Longer days.

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There is still no sign of any warm and sunny weather in Cumbria but at least the lighter nights of May have allowed us to do some after work rides. This week we got out 3 times. Tuesday and Friday evening were dry and clear but on Thursday we got caught out in a heavy rain/hail shower.
Saturday was forecast to be very wet and it was. This was a great pity as it was main day of the Keswick Mountain Festival. We didn't rush out but headed into Keswick after lunch for a look around the shops and the Festival Village. The rain eased at about 3.30pm so we headed up Latrigg. There weren't many people about, which is always a bonus, and we had some good views down Borrowdale.
Back in Keswick we went to see Simon 'Slasher' Yates lecturing at the Theatre by the Lake. He spoke about his adventures in the mountains since the epic 'Touching the Void' trip to Peru with Joe Simpson. An enjoyable evening rounded of with Fish and Chips in the Keswickian Cafe.

The view over Keswick after a very damp day.


Today was forecast to be bright and sunny so we headed off on the bikes for Keswick via Whinlatter Pass. The weather men got it wrong and it was overcast all the way with some light rain at the top of the pass. Once in Keswick we went back to the Festival Village to get Susan a wee hat from one of the stalls. It was then onto Lakeland Pedlar for a bowl of warming soup. To our surprise the cafe was 'under new management' - lets hope it remains as good.
Our route home was via Bassenthwaite and Cockermouth. As we headed west the weather did, at last, begin to improve and by the time we reached home the sun was out and it was pleasantly warm - typical but we'd had another good day on the bikes.

On route to Whinlatter - low cloud sat on the fells all morning.


About to start the climb up Whinlatter Pass.


Susan following the C2C route up the pass.


Sadly there have been many bike thefts at the Whinlatter Mountain Bike Centre.


Susan starting the descent down to Braithwaite.


At speed on the descent.


A 'plethora' of signs in the Newalnds Valley - we followed the C2C into Keswick.


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