Rough Stuff Fellowship Ride From Wilfs....Staveley

A really cold wind greeted us as the 3 of us left the warmth of Wilfs Cafe. We pedalled up Brow Foot Lane in Kentmere. The hills all round had a scattering of snow, but it would be a while before we were riding in it. First we tackled some bridleways above Ings before we headed over to Troutbeck and back...heres a few pictures of the day.

Adam on the way back over to Ings, Kentmere Fells in the background

The Coniston Fells from Brow Head Lane

The Langdale Fells from Moor Howe

The head of Troutbeck from Dubbs Road.
A great day, although my toes may disagree!!
The track of our route may be found here for those who use Strava! 

RSF Ride From Orton to Kirkby Stephen

Just the three of us today for the last programmed RSF ride for a few months. We were certainly blessed with the weather, it was really warm in the sun. Although the distant views were hazy. I think we only saw one person on any of the bridleways, tracks and byways. This area is definitely away from the maddening crowd. On with the pics....

Leaving Orton we headed East before taking Street Lane and following the Coast to Coast route for a while.

Looking back along the CtoC from near Sunbiggin

The first proper climb of the day brought us over the shoulder of Great Asby Scar.

More lanes led past Masongill and Asby Grange.
This clapper bridge is at Water Houses...but has neither a path to it or from it!

It was along pull up Newclose Lane, but it gave us access to Crosby Garrett Fell and the excellent bridleways on it. Here Ian is starting the descent, the recon from last weekend came in handy:-)

Minor roads to Soulby where there was clear evidence of the floods from last year.

The excellent byway beside Scandale Beck brings you to this footbridge across the Eden.
Then it was into Kirkby Stephen for cake and tea.

Another byway to Waitby.....

The lane had a number of thorns...which gave Ian a pun**ure...after much banter we were on our way again with the climb onto Smardale Fell.

High on Smardale Fell, the sky to the east looking dark. All was sunny with us though.

BarughLooking along Smardale with the viaduct in the distance.

A bit of road work along the old A685 to Kelleth, then the byway over Barugh and back to the cars at Orton.
A great day, and the weather couldn't have been better.
A track of our route can be found here. 

RSF Ride to Malham...Via Weets Top....and Back to Settle

A ride out with the Rough Stuff Fellowship....Grey Beards aren't compulsory! although they do seem popular! The sun shone tempered by a bitter Easterly wind, and even though we only rode 25 or so miles it was almost all offroad. Here's a few pictures of the day.

Its a stiff climb out of Settle on the bridleway which contours above Langcliffe to join the Gorbeck track

The junction at the start of the Gorbeck track.

From the high point a grand view North to Pen-y-Gent

Further along the track and as we started to descend to Langscar Gate there's a glimpse of Malham Tarn

After a buttie stop sheltering from the bitter wind near the Weastern end of Mastiles Lane we rode off along the lane again into the wind. It didn't seem to bother these Galloway calfs....not surprising with coats like those!

Looking east along Mastiles Lane, a big sky day

Having turned onto Smearbottoms Lane, we climbed up to Weets Top and its stone

Its a cracking descent across Calton Moor.

After Cake and Hot Chocolate in Airton, we were on tarmac for a couple of miles as we gained height beside Malham Cove

Its a real steep drag up from the road to Nappa Cross, where we regrouped ready for the descent down Stockdale

Stockdale seemed rougher than I remember, nothing to worrying even on a rigid bike, just enough to make things interesting!

Attermire Scar seen from Stockdale Lane.

A short section of the Pennine Bridleway and we were back at Settle just time for a brew and chat before we went our separate ways.
A great circuit in good company a Strava track can be found here for those who might want to see just were we went.

RSF Ride in Grizedale

Our off road ride started today from Force Forge. There was only 4 of us as we left to do a circuit of the Grizedale valley, heading first over to Satterthwaite.

The initial climb was up a forestry road, before this morass greeted us!
It was only for 50m or so and hardly surprising considering the deluge we've suffered over the past few months.

Having left Satterthwaite behind us we climbed Moor Lane. This rises in 3 stages (most of it rideable) to reach Parkamoor.

Parkamoor was as wet as ever! Here Nick and Eileen ford one of the shallower "puddles" 

At Parkamoor Farm we headed North, and with the wind behind us forged on in the mist and murk! (sorry about the blurry pic!)

We descended the bridleway through Park Plantation.

To arrive at the Grizedale Visitor Centre, and the welcome cafe.

We left the visitor centre on the road heading up to Moor Top, before bridleways Southwards brought us back down the Eastern side of the forest. The descent of Breasty Haw bringing us back to Satterthwaite

We could have gone back to the cars by road, but instead opted to reverse our first bridleway instead.
Not that far today, but a good ride in good company.
For those interested in our route the Strava track is here

Rough Stuff fellowship Ride Over the Knott

The Knott in question is Arnside Knott, not that easy to fit into a logical circuit from our starting point of Carnforth! The day didn't start well for me...I was bitten by a dog before I even got to the start.
 People need to realise, not everyone out for a walk or cycle in the countryside likes your precious pooch! Keep the bloody things under control! I feel now having had time to think about the attack, and the lack of empathy from the owner that I wish I'd reported the incident to the police. In my book a dog which bites...in this case certainly without provocation should be destroyed...and its owner disciplined as well.
Anyway on with the ride.....

Our first track was the "Coach Road" over the shoulder of Warton Crag.
 John had a mechanical....his front shifter coming undone. He was reminded that perhaps he shouldn't have sold his singlespeed! :-) 

A bit blurry, I'm afraid...to fast these guys! As we climbed up below Heald Brow. Then it was along Bottoms lane as we skirted Silverdale.

The relatively new permissive bridleways near Haweswater were ridden, followed by a stretch of tarmac to Arnside. 

It was a bit breezy on the prom at Arnside.

We had a snack to fortify us for the climb over Arnside Knott.

John and Ian on the track over Arnside Knott...So mission accomplished! 

Our route back was via Dollywood Lane....which was rather flooded. I don't think anyone escaped wet feet through here. A cafe stop was in order, the only place open was Beetham Nurseries cafe. Very busy!
As we left the shelter of the cafe, it threw a light shower. I was close to home here, but rode a little way on with the rest of the group before saying my goodbyes.

I took this picture on the way home, there's still a lot of flooding here on the mosses.
 

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!!