28th January 2010 - Haverthwaite

7 riders met up near the Anglers Arms, Haverthwaite on a drizzly evening and about 5 deg'C. Charlie, George, Ian, Paul, Neil, Jamie and CT set off for the usual circuit around Backbarrow, Raven Scar and Lakeside. First off head past the glass works and parallel to the river Leven, at Low Brow Edge turn right and climb up the hairpin bends until the bridleway at the top, this provides a testing singletrack and some mud in places near the reservoir, now down into Canny Hill, right turn down the lane and cross the main A590, watch for the police car. Now climb up Barrow Banks fire-road nice and steady, include the extra loop around Raven Scar, this is a great little section then cross over the earlier fire-road and enjoy more downhill into Staveley-in-Cartmel. Now head back to Newby Bridge and past Lakeside before teeing over to Finsthwaite, pause for Pauls puncture repair. Off past Finsthwaite House and more enjoyable rocky sections down to the lane, now head straight back to Haverthwaite the direct route, just don't look back! Raining a bit harder at the end but a great ride, 3 made it to the pub and only about 10.20pm. Next ride is Satterthwaite for some forest trails.