21st February 2008 - Lowick & west

Luckily GT and JB turned up, as the others were not sure of the route and the local guide was probably enjoying his log burning stove. We set off south-west from the Red Lion at Lowick Bridge, past Lowick Hall take the first right hand lane, follow this and ignore the first left (we nearly did not!) take a bridleway, Long Lane, up to a farm, Kiln Bank, turn right thru' a gate and on past the barns to a second gate. This area is Subberthwaite Bank, where we went past 2 other MTBers going in the opposite direction, it was muddy, veer right and follow the track up towards the lane, where JP famously caught us up one Christmas with fairly lights on his helmet! Continue up the lane past Tottlebank and follow the bridleway west, cross over the lane (we did not stop as it was windy) and keep going to enjoy the downhill, turn right at the road near Fell Gate, blast down the road for a mile and look for a bridleway on the right hand side. Now enjoy the climb up, it's a tester, or just walk some and chat! This gets you to Woodland Fell, there are some alternatives, but we shall wait for summer evenings when we can see where we are going! head east to Cockenskell and follow the lanes back to Blawith, back on the main road and right turn back to the pub. Here we enjoyed beer thanks to JB's credit card and Grant did a Rodney (you know a straw and umbrella in his drink!!!). Next ride is Troutbeck.