Lonewolf in Cumbria & Hardknott Pass 16th May 2012

[Lonewolf]

Yep, back up that neck of the woods again today. It's been a while with one thing or another since I've done Wrynose or Hardknott Pass so that was my goal today. A few pics as usual to show those not priviliged to live in such a beautiful area what it's all about.
Most of you will recognise this place, The Bridge, a second home for 100milesaway.



A few bikes loitering but not as many as I'd expected even for mid week.

I popped into Windermere on route to the Passes to stretch my legs. Nice place in some respects but if  I'm honest it looked a bit run down and tacky. 



I thought this was a good idea, you pay your £1 and you can safely store helmet, gloves etc in the box if you dont have panniers or a top box. Saves carrying them all around.



A few basic shops and arcades.



I'm not sure which lake this is but I'm sure someone from that neck of the woods will advise.





I don't recognise the type of bird this is, all I know is they are not native to Bradford. We only get vultures.



Yes, I know this is a swan.



For £16.50 per person you can chuck your lunch up from one of these boats.....I dont mix well with anything that floats on water, especially if it's choppy.



A young signet.



Just in case you forget where you are, you can check this board out.



One for all those Thomas the Tank Engine fans. There must be some on here surely?





And then the fun began.............................................

Yep, 1 in 3 gradients, sharp bends, I was in my element here what with slow riding being my speciality. 



















Thats it. I didn't take any extra pictures when I got to the other side as I was pushed for time to get home. Those who have travelled this Pass will know that there are about three really bad, and I do mean really bad corners on the route with severe adverse cambers coupled with the hairpins. That plus a wet road surface, gravel on the road and manic sheep, it is indeed a challenging route, but very worthwhile.
196 miles at the end of the day, Have to admit I felt exhausted on the way home and was close to nodding off a few times. Never a good idea!

Hope you enjoy. And once again I bet 100milesaway was busy working, oh dear what a shame.   

[patrick]

The Lake is Windermere

P

[O.C.]

[Lonewolf]

The Lake is Windermere

P

Correctamundo  I was just testing to see if anyone else knew!

[Rusty]

Nice Pics again Steve ....  I am surprised you didn't go for a quick ride on Thomas The Tank Engine .... or DID you ?????
Glad to hear the roads are challenging and with all that background scenery looks like your 200 miler was well worth it ... thanks for sharing it all with us .....

[100milesaway]

Yes spot on again Steve, pulling my tripe out I was, but I can see light at the end of the tunnel. Your pictures as usual are lovely, but I fear that your shots of birds are wasted on here, could you not take some pickies of some real birds instead, there is one who serves ice cream from the van at Ambleside, East european I think, and a real stunner. Anyway glad you had a lovely day, and I think in the main the weather stayed good.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Just dont tell me you went home via that boring as  Motorway             

[Rusty]

Will this bird do ????

I don't think , as I am sure you will all agree, a winter coat is required  ............ 

[Lonewolf]

No, no motorways for a change.
As for that lass at the ice cream van, attractive eh? Well I might have to dig out my longer lens for her. 

[Kwikasfuki]

so, bangedup.com is in Rusty's favourites ... 

[Lonewolf]

so, bangedup.com is in Rusty's favourites ... 

Looks a bit of a dodgy web site to me......I'll check it out later and let you know.