RSF ride from Wilf's Cafe, Staveley

Re-grouping nr Wads Howe in Longsleddle

The weather today was magnificent, I chose to ride from home to Staveley to meet Simeon and the Welsh Border Group who were having a weekend in the Lakes. There was a lot of us and the service in Wilf's was a bit slow so it was 11ish by the time we got underway. We headed off up Kentmere, taking in a couple of short lanes which took us up onto the High House minor road. Beyond High House this becomes unsurfaced and climbs gently up through a number of gates to give access to the open fell. The route took the southernmost bridleway across the open moor, the going a bit boggy to start with but it improves and then descends into Longsleddle. This is one of the quieter valleys, always a joy to visit. The west side of the valley has a little used track/bridleway, we stopped part way along this for lunch sat in the sun until it disappeared behind the hill. Garnett Bridge was our turning point, the minor road took us back up the valley to Sadgill which is the start of the Stile End track. This is rather steep and not that welcome near the end of the day! Of course for every up there's a down and a quick descent was made down to the Hallow Bank road. A puncture had to be repaired at this point, after that an easy ride down Kentmere and a visit to "The Cakery" brought the day to an end. Our Welsh Border group visitors seem to have enjoyed the day, having seen the Lakes at its very best. The day wasn't over for me, I had the 15 or so miles to ride back home. The lanes were very quiet and with a bright moon it made for an enjoyable last leg.    

West end of Stile End track