Rads in Cumbria: 19th June 2014 - Keswick for Borrowdale Bash

Monday, June 23, 2014

19th June 2014 - Keswick for Borrowdale Bash

A beautiful summers evening saw Charlie, Neil, Jamie, Joel and CT meet up near the swimming pool, setting off before 7pm for a clockwise tour. We set off out of town, then along and under Walna Crag, then up to Ashness bridge for the view point, then along to Watendlath, along the way Charlie entertained us with the storey of how the name came about, I'll not re-peat it here just ask her next time you meet. We took a little de-tour along Watendlath Beck for a bit of interest, then onto the climb up out of Watendlath, this is the fairly classic route, nice and technical in places, but being dry conditions made grip excellent:) two thirds of the way down and there is an option, JB and CT went right while the other stayed left and we all met up at the road. Head along the road to Seatoller, then take a right turn to join the bridleway along to Castle Crag,a little hard climb, but then some rewarding sections and the staircase descent, just watch out for the rock drops, Joel took a tumble, fortunately not too much blood :) now here under the trees the midges decided it was time for a snack, we were getting eaten, so keep riding. Back onto the road and along until the bridleway goes under Black Crag, a stiff climb gets you onto the last main bridleway under Cat Bells, then past Hawses End and into the dark wood (maybe we needed lights for this bit...) navigate through the woods and out at Portinscale and take the cycle way back into Keswick. Back at the cars about 11pm, 17 miles apparently, all dry and a great ride. Eat some food, drive home and sleep. Next ride ~~aiming for Horton-in-Ribblesdale to visit Yorkshire TdF region:)~~ to be re-arranged. Local ride TBA.