13th May 2010 - Sedbergh for Dent

10 turned up , George, Paul, John, Ian, Neil, Jamie, Grant, Charlie, CT and Joel! After a sunny day the wind turned and it felt a little colder, but folk put warmer tops on and we carried on. Basically the traditional ride: we set off south on the Millthrop road, go over the river Rawthey and take the 1st left, then right in the hamlet to take a lane up onto the fell. This is the first bit of off-road and a little tester, once over the first rocky section it is plain sailing, except watch out for the cows! At the first gate time for a breather and take a look at the view back over the Howgills and which route we could take in the future....?Carry on over the fell, through the trees, past the farm, down the track, once onto the road, take the first right after 20 yards, heading down to the ford crossing, but since the bridge was built in 1999 most folk just take the bridge! Cross up onto the road which is the Dales Way and head for Gawthrop, now attack the first climb up Barbondale road (it's only 1km of hill, really) test those legs, get to South Lord's land take the first bridleway on the left and have a rest. Head along Green lane to meet up with the bridleway at the top, turn left and enjoy the descent into Dent, The Sun was busy and after a wee wait we thought we should head to the other local, so Ian & CY went there, whilst the publican must of thought punters were leaving so offered the others chips in double quick time! Ian & CT had a beer and crisps in front of a real fire the others started on mega chips sitting outside. When Ian and CT returned to the Sun there were plenty of chips to go round (folk were either thinking of their waist lines OR the big hill on the way back!). Once the refreshments had been consumed and the midges came out, we headed off, some asking which direction; we were to head for Frostrow Fells, the first lane is fairly easy to find, then it always gets tricky, ignore the first footpath on the RHS carry on and go past the 90 degree right hand bend carry on up and keep left past the front of the farmhouse and around the LHS, watch out for chickens and sheep, through the double gates and up the walled route, mind out for the holly bush and low branches! Follow the wall up and watch out for the shake holes (it's a bit boggy) once at the top head north west all the way back. Back at the cars before it got too dark, next ride is Broughton Mills.