Bikepack to Dentdale...and a Ride With Lancs RSF

The chance of two consecutive dry days lured me into a plan to bikepack from home over to Dentdale via a bit of offroad and quiet lanes. I had an idea to bivi somewhere along the Coal Road, them on Thursday morning to make my way over to High Bentham to meet the Lancs Rough Stuff Fellowship for their ride along parts of the Pennine Bridleway....I would then ride home....no plan for this bit!

All loaded up and on the first bridleway over Farleton Knott

Saw this fella on the track basking in the sun.

A few minor lanes and tracks to Barbon...up the Hillclimb track to the next bridleway.

This cuts through the woodland below Barbon Manor, and brings you into Barbondale proper.

Up Barbondale and then East onto the bridleway I've always known as the "Coal Road."

The light was fading by the time I got the tarp up and gear sorted/food prepped. I found quite a good spot in the end, just big enough for me and the Siltarp1!

There were a number of shooting stars as forecast...and quite a good sunrise:-)

I was packed up and on my way by 7, down into Dent by Flintergill, I can't decide if its better done up or down!

Then it was up the Craven Way over the shoulder of Whernside, there's not a lot of riding to be done up here....there's a fair bit of pushing mind!
The views behind down Dentdale to the Howgills and the Lakes beyond made up for all the effort.

This old hut/cottage is close to the highpoint of the track. It was looked at a few years ago as a possible bothy project by the MBA...lots of work required!

The descent to Ribblehead is almost all rideable, Ingleborough dominates the scene

Time was getting on and I knew I had to be in High Bentham for 10.30. so after the bridleway through Winterscales' Ivescar and Ellerbeck I hit the road and made good time. I needed to refuel before the RSF ride. The Coop provided Sausage Rolls, Coke and some Pork Pies for later! 

There was a good turnout for the Lancs group ride 17 I think! Mewith lane a cyclists favourite hereabouts led us over towards Austwick, and ultimately Eileen's tearoom at Fiezor.

Refueled, in my case by Cheesy Chips and a pot of tea we headed North on the Pennine Bridleway.

Through Horton-in-Ribblesdale, across the new bridleway bridge and up to Thieves Moss

The geological curiosity that is Thieves Moss, Pen-Y-gent beyond

Here Geoff, Rob, Ian and I left the Lancs group to head down the singletrack bridleway to Wharfe, then Austwick. We had a drink at The Traddock...more Coke-cola! I could see the sky darkening, I said my good-byes and headed for home. Lanes and quiet roads  for me.

Still dry at Devils Bridge, tea and cake to fortify me for the last 10miles or so. More lanes round Hutton Roof and farleton and I was back home 83miles, I'd been at work just over 24 hours before!
Licking the lid of life!!