CYCLING DAY 14 Windermere – Carlisle, 58.79miles, 31.5.2011

We have dedicated this cycling day to our friends, Rob, Anne, and Carol from Old Harlow, Peter and Sallyanne from Brundall. As we cycled in the Lake district we remembered, that many a time they did their serious walking here. So here is to you. We thought about you as we admired this stunning countryside better suited for walking then cycling. We wish you all well.
We left early this morning to catch the train back to Windermere, the place we finished last. Once in Windermere we had to go on the A591, which was beautiful but a bit horrendous. So many people and cars everywhere. On to Ambleside, Grasmere and we then turned left to cycle the west side of Thirlmere. This a ‘must cycle road’ for anyone cycling Lejog this way. It is so beautiful and hardly any traffic. Then on the B5322 to Threlkeld, on the A66 unfortunately, albeit for a short while. Turn left at Scales, stopped at the pub in Mungrisdale where we met many other cyclists. From here it was hard work. Many hills and some just dragged on for ages. Went across to Haltcliff Bridge, Church Town, Raughton Head (we got lost there), across the M6, Cotehill and lastly Knott Hill, where the campsite is. These country roads do slow you down though and we didn’t get back until 5.30
We have seen a beautiful part of the country. Many folk were out with their children walking as it is half-term. Talked to some people, who were interested in our story and we in theirs. Birds were singing, the different scents of the trees came our way and although it was a hard day, we feel very blessed.