a 'quick' ride round the Lakes

[Fritz]

What with the weather and all we decided last minute dot com on two days off and a night over in the Lakes - it's not too far from North Yorkshire but the best side is the far side and that takes more getting to so booked a night stop.

A684 never really disappoints as I've ridden this road powered and unpowered a lot so know it well and the view of the Howgills promised what was to come, stunning

[Fritz]

On the ferry across windermere we discovered it was red hot - out with the linings and enjoy the weather and views

[Fritz]

Probable first error...not only are the roads - mainly back roads admittedly - shockingly shite condition, but there are bloody closures and diversions everywhere leading to some frustration to say the least. Baled out of intended plan and finally fond our way out of labyrinthian maze to choose the main road up side of Coniston which was lovely.

40 yrs ago - bloody hell, can't believe it - me and a mate found ourselves bewildered as to where we were down past the lake as we'd cycled off the edge of our map! No means of figuring it out easily back then - just had to figure it out and take the long ride back to Troutbeck.

Nearly got wiped out by a car pulling out in a - fortunately - slow part of a village. Far far too many vehicles and it has to be said a very aged community (driver was a young lass on this occasion mind). Finally got to the nice, quiet, less visited(ish) side over Ulpha way after Wrynose (Hardknott I've done enough times to find better routes). I last passed this way in the Duddon Valley Fell Race and recognised the crossing point straight away - etched in me brain!

[Fritz]

hmm try one more time to continue with tale as just got binned out for some security issue 

Nope - stopped in my tracks but not too bothered as gives me more none PC time

will check in

[MartinW]

Checking post for Fritz.
Works OK.
Large photo sizes?

[Fritz]

I'll try reducing sizes - worked ta Martin

[Fritz]

Around to Nether Wasdale via Duddon Valley and an up and back down Wasdale. Last time we were here it was all covered in virgin snow...and we weren't on the bike.

Today most folk had left except those enjoying the weather - lots of folk lobster red - we'd been in sun all day, but covered.

[Fritz]

Next day it seemed a shame not to touch the Irish Sea first off then more excellent quiet roads and views round Ennerdale way before another sea trip to the C2C start point St Bees

[Fritz]

Thence back into Lakes (lot into lakes which would be wet) for a great ride towards Loweswater via more maddening closures and diversions...which I thin were only night but they leave the bloody signs up daytime grrrr.

Hollywood also intervened as prevented at one point by filming of 'Twenty Eight Years Later'...they didn't need extra zombies!

Some lovely scenery but traffic is busy on honey pots of Buttermere - but worth it, over Honister with a stop for a drink and cake just after four F14s (?) screamed past art low level - wonderful but mildly off putting, but not as much as when climbing and they're below you!

[Fritz]

Traffic was just plain crazy on way to Keswick so got out of Dodge

The map I'd been using showing routes no longer allowed in a vehicle (it was a cycle map!) so headed out to M6 rather than A66 - took M Way back to A684 for a spirited ride back early evening.

Cracking weather but at 350 odd miles a long way in a day and a half on mainly smaller roads so quite tiring.

It confirmed to me - I've known for years - the Lakes is no longer a place for touring really though by picking and choosing there are better routes and worse routes as well as better and worse times to go. For me its a walking, running & climbing venue now (by car). I wouldn't want to road cycle there anymore either as the roads are flaming disgraceful and a serious hazard at speed on a push bike.

still, it was glorious weather and its still a glorious place, just too busy to me - victim of its own success.