22nd May 2008 - Broughton Mills

I gave Jamie a lift in my car just to make sure I was not alone, but actually 5 turned out, John, Ian, Neil, Jamie & I, as usual there was some route discussion, what with being a democracy and all that! We decided that although last years route was good, if a little wet we would head out in the other direction, so we headed up the road in a east-northern direction, past Hobkin Ground, up Ling End and take a left at the fork, tee of right into the Forest and look for a left fork going uphill, this heads towards Stephenson Ground but via the valley, so head for Natty Bridge, come back down the valley, enjoy and watch out for punctures (only Jamie this time!). Follow the bridleway heading up Long Mire, but take a left after a gate to cross the valley floor, it's tricky in places, then climb up past Jackson Ground, right round Raven's Crag this is great scenery, here we were running out of time (i.e. chips were calling) and the options were too many, we really need a whole day to do this area justice, so another time maybe. We headed down to the road which follows Dunnerdale Beck, a quick blast down hill to the pub. We were in time for Cumberland sausage , chips & a salad, very civilised! We discussed life, how to not ride a 24 hour race (i.e. we would enjoy the camping, BBQ & beers) and who was up for the Sam Houghton Mountain Bike Challenge on Saturday 9th June. Next week it's Satterthwaite for Grisedale.