Route: leaving Lorton and heading north to Cockermouth and then north east on Sustrans Route 10 along the valley above the river but descending to cross the Derwent at Iselgate and turning first right, then left and right to reach and cross the A595 at Bewaldeth. Climbing steeply to reach a road under Binsey and along this to turn left and the descend to Ireby for a pint at the Black Lion (for the first visit). Then west on an initially tiny single track road to Torpenhow, Bothel, Plumbland and Gilcrux for a pint in the Bar’n Bistro. Home via the steep tiny road under Tallentire Hill to Bridekirk and back via Cockermouth.
Conditions: initially dry with almost hints of sun. Later fine drizzle blown by a stiffening wind.
Pubs: The Black Lion, Ireby, for Banks Sunbeam. The Bar’n Bistro, Gilcrux, for Cumbrian Legendary Ales Esthwaite Bitter and Ennerdale Horseshoe.
