Topic: Lake District

[Spill]

I recommend the Hardknott/Wrynose pass, starting from the Blea Tarn pass in the south and ending up at Wasdale in the North. Loads of 1 in 3 hairpins with glorious views at the top - expecially looking down over Hardknott Roman fort into the valley below (only works when sunny really). After resting in the pub at the end of the road in Wasdale Head, the only place to go is... back over the hills.
Not much opportunity for balls-out racing, unless suicidal, but the scenery is worth it IMHO.
Kirkstone Pass from Ambleside ends in a nice valley as well and is nowhere near as steep.

[Grandma]

Hi Spill,
That route sounds lovely, must try it sometime. Went over the top from Penrith to Windermere on way back from Scotland trip, but it was too late in the day to really appreciate, a bit tired.
Lots of 90degree bends plus sheer drop over the side if you got it wrong, definitely a slow amble, very little traffic though that time of day.
Happy Biking
Christine

[Spill]

Quote (Grandma @ Aug. 07 2002,07:14)

Lots of 90degree bends plus sheer drop over the side if you got it wrong, definitely a slow amble,

The Blea Tarn pass demands concentration as well - not all that twisty in the middle (but gets a bit that way at each end) NO fence, SHEER drops, VERY pointy rocks all the way down.
Luckily, that one isn't too long.
Going up Hardknott is a bit daunting as you can see the hairpins going up to the top, (again, not much in the way of fences).
Just remember the pass 'code' - vehicle going UP have right of way - just try telling those with fading brakes that! '>

[TimA]

Hi Phill,
I am of to the Lakes next week for a camping trip, in the car with my youngest though.  Have a mind to look at a few roads on the pretext of arranging a bike trip next year.  Will you keep this route in mind, would be helpful if you have some experience up there.  I had planned it for this year, but i have run out of holiday '>  Poor sod!
I will put it to the group as a B&B tour not camping as the difference in the west country was only £1.00 per night when you add breakfast.  OK, if we went with stoves, tins of beans etc. etc. it would have been a bit cheaper.  But would not compensate for the gear we have to carry.  Also, do the bikes use more fuel the more loaded they are?
To get to the lakes, there is a fantastic road which goes from Scotch Corner to Penrith through the Yorkshire Dales.  Have driven several times to Sedburgh and the views are spectacular.
I will leave you to ponder, but will ask your help in planning if you would like to go as well.
TimA '>

[Spill]

Quote (TimA @ Aug. 14 2002,22:27)

would be helpful if you have some experience up there.   I will leave you to ponder, but will ask your help in planning if you would like to go as well.

Been up there a few times, usually on the way to/from Shetland. My old club used to spend the week following the Simmer Dim Rally chilling out (more like drying out) before heading back to the smoke. Used to camp at the NT site just out side Ambleside, then we transferred to Wasdale Head  (NT site again - not the lawn outside the pub) when we discoved the pub at the end of the road was (a) within staggering distance (b) served food and © had Theakstons on draught. Haven't been over the Hardknott since getting the Notrun - no idea if the clutch can handle it fully loaded
All the NT sites have excellent loos and shower facilities, even if the camping surface isn't all that wonderfull. Like at the Black Cock, there is hard standing for the bikes (but better).
No idea about the location or cost of B&B - the camping is considerably cheaper than Devon '>
Why the hell not - let's do it '>

[Spill]

Quote (Spill @ Aug. 16 2002,11:51)

Quote (TimA @ Aug. 14 2002,22:27) would be helpful if you have some experience up there.   I will leave you to ponder, but will ask your help in planning if you would like to go as well.

That is, if you are talking about planning for next year. No holiday time for the rest of this year, I'm afraid.
If we schedule it for the end of June, I could always drop in on my way home, like I used to back then.
Having thoughts of B&B - probably need to book WELL in advance.