A surprisingly tough 50-mile ride against a headwind
on a dark and cold June day.
Route: From the house taking the WtoW route along Paddy Lane
and then by small roads to cross the motorway near Lambrigg, under the viaduct
at Beck Foot and then along the empty road under the Howgills eventually to
join the A685. Leaving the WtoW route to continue along this to Tebay and thence to
Orton for coffee. North over Orton Scar, through Crosby Ravensworth, to the White
Horse Inn at King’s Meaburn for a pint. Thence via Temple Sowerby and Skirwith
to Melmerby for tea in the village bakery and over the 1900ft Hartside pass on
the A686 to cross the Pennines north of Cross Fell (pictured) and a slow and chilly descent to Alston.
Conditions: Cold and threatening with a headwind but no rain.
Pubs: The White Horse Inn at King’s Meaburn for Allendale
Curlew’s Return and The Cumberland Hotel at Alston for Barngates Tag Lag, Barngates Red
Bull Terrier and Hesket Newmarket Helvellyn Gold (and supper).
