Rough Stuff Fellowship ride to Coniston

It was my turn to lead a ride for the Rough Stuff Fellowship, Our starting point Skelwith Bridge. I had planned a very circuitous route to our destination, Coniston. My main concern was that as much as possible be rideable, not that easy in the Lakes! A reasonable turnout of 7 including myself...was soon reduced to 6 because Norman forgot his front wheel!! Anyway on with the pictures......

Up the Langdale valley to start beside the River Brathay to Elterwater.

Through Chapel Stile and the classic view of the Langdale Pikes.
Shortly after here we crossed the valley floor to ride back through Bays Brown Farm and over Owlets Nest.

Here we're almost back on tarmac in Little Langdale.

Along the road towards the foot of Wrynose Pass, then on the bridleway from Fellfoot Bridge..

This leads to Hallgarth and down to the ford at Little Langdale. There were "Hairy Coos" on here!

The colours were still good through the old quarries at Hodge Close. The bridleway skirting the lower Western slopes of Holme Fell brought us back to tarmac and onto our lunch spot at Sheperds Bridge.

Great views across to Wetherlam from the bridlewway above Holme Ground.

The excellent cycle/walkers track through the woods meant a car-free approach to Coniston

Down to the edge of Coniston Water to the excellent "Bluebird Cafe". Large Cakes for large appetites!

Round the head of the lake and thenthe hardest climb of the day from Thurston to Grizedale Moor. Turning back North across Hawkshead Moor we dropped down into Hawkshead via Walker Ground.

Looking North from the Walker Ground towards the Fairfield Horseshoe and Red Screes.

After the steeper than I remember climb up Skinner How Lane to Knipe Fold we were off-road again.
The old road over Arnside Intake took us over to Oxenfell High Cross.
As darkness was catching up with us it was road almost all the way back to the cars...except for a short lane off Skelwith Brow.
 A grand ride (if I do say so myself) in great company, thanks to all who turned up!!

Yanwath & the River Eamont

Thursday's stroll from Yanwath, Nr Penrith. Beside a River Eamont in flood after the recent heavy rain. Anyway just a few pictures snatched from under the leaden sky...it did stay dry tho!

Yanwath parkland

Beside a raging River Eamont

Always the best way!

River Eamont again.

Yanwath Hall

Eamont Bridge

A Short Stroll Round Hawkshead Hill

Today's weather was dominated by the strong wind...which periodically blew in showers of rain with little warning. I found myself with a free day at short notice, so decided to do a bit of recon for the Rough Stuff Fellowship ride I'm leading from Skelwith Bridge next Sunday. I know most of the bridleways in the area very well, but I was unsure of one small link...so off I went to reacquaint myself!

I'd parked at Knipe Fold and walked up the road towards Tarn Hows before following the paths through the woods above Sawrey Gound.

The Beeches in particular were in full Autumn colour.

Fungi beside the path as I entered Grizedale Forest from High Cross.

Forest roads and paths led me to the start of the bridleway I wanted to check on. It offers an excellent descent to Hawkshead...I'm looking forward to riding it next weekend!
I then made my way back to Knipe Fold via Hawkshead Hill through the showers!

RSF ride from Ingleton...A Battle Against the Wind

Today's forecast for the Dales was really grim. In fact I turned over and had an extra hour in bed! But looking out it didn't seem to bad so I cracked on and got myself over to Ingleton for the start of the ride.

Our initial climb was on tarmac after riding through Thornton-in-Lonsdale and Far Westhouse. We had a bit of wind behind us! It was very warm tho. Here we arrive at the first offroad Tow Scar Rd.

After a blustery ascent on to the Turbary Road, things got rather easier. Here we're at Rowton Pot, just below the "road". Cavers were abseiling down into the depths.

After a convoluted descent to the Kingsdale road we went and had a look at Yordas cave. Well worth a visit if your passing (good headtorch required). After lunch we rode back down Kingsdale, having a look at "Valley Entrance" and "Keld Beck Head". Proper windy down here a foretaste of what was to come!

Here we've just completed the steep ascent onto Scales Moor, the ride across the moor is excellent, although the limestone today was treacherous!
Shortly after this the rain arrived, driven in on the vicious wind. We dropped down to Chapel-le-Dale and fought our way back towards Ingleton into the gale. As we dropped down Oddies Lane into the village the sun even tried to make an appearance!
Glad I made the effort, a grand day battling the storm in great company.

A Short Ramble on the Ribble Way

Still needing to keep our walks as close to level as possible we walked a short section of the Ribble Way from Settle with a return from Langcliffe on quiet lanes back to Settle.

On the Ribble Way as the mist was being burnt off.

Approaching Stackhouse, the Autumn colours starting to develop nicely.

Suprisingly accurate forecasting station!

The Ribble Way descends gently to the river below Stackhouse

Our route back started along the footpath beside the old Langcliffe mill dam, before crossing both the railway and road to walk back along the minor road to Castleberg and Settle

Its always quiet along here...and there are several benches for resting/basking in the amazingly warm Autumn sun!

Backpackers Club Treasure Hunt

Last weekend I took part with my mate @ianwood2011 in the annual Backpackers Club Treasure Hunt. This year based at Tarn Foot, Nr Loughrigg in the Lakes. This is a great event, Ian had taken part several times in the past but for me it was a first time. A good few years ago we had moderate success in Mountain Marathons, but this is a far more civilised affair! I would recommend having a go to anyone who likes to use their brains as well as their feet! It isn't of course a fixed route you can visit as many (or as few) clues as you wish in any order. Your choice of overnight camp also up to you.

Having left Tarn Foot, we decided to mop up the majority of low lying clues on Loughrigg and the Waterhead area before heading higher. Here we're approaching the bench (occupied) near Lily Tarn which held a clue! 

Skirting Ambleside and heading for Low Grove above Stock Ghyll....the cloud was taking some time to lift

We crossed the "Struggle" and headed off up the broad ridge towards Snarker Pike, picking up clues as we went.

Another clue claimed near the summit of Snarker Pike and with the cloud cleared an excellent view across to Red Screes and Kirkstone Pass.

Ian jotting down the answer to the clue on the summit of Red Screes, looking North towards Brotherswater.

We then descended to Scandale Pass, we had contemplated an overnight camp at Scandale Tarn.

It was a bit wild at the tarn, and we had some time in hand so pressed on. thinking we would camp somewhere on Bakestones Moss.....

In the end we camped a little North of the Moss, it was a bit of a bumpy pitch.
The Deschutes was very good in the wind, very little movement, pitched tight to the ground as this photo shows. Not me at my tidiest as you can see!

We got cracking early and were on top of Fairfield just after 9am to collect the highest prized clue.
We were surprised to find a women camped beside the cairn.....I can think of smoother places to pitch a tent!!

Retracing our steps back over Hart Crag and Dove Crag we then descended the ridge over High and Low Pikes collecting more clues before dropping down to High Sweden Bridge.

We collected one or two more clues as we made our way back to Tarn Foot, being careful to arrive back before 2pm therefore not being penalised for late arrival.

And to the winners the spoils....we managed to win.
This is the Tom Pape trophy.
Ian and I had enjoyed a great weekend.
Thanks to Colin who organised the event this year.

Rough Stuff Fellowship Ride from Keswick...to Buttermere

I don't get out quite as much with the RSF quite as much as I used to. But yesterday (Saturday) I made the effort to attend the first day of the weekend meet organised by my mate @ianwood2011 . Also there were Nick and Eileen, we had a great day, inspite of my attempt to alter the Lake District terrain with my Arm and Knee! (There was only going to be one winner there!)

Having met and taken Coffee at "The Saddleback Cafe" in Keswick we rode round to the West side of Derwentwater and followed the bridleway which contours Catbells.
Then from Grange the bridleway to the Honister road tested our skill over the rocky terrain. Here Nick and Eileen are on one of the short rideable sections on the track in this direction.

Once past Castle Crag the going improved somewhat...although there were lots of folk, not unexpected.
For those contemplating a trip on here by bike...go the other way, its easier!

Having stopped for lunch just before we reached tarmac, we stopped for a brew at Honister Pass. A council of war was held...and it was decided we'd stick to the original plan...and cross over the bridleway to Warnscale Bottom. The route climbs the flank of Honister Crag by the rather steep track seen in the distance.

Of course its never as bad as you think it'll be...(is it?) and we duly arrived at the high point.
Here we look over towards the Grey Knotts-Brandreth Ridge.

And this is the scene of devastation behind! The old tips have been ground up/crushed.and left it would seem.

Once the descent was underway we soon arrived at Dubs Hut. Well you can't pass a bothy without having a peek inside. It was in remarkably good order considering the hordes of folk who must pass this way.

Theres quite a gap between this and the last photo. The going is mostly unridable...believe me I tried and spilt the blood to prove the point.
Anyway here the worst is over and the view down to Buttermere and Crummock Water is rather good.

Looking back to Warnscale Bottom and the track we'd just descended...always a pleasing view.

The bridleway along the shore of Buttermere is one of many which has been "improved" over the years. Due to the late afternoon there weren't to many people.
Fleetwith Pike very prominent behind.

More Tea and cake was taken at "Croft House Tearoom", before the climb of Newlands Pass. The Inbred felt like it weighed a ton! The top came eventually tho!
Robinson behind in this picture .

Basically road work back to Keswick and the car, Skiddaw looking superb in the evening light.
Chips then the drive home, a great day even with the injuries!!