Intro:
The next adventure came round two days after our return from scotland, with the classic mountain bike coast to coast route written by
Tim Woodcock. For the ease of logistics, we hatched the plan for Lucy to be in the car joining me when she fancied and it meant she got a day at Whinlatter trail centre! Research showed that people have completed it in all kinds of times, from 28hrs to 7 days and our plan was for five days based round staying in hostels.
Day 1: St Bees to Coniston 61k
The first day started early with a five o'clock start and a three hour drive to the start at St Bees. The cycle network leads quickly to the start of the spectacular Ennerdale valley, which gives a pleasant cycle through pine forests up to the Black sail yha. From here on in its up and down, with Black sail pass, Eskdale Fell, Harter Fell and Walna Scar road. Lucky the weather was great and I made steady progress until looking up at the 500 metre climb of Walna Scar which disappeared into the clouds late in the day. After reading blogs describing the lakes as a 'handbag section' I was a little anxious on what to expect, but all in all it wasn't too bad with only the Eskdale and Harter Fells slow going because of the boggyness.
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| St Bees excitement |
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| View into Ennerdale |
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| On top of Black sail pass |
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| View back into Wasdale |
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| Looking back at the Scarfells |
