At last!!
Has today seen the start of some half decent weather? Possibly so and therefore a golden opportunity while I'm off work to go out and relax on the bike. It was a tough decision between going to North Wales and checking out Swallow Falls and the Ponderosa or heading out to one of my favourite haunts, Tan Hill Inn, high on the moors, in Swaledale http://www.tanhillinn.com/
Relying on the BBC weather forecast for both locations, the Tan Hill Inn won. Some of you may remember this place as the Everest Double Glazing ad done by Ted Moult, possibly back in the 70's. I can still remember him now by the window with his feather. If you are stumped and don't know what I'm on about do a search on You Tube, probably loads of clips.
As is the norm, I use the gateway to North Yorkshire via Skipton, a short ride of 30 minutes approximately from home. A simple ride out towards Ingleton and then on this occasion I veered off towards Hawes, entering the Yorkshire Dales national Park.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Tan%20Hill%20Inn%20Trip%2022nd%20March%202011/100_1719.jpg)
In the distance here you can see the Ribblehead railway line, quite an achievement for its time. Still used today and I think the line and service is funded by volunteers and donations. I had hoped to be able to take a picture of the GTR under the viaduct but it seems you aren't allowed down there which was a shame.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Tan%20Hill%20Inn%20Trip%2022nd%20March%202011/100_1721.jpg)
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Carrying on towards Hawes, a small community favoured by bikers and featuring a popular bikers cafe, http://www.pennygarthcafe.co.uk/ I was surprised to see how many bikers there were there for a week day. I had a funny feeling there were possibly a few bikers who like me had checked the weather forecast and decided to ring in sick so they could get out on their bikes. (I was off work legitimately).
This seemed a decent place to stop and soak a few rays up for a short while before it was time to press on again.
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The GTR in the background.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Tan%20Hill%20Inn%20Trip%2022nd%20March%202011/100_1724.jpg)
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I took a small detour on the final leg into Hawes and came across Castle Bolton, I'd never even heard of this place!
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Tan%20Hill%20Inn%20Trip%2022nd%20March%202011/100_1728.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Tan%20Hill%20Inn%20Trip%2022nd%20March%202011/100_1730.jpg)
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Finally arrived at Tan Hill Inn up with the Gods. If you have ever been you'll know what I mean, if you have never been, why not! Get yourself there pronto.
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Everything's free range at the Tan Hill.
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Even the local sheep know a good deal when they see it!
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Tan%20Hill%20Inn%20Trip%2022nd%20March%202011/100_1735.jpg)
Actually these are 'pets'. Adopted by the landlady of the pub. There's all sorts of creatures living up at that pub.
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The famous Tan Hill sign.
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A deliciously warm frothy hot chocolate. I always have one when I go.
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Dogs are welcome.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Tan%20Hill%20Inn%20Trip%2022nd%20March%202011/100_1740.jpg)
View over the Moors.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Tan%20Hill%20Inn%20Trip%2022nd%20March%202011/100_1741.jpg)
I had a steady ride home via the A66 towards Scotch Corner which nearly sent me to sleep so I veered off towards Ripon, Knaresborough and finally Otley before landing back home. One hundred and seventy five miles and still two fuel bars left, that's not bad going.
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Nice report and very nice pictures, thanks for sharing.
Living in the SE as we do and reading reports like yours makes me envious of the roads and scenery available from the Midlands upwards. We do have have some nice roads down here but they're full of cars. We're seriously considering moving and nice riding roads is a factor although I have to say that big island off our shores is just over there <points> which is quite convenient.
We spent the last two weekends in Wales - round the coast the weekend before last and inner Wales the weekend just gone - and had a great time. On Saturday morning at 09:15 we were standing on what is apparently the highest pass in Wales in beautiful sunshine. That, and rides like yours are what it's all about.
Kevin
As usual Mr Wolf nice pics and commentary.
Ta. ;D
Looks great Mr Wolf,
in all my years and miles I have never been up to the Tan Hill Inn!
You'll have to take us up on a ride out sooon!
I've just finished putting this together, it's nothing special I know, but I like to have little reminders of my trips when I can, either through photos and/or vids. I'm the first to admit that I am not the most confident/competent rider but the videos help me to reflect on what I may have done well....or not as the case may be!! ;D
Its only about 5 minutes long....go on humour me. ;D
Short Vid of Tan Hill Trip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1CoMjWqopk)