts but within half a mile they reached Summergrove Hall, hidden by a mass of trees.
Entering the building and upstairs they were treated to a lovely array of sandwiches on two large platters with salad garnish, and a large basin of to share, along with tea and coffee on hand.
Home time soon came – not much light this time of the year. The gang set off to Padstow with a brief stop at Steve L's place to inspect his new shed and a photo shoot and each rider to collect a fruit scone kindly baked by Mavis R.
The route was uphill via Keekle to Hensingham and right at the Fire Station to go through Moresby Parks, then Steve L, Roy, John R, Peter, and Paul C, descended down Swallow Hill to Distington then along the cycle path alongside the A595 to their cars parked at the Melbreak.
Conversly John and Sue M in search of points for the Tour Competition and extra miles along with Ivan took a diversion through Pica and then through the lanes to reach the Melbreak.
Paul and Sue appeared very soon after having gone to Lake Thirlmere, over the dam and part way down the the rear of the lake before returning by way of St. Johns in the Vale to the Horse and Farrier at Threlkeld.
After lunch Roy and Maggie chose a more direct route back to Braithwaite. They turned towards Keswick along the High Road passing near the stone circle and through Keswick town and onto Roy's at Braithwaite.
This left Steve L, John M, John R, and Tom to cycle onto Thirlmere using St. Johns in the Vale route to investigate the dam wall. The requirements for the reservoir now included a fortified dam wall along the length of the existing dam wall, with the lake on one side and a huge drop off on the other side. The newly improved wall is still the same height and now has a neat buttress on the parapet side the full span of the dam up to the junction with the road to the rear of the lake.
It was too cold the hang around so the small group turned northwards to arrive at the A591 and up and over the “Nest” and through Keswick town and back to Braithwaite and Roy's place. It did take a long time to thaw out to recover from a temperature of 40c!
Sunday 26th November Parkside Hotel, Cleator Moor by Steve Lunt
Meeting together for lunch were Dianne and John Moyes, Joe and Frances, Maurice, Steve H, Brian (Bacca) Moore and Tracy, Tom, Steve L and Roy. Only 3 riders braved the cold (70c max) blustery conditions.
Bacca arrived on his trike having ridden from home and via Dean Cross junction and then through the lanes back to The Parkside Hotel to join the rest for lunch.
Steve L and Roy had met up by car at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow at 10am and decided not to hang around and prepared their bikes for a quick getaway – the cold urged them to get moving. Surprising though – no frost or ice to give problems.
The route for Steve and Roy was the usual push along the A595 cycle path as far as Distington, then the cycle way dives downward at the college junction and veers under the new bypass (by tunnel) then on in the direction of Lowca passing a nursery with its acres of greenhouses, then through Parton village to Whitehaven and it's Marina to rejoin the cycle route 92 just after the Aldi Superstore. Now the route was all using the cycle path through Mirehouse – Linethwaite – Moor Row and passing an area that had just been cleared of saplings and overgrowth, probably by Sustrans, and now looks neat, tidy and much wider when approaching. And so to Parkside Halt at Cleator and lunch at the Parkside Hotel.
After lunch there was no staying talking too long at this time of the year! Steve and Roy took to the rest of the cycle path as far as Rowrah leaving it at the main road to turn towards Asby and the long ups and downs to arrive at Dean Cross junction but in the direction of Workington passing the dismantlers site to a junction to turn left to Lillyhall only 1½ miles away – no hesitation as showers of cold rain were frequent. At Lillyhall roundabout, turning north and using the A595 cycle path, took them back to The Melbreak Hotel and their parked cars. The end of a different day to the norm!
It was noted that the route out to the Parkside was 15miles and the return route was 12 miles.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 22nd November
Ride Cancelled due to bad weather
Sunday 19th November Club Run Allonby Tea Rooms by Steve Lunt
Having met at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow and that we must all be mad to consider going out in such a low temperature (near zero) but during the trip it climbed steadily to 70c – very bright, sunny and windless.
Steve L, Tom, John and Sue M, John R, Roy and Ivan in full winter garb, set out from the hotel with the intention of avoiding frozen, muddy and leafy paths in the shade so they took to the main road (A595) to the Stainburn turn off down to Stainburn, crossing the bridge over the A66 to Workington link road, earning a Tourist Competition 1 point. Sticking to the hard surfaces and avoiding Curwen Park they took to the A66 to its end in the town centre to the Derwent Bridge, along to the large roundabout at the dockland approach and turn up the A596 and its parallel cycle way via the Dunmail Park complex, passing the depressing sight of a chemical manufacturing plant being demolished – not very old and a hive of industry a couple of years or so ago. The rest of the route north was the usual route we take many times to arrive at Allonby using the complete Maryport/Allonby cycle path right into the heart of Allonby village thus earning 2 more points in the Tour Competition list.
In the tearoom they joined Brian (Bacca) Moore, Maurice and Steve H, and later by old friend Ray Fitzimmons, who was still recovering from a recent Surgery and was just getting gently back into cycling and was using his folding Brompton bike, they left him at Allonby to have a “tootle” around.
Temperature was notably dropping as they pushed southwards towards Maryport and the group decided to take to the option of the track through Workington and a little further south to join the A595 at Distington, turning north passing Lakes College at Lillyhall and then over Winscales Moor to the downhill to the Melbreak Hotel at Chapel Brow. - End of their cold but lovely day out!! 36miles.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 15th November – Craggs Cafe, Bothel by Steve Lunt
The meet up was at the Brewers Fayre (Premier Inn) Cockermouth for this now regular outing, and at 10am. Although it would be a first if they got away on time!! After the usual tea and coffee Maurice, Roy, Tom, Maggie, John and Sue M, Steve L, John R, and Ivan set off in the usual direction of Cockermouth Greenway cycle path to Derwent School and via the housing estate to Isel road towards Setmurthy but turning downhill to Isel Bridge then immediately turning right uphill passing Long Close Farm and on quiet roads with a fleeting visit to Sunderland to reach the A591 Bothel/Keswick road and onto the Craggs Cafe – the lunch stop and to meet up with Brian and Tracy and Peter Pearce.
After a satisfying lunch stop leaving The Craggs Cafe they took to a slight climb to Bothel Village (crossing the A595) then onto Threapland and almost immediately Plumbland, Arkleby and so to Gilcrux where at the village centre a sharp left up a series of climbs along a muddy lane over Tallentire Hill (for 2 points on the Tour Competition list). Thankfully a long swoop downhill was next all the way to Bridekirk and on down again to the A595 to Belle Vue Roundabout on the outskirts of Cockermouth, more downhill into the town to pass over Gote Bridge. To avoid the usual shaded narrow path (too much mud and leaves possible) the group agreed to ride a little further along to near the Lakes Centre Shop roundabout and took a left turn into Parklands Estates uphill to finally reach the Lamplugh Road (A5086) down to the A66 roundabout and up to the entrance to the Premier Inn car park and their own cars – end of a good ride and almost wind free with a temperature of 9/10 degrees.
However the group had parted at the Craggs Café.
Maggie took a direct route downhill to Castle Inn and thence a quick return to home to Wythop
Maurice and Roy took their own route taking in a track and descending the Robin Hood hill to Bass Village to seek out Tour Points. Then via Castle Inn and onto Embleton to Cockermouth and onto the Premier Inn Car Park.
Sunday 12th November - Wheatsheaf Inn, Lorton.
Felt like winter had arrived as Sue and John left Braithwaite, into a cold side wind as they headed along the A66 to Keswick. Leaving Keswick by the valley road that turned out to be a mistake by the volume of traffic, probably heading for the service on Great Gable. With the sun trying to make a brief appearance and with a following wind it was still cold as the duo made their way to Stonethwaite. A brief stop and it was back down the valley to Grange, this time into the wind, turning left over the river into Grange. As they climbed onto the ridge overlooking the lake they passed dozens of walkers taking advantage of the dry weather. Dropping down off Cat Bells that becomes a car park at weekend, had to be negotiated with care due to the number of parked cars. Back in Braithwaite they decided to avoid Whinlatter and use the A66 to Lambfoot, where they turned left to Hundith, before the final descent into Lorton.
Arriving late to find, Dianne, Maggie, Stewart, Michelle, Peter, France's, Joe, Maurice and Roy having lunch, Dianne having cycled from home.
Maurice parked his car at the Wheatsheaf, Lorton and started his climb over Whinlatter Pass to reach Braithwaite at the other side and to reach Roy,s place to pick him up for the rest of the ride and for a cuppa with him. The higher he climbed the colder his hands got until the ride was not enjoyable anymore and he was wishing he was at Roy's already. The downward swoop was very cold but when reaching Braithwaite Roy was waiting with the kettle boiling. By this time Maurice's hands were so cold he had difficulty undoing his helmet strap to take off his helmet but his hands started to get warm when he wrapped around a cuppa.
With beverages drank and warm hands Maurice and Roy set off and took to the Beck Wythop to Wythop Mill track and when crossing the main track up it became obvious that the vintage cars had used it on a previous day as it was very churned up and very muddy.
On reaching the road above Wythop Mill they took to another track which took them passed High Side Farm and dropped them down to Armaside and the Lorton Valley. This had also been used by the vintage cars and was even more slushy. The good point was the view they got looking across the Solway into Scotland.
On reaching the Lorton Valley it didn't take them long to reach the Wheatsheaf and Dianne sitting all by herself waiting for the rest of us to turn up. Maurice's ride was finished here but Roy had to ride home.
Good lunch and chat over members started to leave the way they had arrived, Roy hungry for tour points headed back home over Whinlatter.
Dianne on her electric bike selected turbo and was not seen again as the Braithwaite duo followed in her wheel tracks.
John and Sue looking for miles not points headed towards Cockermouth, taking a track just after Hundith Hotel onto the A66. It was then along the A66 turning left at Lambfoot onto the old road to Dubwath where they joined the A66 again. Following the road by the lake the temperature dropped considerably, leaving the A66 it was onto the old road back to Braithwaite and warm surroundings.
Sunday 5th November Post House Deanscales.
Leaving Braithwaite on a cool morning were Roy, Sue and John, with Sue on the front they headed through Thornthwaite to join the A66. Having negotiated the A66 it was onto the old road at Dubwath to follow the road over Slate Fell into Cockermouth.
Stopping in Cockermouth to answer a phone call from Dianne, who was calling from Scotch Corner to say they would join us for lunch.
Continuing on the trio crossed the A66 to Brigham then Broughton Cross where they turned left to Greysouthen. It was into the sun has they climbed up to Greysouthen, Sue having to stop and change her glasses the sun was so bright. More climbing before the trio reached Eaglesfield and Deanscales for lunch, to meet Maurice, Brian and Tracy who had just arrived.
Maurice had parked his car at The Old Posting House and rode towards Cockermouth on the A5086 before turning down to Mosser Mains and up to Mosser Church and on through Sossgill to reach Mockerkin Village. Then it was a grind to the top of Fangs Brow but the view across the Solway was worth the effort. The downhill to Loweswater was fast and cold but he soon warmed up climbing the exceptionally rutted track up to the top of Mosser Fell and again lost all the height descending to Mosser Mains once more. Then it was a right turn to go up another well rutted track up Whinfell, but it wasn't long up this track before he was met with a massive puddle which he had to negotiate and did only just without getting his feet wet but only just!! He followed tractor tyre marks and car tracks which he thought was foolish of some driver and near the top he found that unbelievably there were two cars passing each other and had to stop to let one past. Another downhill into the Lorton Valley to turn to go through Rogerscale and Brandlingill and back to the Old Posting House for lunch.
Bacca Moore had tri-cycled from home at Bigrigg to Deanscales to meet up with the club for lunch at The Old Posting House but got a lift home with Tracy.
Seventeen members made it for lunch, most arriving by car with the exception of Tom and Dave, who had cycled from Whitehaven.
After a good lunch now under new management, members began to leave the way they had arrived.
The Braithwaite trio taking a shorter route back via Southwaite Mill, Hundith, Embleton and the A66
Autumn Tints Wednesday 1st November Summergrove Hall by Steve Lunt
The riders turning up at The Melbreak Hotel, Chapel brow were John and Sue, Paul C, Tom Beck, Steve L, John R, Anita, Roy, Ivan, Peter Pearse (by car), Peter Popham, and Maurice.
Maurice rode out to the Melbreak to meet up with the rest and ride back to Summergrove for lunch.
Maurice parked his car at Summergrove and rode over through Moresby Parks and down Swallow Hill to Distington then along the cycle path alongside the A595 to the Melbreak.
For a complete change from the norm and having researched the availability of lunchtime food at Summergrove – a hostel/hotel in the woodlands near Goosebutts and used extensively for seminars and courses etc. we thought to give this venue a try.
We all set off from the start point, The Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow, to make the journey south along the cycle path alongside the A595 (having made an urgent phone call to Summergrove notifying them the 6 that were booked was now 12).
Slightly later than was anticipated they followed the cycle route through Whitehaven and soon after leaving the Mirehouse fringes they took a sharp turn uphill which took them across the A595 to the Westlakes Science Park which very conveniently exits via a barrier on to the Moor Row road close to the Galemire Veterinary Practice. Left turn and downwards slightly to the crossroads that led to Goosebutts but within half a mile they reached Summergrove Hall, hidden by a mass of trees.
Entering the building and upstairs they were treated to a lovely array of sandwiches on two large platters with salad garnish, and a large basin of to share, along with tea and coffee on hand.
Home time soon came – not much light this time of the year. The gang set off to Padstow with a brief stop at Steve L's place to inspect his new shed and a photo shoot and each rider to collect a fruit scone kindly baked by Mavis R.
The route was uphill via Keekle to Hensingham and right at the Fire Station to go through Moresby Parks, then Steve L, Roy, John R, Peter, and Paul C, descended down Swallow Hill to Distington then along the cycle path alongside the A595 to their cars parked at the Melbreak.
Conversly John and Sue M in search of points for the Tour Competition and extra miles along with Ivan took a diversion through Pica and then through the lanes to reach the Melbreak.