A long, hard road climb separated us from the Tanhill Inn. Gaining height at our own pace we left each
other to our thoughts. Recent heavy rain and the golden autumn sunlight made the moors sparkle, turning
the climb into one of those beautiful moments of tranquillity. Eventually the Inn came into view and the
spell was broken. Sampling fine ale in the highest pub in Britain was a great motivator. Tiredness
forgotten our speed increased. Sat next to the open fire we devoured a huge meal and had one too many
pints. It was a great night. (7hrs, 45.5miles, 5192ft.)
other to our thoughts. Recent heavy rain and the golden autumn sunlight made the moors sparkle, turning
the climb into one of those beautiful moments of tranquillity. Eventually the Inn came into view and the
spell was broken. Sampling fine ale in the highest pub in Britain was a great motivator. Tiredness
forgotten our speed increased. Sat next to the open fire we devoured a huge meal and had one too many
pints. It was a great night. (7hrs, 45.5miles, 5192ft.)
Patterdale – Tanhill (04-10-06)
The second day didn’t get off to a good start. When I finally swung a leg over my bike the seam of my
baggies gave way, only the inners sparing my dignity. With no time to fix the tear I’d just have to ride
slightly exposed.
The second day didn’t get off to a good start. When I finally swung a leg over my bike the seam of my
baggies gave way, only the inners sparing my dignity. With no time to fix the tear I’d just have to ride
slightly exposed.
Along the edge of Ullswater our
tiredness really showed. It wasn’t
just morning sleepiness but bone
deep fatigue. Stumbling along, we
pushed up more than usual and
allowed our bikes to find their own
line down a few of the descents.
The final climb wasn’t steep but I
was working on keeping a Full
English in my stomach and it was a
grind. At least the sun was out,
the sky was blue, and there were
great views of the mountains. By
the time we hit tarmac my body
tiredness really showed. It wasn’t
just morning sleepiness but bone
deep fatigue. Stumbling along, we
pushed up more than usual and
allowed our bikes to find their own
line down a few of the descents.
The final climb wasn’t steep but I
was working on keeping a Full
English in my stomach and it was a
grind. At least the sun was out,
the sky was blue, and there were
great views of the mountains. By
the time we hit tarmac my body
| Mark starting the trail along the edge of Ullswater |
| Mark after Howtown on the climb away from Ullswater |
stopped complaining and I started to feel better. A Ginsters in Shap
took the edge off and I was finally ready for the rest of the day.
took the edge off and I was finally ready for the rest of the day.
| At the top of the climb from Ullswater with great views across the Lakes |
| Stopping in Shap for supplies |
Our wheels hit dirt again just before the
final climb into the Yorkshire Dales. It was
nice to leave the tarmac behind until we
came to a river and found a deep rocky
ford, instead of the bridge shown on the
map. Resigning ourselves to wet feet we
fought our way across. It was only while
draining our shoes that Mark noticed the
bridge, a little further along, around a bend
in the river.
| Me making my way across the Great Asby Scar |
| Our destination in the Yorkshire Dales obscured by heavy rain |
| Our unnecessary river crossing. It was fun though |
| Like all good cameramen I didn't interfere with natural events. So I let Mark repair his own puncture |
| Our home for the night, The Tanhill Inn |
| The view from our room. We stayed dry, the lads sleeping in the tents didn't |
| Settling next to the open fire for a night of great food and ale |
