Rough Stuff Fellowship ride to Coniston

It was my turn to lead a ride for the Rough Stuff Fellowship, Our starting point Skelwith Bridge. I had planned a very circuitous route to our destination, Coniston. My main concern was that as much as possible be rideable, not that easy in the Lakes! A reasonable turnout of 7 including myself...was soon reduced to 6 because Norman forgot his front wheel!! Anyway on with the pictures......

Up the Langdale valley to start beside the River Brathay to Elterwater.

Through Chapel Stile and the classic view of the Langdale Pikes.
Shortly after here we crossed the valley floor to ride back through Bays Brown Farm and over Owlets Nest.

Here we're almost back on tarmac in Little Langdale.

Along the road towards the foot of Wrynose Pass, then on the bridleway from Fellfoot Bridge..

This leads to Hallgarth and down to the ford at Little Langdale. There were "Hairy Coos" on here!

The colours were still good through the old quarries at Hodge Close. The bridleway skirting the lower Western slopes of Holme Fell brought us back to tarmac and onto our lunch spot at Sheperds Bridge.

Great views across to Wetherlam from the bridlewway above Holme Ground.

The excellent cycle/walkers track through the woods meant a car-free approach to Coniston

Down to the edge of Coniston Water to the excellent "Bluebird Cafe". Large Cakes for large appetites!

Round the head of the lake and thenthe hardest climb of the day from Thurston to Grizedale Moor. Turning back North across Hawkshead Moor we dropped down into Hawkshead via Walker Ground.

Looking North from the Walker Ground towards the Fairfield Horseshoe and Red Screes.

After the steeper than I remember climb up Skinner How Lane to Knipe Fold we were off-road again.
The old road over Arnside Intake took us over to Oxenfell High Cross.
As darkness was catching up with us it was road almost all the way back to the cars...except for a short lane off Skelwith Brow.
 A grand ride (if I do say so myself) in great company, thanks to all who turned up!!