Cycle circuit of the Lyth Valley

A cycle ride and pub crawl on an amazingly sunny spring day.

Route: to Natland, Sizergh and the road to Levens continuing along the W2W route to the Derby Arms. Then on the higher level minor road from Witherslack to Crosthwaite and on to the Punch Bowl at Underbarrow. Then to Crook and initially along the road towards Ings before turning right to climb to a summit and then descend a gated road to Staveley and the Hawkshead Brewery. Back along the higher level 'back' road to Burneside and home through Kendal.

Conditions: blissfully sunny and warm.

Pubs: The Derby Arms, Witherslack, for Stringers The North Will Rise Again. The Punch Bowl at Underbarrow for Cumberland Corby Blonde. Hawkshead Brewery (beer festival), Staveley, for Hawkshead USPA and Black Isle Goldeneye.

Skiddaw via Ullock Pike

A fine high-level horseshoe route.

Route: Leaving the car in the centre of Bassenthwaite, taking paths across fields to join, briefly, the Orthwaite Road and hence to the start of a bridleway onto the fell side. Leaving the gently rising wide path for an undulating trod along the summit of the Watches and thus up to the top of Ullock Pike. Along the ridge keeping close to the edge of Southerndale and via the sloping scree path onto the top of Skiddaw. Down the fence to Bakestall and then Birkett Edge to join the Cumbria Way at Dash Falls and then back across very wet and muddy fields to Bassenthwaite.

Conditions: Initially warm and sunny but, on the top, a bitterly cold day. Lots of blue sky and clear views to Criffel and Snaefell.

Pub: The Sun Inn at Bassenthwaite for Jennings Cocker Hoop (before and after!).