For the quartet it was to be mountain biking, and for Paul a short walk as he is restricted with his hip and can only manage a 5 hour walk these days!
Clive had suggested a ride in Whinlatter Forest but this would mean ferrying the bikes around to the pass. I tabled riding from the hut on the classic Borrowdale round Derwent, Keswick, Watendlath, Honister Pass and back past Castle Crag.
Everything started well after a short maintenance session and much vigorous tyre pumping session by Clive!
We headed North passed Derwent Lake until we could take the bridleway below Catbells Ridge which after a short climb gave a great descent back down to the minor road,
The road climb to Watendlath was slow but steady once the initial steep bits were over.
The cafe at Watendlath was dismissed as Clive would be waiting. We pressed on up the bouldery bridleway until it was possible to ride the descent! or not; or at least not all the way. Great nontheless.
A bit of Dabbing!
A lot of Dabbing!!No Dabbing.....Just a great place to be.
Once at the bottom we met Clive and Paul who was on his 'ramble' up the route we had descended.
with a fine selection of buns and cakes along with pint pots of tea!
It was now time to warm the legs once more, this time on Honister Pass, what joy.
The initial steep section over, it was time to tackle the steeper section or at least until lungs and legs gave way and it was a final bikepush which gave no relief at all.
Once we had our lungs back it was time to head for home down the bridlway which contours round the fell to a col between High Doat and Dale Head. Unfortunately we got too carried away enjoying the fast descent and missed our turn off - an easy mistake to make we learned later.
After much map checking and fell climbing we assended, contoured, dropped down again we were gratefully back on track. Thankfully we could manage steady riding on a smooth track, Oh unless you are Clive looking to make an entry in the peel of the year or should I say face plant!
A lovely cut above the eye and a nice 4 inch gash on his shin to prove it. This would result in another hospital tick to the quaintly names 'Keswick Cottage Hospital' They have a minor injuries unit but dont expect to get any stitches they don't do those!
Just a side note, Clive was ably patched up by Dr Trasler and his amazing first aid kit which once again needs restocking after a trip out with Clive!
We finally made it down passed the rocky section beside Castle Crag with caution now taking presidence to avoid further mishaps, Oh..........unfortunately Clive had an attack of cramp,.......'Ouch'
A Good ride with plenty of incident ..Cracking!!
Paul accomplished his round without too much trouble, expecting to see us lounging in the hut but arriving back well before us.
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