7th August 2008 - Ullswater shore & Boredale Hause

It was a misty wet (it only rained for the first 10 minutes) evening where 6 riders met up in Hartsop village car park, 2 Chris's, Jamie, Ian, George & Paul all ready for the exploration, we figured we would do the clockwise route, utilising the small road section first, just in case the return section was tackled later on after sunset? We headed off north along the bridleway crossing the first ford with much water, then at the junction with the climb we turned left and met up with the main A592 at Bridgend head along to the YHA and turn right just after, (there is a link path from Hartsop but it is a footpath, pity) then pick up the bridleway and cycle past the camp site, then go past Silver Crag and along the shore of Ullswater. Follow the shore path around, enjoying the rocky steps and tests, it was a little damp and tricky and the midges were out (they heard Grant was coming out but as he took a rain check, Jamie took the brunt). Once at Sandwick take the valley lane up Boredale, along the beck to Boredale Head, here take the bridleway and start climbing, it is steady but being damp there were some falls. Chris M & Jamie did well heading for the top, the last section is a carry over wet rocks, what fun! Once at the top the downhill was to steep, brakes were required just to control the descent, but we all survived. Onwards and back to the cars and still in daylight at around 9.30pm. CT was camping near Ullswater, but still got a hot bath! Next ride in Grizedale park in Hawkshead.