After a deep sleep, uninterrupted by the washerwoman ghost of Steveney and undisturbed by the noise of an air gun being loosened off at Brear Rabbit and his offspring, we were served an excellent breakfast by Tom & Janet and given a tour of their estate. Unfortunately the pressure of time prevented us from assisting Tom with his stone wall repair and so we set off in glorious sunshine towards Ambleside. Many thanks to Tom and Janet for their hospitality and putting up with the smell of sweaty lycra.We avoided the hoi-poloi of Ambleside and headed North past Grasmere and uphill to the dramatic pass of Dunmail Rise. Compared to yesterday, the climb wasn't too bad, but it was long and slow (of course, this was due to today's hot weather conditions - if it had been cooler, then...). After the summit we had a great backroad around the quiet side of Thirlmere (where Manchester gets its water). In today's weather this seemed like the Mediterranean/Riviera!
Had morning tea in the Horse and Farrier (Threlkeld), below Blencathra, in company with the visiting Lancastrian Ladies Golf team who claimed that they were about to trounce their Cumbrian rivals.Afterwards our route coincided with the C2C cycle route which seemed to be very popular. We even overtook some cyclists who claimed that their slow progress was due to the desire to observe in detail the countryside including studying recumbent sheep.
Had a great ride out from through Mungrisedale and Mossdale past Carrock Fell. Great views back towards the Lakes, and fantastic vista towards Carlisle once we got to the top.
Lunch was a ham sandwich in a tea shop in Hesket Newmarket. Unfortunately the Old Crown was closed which our guide reliably informs us is in combination with a co-operatively owned brewery behind (apparently dividends are paid in beer). We had to make do instead with orange juice, but shortly afterwards, we stopped at the Bridge End Inn in Bridge End which turned out to be our first non-real ale pub. Had to make do with John Smith's. We hope that this is not a sign of things to come.
The last section took us through Carlisle, with its fine red sandstone buildings, including its castle. We made it to Longtown, just shy of the Scottish border, ready for tomorrow's invasion.
Today's profile shows the big climb up Dunhail Raise, and also the high point near Carrock Fell. Excellent weather today, and beautiful scenery. Hoping for more of the same tomorrow.
4 comments:
Your route is looking quite steep in some parts, will it get worse I wonder. And the thought of no real beer the further up you travel - you will have to start taking the whiskey instead! Hope the weather tomorrow will be as good as it was today. Cycle safely
Allez allez allez.
Do you finish in time to see the Tour? Jimmy has told me his child care duties will officially stop for three weeks between 7 and 8pm when the day's coverage will be on.
Don't forget to look for Wilma.
Gill not Jimmy as logged on as him
Dear Senior Cycling Widow. We experimented with the local whisky in Arran, which has excellent pain numbing effects on the lower parts of the body. Unfortunately these are so strong as to last until the next day.
Dear Gill posting as Jimmy. Wilma will indeed be getting surprise visit I'm sure. Can she prepare her smelling salts for our arrival. No Tour de France for us. They all use drugs you know.
Post a Comment