We parked at Crook village hall. Having enquired of the next door neighbour (out in his garden) whether the hall was going to be in use, he seemed to think not but advised us that we could double check by reading the notices pinned to the door. WI the previous evening, 'mothers and toddlers' on Friday morning but nothing on this Thursday evening.
John, Chris M, George and Charlie were the only ones who turned up on what turned out to be a glorious summer evening. Chris M recommended a route so we set off towards Crook taking the blind right hand turn towards the ‘Royal Crook Golf Club’ and then took the small road that turns off right over a cattle grid towards Crook Hall. Here it turns to bridleway with a mix of grassy tracks and skirting High House and Birk Moss. At Hart Howe it does a fantastic descent down to the road.
A right turn heading north up the small road and then left onto the bridleway past Crook Foot. As we reached the base of what is our usual descent to Thornyfields, George exclaimed that he knew where he was. Chris held the gate open and challenged us to ride to the top. This was accepted and accomplished by all although it was a level muddy patch that was nearly our downfall. Less success on the next rocky climb up Crag Lane and at this point Chris mentioned that this ride was a popular one with his family and usually took about three and a half hours. We were not yet at the turn-round point with a little less than an hour left of daylight.
The descent down to the ford and then the big climb up on the road up to Great Tower. We were shocked to find that the nice pile of road chippings that we had previously played on has been removed. So we had to set off across Birkett Houses Allotment, the pace had a certain sense of purpose but not so much that we could not enjoy the clear views across the high fells which were superb. Only Crinkle Crags having a few clouds shrouding their summits. Onwards and upwards over the green lane which as ever had puddles on the summit (doesn’t water run down hill – seemingly not). We popped out and headed up the lane to the Crook road near the Wild Boar Hotel and with the fading light, rear lights were switched on and it was decided that we should put Charlie on the front with the only front light and a pace line was formed to head back to the cars.Who knows what was happening but most of the population of Crook had parked in our car park. Fortunately we could all get out. We had just got to the Kendal bypass as the rain arrived so we got away with it! Next ride Britannia Inn, Elterwater.
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