22nd November 2007 - Haverthwaite

5 (the usual suspects) met up at the Anglers Arms and set off for the usual circuit, although we have an idea for an alternative route, once some daylight recces have been done...more later. Chris M produced a map and asked which route, it went something like this...go south down the lane, turn left at the road junction and left again to take a bridleway along the River Leven, we re-grouped and pumped some more air into Ian's rear shock and also heard a tale about a pheasant trying to beat Jamie up (we hear some tall tales while out riding) the track comes out at low brow edge, where we head up the lane, passing a person out smoking, we only knew they were there when they said hello from the dark shadows. After a short but steep climb there is a bridleway on the left, take this and work through a few muddy puddles, it comes out by Canny Hill, turn right and follow the lane until you cross over the main road and head up Barrow Banks, once past the radio mast look for a bridleway on the left. At this point we think there is another possible route going further up the hill and enjoying a route back round to meet up, but we left the research for another time,'cause it was dark and we did not want to get lost...again! We enjoyed the latest cake creation by Jamie, cheers and headed down the hill to Staveley in Cartmel, just watch out for Chris and George sliding about in the mud. Head on to Newby Bridge and past Lakeside, round to Finsthwaite and eventually join up with the bridleway downhill to water side house, here we took the strainght track route back to backbarrow, but not before Chris had a puncture! All fixed and back to the pub for crisps and beer. Next ride at Kentmere, park at Barley Bridge.