Day 4   Allenheads-Rowlands Gill           

31.7 miles (Total to date 131.6 miles)

Not so bad today two steep climbs, the first out from Allenheads up Currick about a mile. Photograph and a drink before heading down to Rookhope, downhill all the way.

Just approaching the top of the last  big climb on the route. It was the very steep and rough off road section from Rookhope about a mile up before leveling out and then going across the top of the moors for about 10.5miles.

The weather kept away. I can imagine it being a lot harder ride if it were to turn nasty.

I only passed one person walking down and a few cyclist at Parkhead cafe other than that, I was the only person up there and the only other noise came from a Curlew and a few Lapwings.

By the time I had dropped down to Rowley the moors had given way to a more tree lined route. The signage was not as good along the last stretch but I made good time and met up with Bernie at Rowlands Gill. Looking forward to finishing tomorrow just 19miles to go! Hope to make use of the pool at the hotel before setting off.

Day 3   Langwathby-Allenheads           With a little detour to Long Meg stone circle

30 miles (Total to date 99.9 miles)

Last night we drove into Keswick for fish n chips and ate them overlooking the lake or should I say "water". Bernie got sunburnt silly girl. Went back to the hotel and had a couple of pints (glass of wine for the lady) and waited outside on the front terrace for the badger to arrive. We were told he normally appears between 11:15 to 11:30 and if there’s no food he kicks off a bit. Anyway he turned up at 11:25  This is the first time I've seen a badger that isn't lying at the side of the road (sadly).

Enroute to Langwathby stopped off at Blencow and took a photo of the Large farmhouse with the renavated pele tower.

Set off from Langwathby and headed up through Little Salkeld to visit Long Meg stone circle. Didn't stay to long as I was thinking about Bernie waiting for me and I had a few hills to get up.

Looking a little out of place at Long Meg stone circle

Riding up to Hartside cafe was not as hard as I was expecting, but it was certainly a tidy hill and a good excuse to stop for a large slice of cake and a cup tea. The next few miles were down hill to Leadgate and then up and down to Garrigill. The ride from Garrigill to Nenthead allmost saw me off (it should have a health warning sign posted,  but maybe it was the cake).

After the very steep 2 mile climb the ride drops briefly down to Nenthead before the next climb up to Black hill (the highest point on the route at just under 2000 ft) it was then a cracking ride with 2 large down hill sections before flattening out in Allenheads where I met Bernie and had some tea before moving on to the next hotel.

Sharing tea with one of the locals in Allenheads

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Day 2   Keswick-Langwathby

32.2 miles (Total to date 69.9 miles)

Well, the day started with typical Lake District weather. Stunning brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies fantastic, all the ingredients for sun burn.  After a cracking full English, I set off direct from the hotel which lies towards the bottom end of Derwentwater hence a couple of extra miles on the trip.

I rode round the centre of Keswick and picked up the route and onto the railpath by the swimming pool with no problem. This part of the route made me want to walk so I could enjoy the secnary.

Looking back near Threlkeld.

Once off the track it was up and down the lanes towards Greystoke were I stopped at the very friendly cafe for tea and cake. Not long after I passed a stunning house on the left which looked like an old ruined fortified farm that had been renovated (should have took a photo).

Cup of tea at Greystoke cafe

I found it quite amusing going straight through the centre of the college and following the route in Penrith went without fault. It was nice to finish the ride with a decent downhill ride after climbing beacon fell and I had no problems on the rest of the route and met Bernie in Langwathby.

We drove back to the hotel about 30 min drive and had a quick change before hiring a tandem Kayak and continued to enjoy the fabulous weather on Derwentwater.

Were going to finish the evening off with a pint (for me) and "and a glasss of wine for the lady" While we eagerly awate the arrival of the resident Badger for his super around 11.30pm.

Bernie & Me in the hotel grounds.

Day 1 Whitehaven - Keswick

Day 1   Whitehaven - Keswick

37.7 miles

Got off to a slow start this morning so ended up having some dinner with Bernie in Whitehaven before setting out.

I set off at a decent rate after first dipping my wheel in the sea as tradition has it. The route was well signed and I only had 2 small problems. The 1^st being in Lorton after deciding to take the original route that was closed due to collapsed bridges, these are now rebuilt and open. The signs are no longer there and I must have missed a junction. I noticed and picked up another lane that soon got me back on track probably adding ½ a mile in total. The 2^nd Was in Keswick as I was looking for the road down the side of Derwent Water to the hotel again I over shot this by a couple of hundred yards before realising. I can’t really put that one down to the route, so in all I think the first day went quite well.

On the route everyone seemed quite friendly; look out for the house selling flapjacks just after turning towards Loweswater in Lamplugh. Not long after this, I saw my first red squirrel which was sat on the lane and tried to out run me for about 30 yards before diving in to the hedgerow.

Loweswater was for me the nicest stretch and the climb from High Lorton towards Winnlatter. I wasn’t quite ready for the climb and it was definitely the worst. The route through Winllater forest was steep and very fast and soon made up for the climb to reach it. No photos other than starting out due to Bernie having the camera (I’ll take it tomorrow).

 I found Bernie sat out at the front of the hotel drawing. She said she was happy to see me as time was getting on. The hotel is in a fantastic location with mountain and lake views. We had an evening meal at the hotel and could not fault the food although it was so easy to be distracted by all the different birds and red squirrels running around just three or four feet away through the window at the dining table. Completely stuffed and looking forward to day 2.

View from our bedroom from one of the windows, yes we have two windows!

View from window 2, Derwentwater, with a little river running in the foreground.