A short (40km) cycle circuit on a lovely sunny September afternoon.
Route: from home to Burneside via Valley Drive and the riverside cycle path. After the station and tennis court, taking the quiet road across the railway line rising uphill to cross the A591 and continuing along Ratherheath Lane past the tarn to turn right onto the Crook Road. After passing the pub taking the next left and right to avoid tackling a steep hill on a busy road before rejoining the main road as far as the church. Turning left on Back Lane and descending the Gilpin Valley as far as Crosthwaite for a pint at the Punchbowl. Taking a minor (though surprisingly wide) road south to meet the A5074 and along this to turn left across the flat bottom of the Lyth Valley to Brigsteer and on to the pub at Levens. After a pint and late lunch, joining the A6 as far as Mabbin Hall Lane and steeply over this to pick up a familiar route home via Hincaster, Sedgwick and Natland.Conditions: cloudless sun though cool air.
Pubs: The Punchbowl, Crosthwaite for Barngates Tag Lag and Coniston Bluebird. The Hare and Hounds, Levens for Barngates Brathay Gold.
