Monday 1 April 2013

The Borrowdale Bash

The Borrowdale Bash, well known in Mountain Biking circles!
The first climb of the day is on tarmac, part way along the lane to
Watendlath is surprise view.

Watendlath Tarn had quite a ripple on it today. I took the chance to have
a breather before the steep and (for me) unrideable bridleway over to
Rosthwaite.

Just over the col ,and the fells round Borrowdale where looking fantastic.

Its a steep and rocky descent down to Rosthwaite. I stopped halfway
down for my butties, admiring the view. I was surprised how few folk were
about, suits me tho!

The narrow walled bridleway from Rosthwaite to Stonethwaite is flat but
rocky. I stopped many times to stand and stare.

Eagle Crag from near the bridge at Stonethwaite

From Seatoller I had a ride up to Seathwite and beyond. I then retraced my
steps? and rode through Seatoller up Honister. What a killer, I'd forgotton
 how steep and prolonged it is.

I picked up the bridleway whichwould eventually take me to Grange,
almost 3 miles of downhill.

The bridleway contours the western slopes of Borrowdale, below
Dale Head and High Spy. Castle Crag dominates the view.

Looking back from whence I'd come. Great End really looked plastered in snow.

This is a scene which always stops me in my tracks. Skiddaw looking at its best
This is the final and most technical part of the descent.

A further couple climbs allows you to ride the Bridleways under Maiden Moor
 and Catbells. Skkidaw and Blencathra much in evidence and compensating
for the climbs so late in the day.
From the end of the bridleway just a short stretch of road brought me
back to the car at  Portinscale. Agreat day.


6 comments:

  1. Looks fantastic. Will have to dig out the route and head up there to enjoy it. Thanks for sharing these amazing pics

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lots good snow cover up top still. Fantastic views with those snow clad summits.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Georgie
    Its a cracking ride more mountain bike than Rough Stuff I think. The main problem was concentrating on the track, there was lots of stops to admire the amazing views!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Martin
    The area round great End looked plastered with snow, as I looked up there from nr Stockley Bridge I wished I'd brought the snowboard rather than the Mountain bike!
    The hills always look higher with a bit of snow on em!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fantastic photos Al and great to see some blue sky. Looks a good route.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Peter
    Its a good ride, the weather always helps! Most of the climbs are on tarmac, thats a plus, not to much Hike-a-bike.
    Thanks for the kind comment re the pics.
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete