Bikepack to Skiddaw

As usual I'd been working on Saturday, but with a good forecast I met Ian in Keswick to Bikepack Skiddaw. Ian had ridden over from Askham via Moor Divock, Matterdale End and the Old Coach Road

All loaded up, the sign as many will know says Skiddaw 4 miles. It felt every inch of that!

It felt steeper than this, Derwentwater certainly looks beautiful in the evening light though.

Not quite the top, but I think a better viewpoint

Whos this getting in on the act? Blencathra's rather softer side in the background

Having found a good spot for the night I walked up little Man, the sunset didn't materialise

Our wild camp on the col, My bivi and Ian's Laser Comp (fly only)

This morning descending to the Cumbria Way near Skiddaw House

A late breakfast beside Wiley Gill

Looking back to Blencathra from Berrier

Ian rode back to his car at Askham. I continued riding the bridleway at Matterdale End, before arriving at the Old Coach Road. 

Plenty of time so I had lunch and a brew beside the Mariel Bridge over Mosedale Beck 

From this point Keswick was in view and the ride's back was broken. The old road has got rather washed out on this descent which is a shame.

The old railway trackbed has made a great cyclepath and provided my route back to the car in Keswick.