The Dodds and a cycle.

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The weather has not been great this weekend but we've had two good and different days out. Yesterday we headed east - where the weather was forecast to be better - to walk over the Dodds from High Row near Dockray. The fells were all cloud covered as we headed for the first top - Clough Head - along the Old Coach Road to St John's in the Vale. We passed several very tired looking 'runners' taking part in the Montane Lakeland  100 and 50 Ultra Trail Races who didn't look like they were enjoying the experience. As we climbed up onto Clough Head the cloud began to lift and when we reached the top we had a good view into the Lakes.
From here the going becomes quite easy and we had soon ticked off Calfhow Pike, Great Dodd, Watson's Dodd and Stybarrow Dodd. The weather to this point had been quite good, although it was windy, but rain clouds could be seen approaching from the west. By the time we reached Hart Side it had started to rain but we only had to get over Birkett Fell and then descend to the car.
A good round and not many people on the hill once we'd left the runners route.

Heading to Clough Head on the Old Coach Road.


The Trig Point on Clough Head.


Looking north west from Calfhow Pike.


On Great Dodd.


Heading for Watson's Dodd and Stybarrow Dodd.


Rain clouds approaching on Green Side.


Today was a cycling day. We set off from home under grey skies for the area Back O' Skiddaw. Our route took us to Cockermouth from where we followed the Reivers Cycle Route out towards Binsey Fell. There was a lot of up hill but on a clear day this route would give excellent views into the Lake Distrct Fells. We broke off the Reivers route to take in the villages of Ireby and Uldale from where we turned and headed for home. As is often the case we had a head wind all the way back. The route fell just short of the 50 miles we had hoped for but it was a good outing and one that we'll repeat and extend in better weather.

On the Reivers Cycle Route 10.


In the village of Uldale.


Susan takes a well earned break on the way home.

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