Micro cycle tour.

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It's over a year since our last cycle tour so with a forecast of high pressure all weekend we packed the panniers and headed east into the Lakes on Friday evening after work. The plan was to cycle to the Keswick area on Friday night and find a campsite. We'd camp there for two evenings allowing us a 'lightweight' ride on Saturday before cycling home on Sunday. The trip was inspired by sites such as this http://www.bikingbis.com/2011/04/18/bike-overnight-website-supports-short-bicycle-tours/

Friday - We left home and headed east via Cockermouth on a fantastic summer evening. We arrived in Braithwaite just after 8pm to find a busy but not full campsite. We found a good pitch near a fence to lock the bikes to and soon had the tent up and sorted for our short stay. As there was plenty of light left we then rode into Keswick to get some food and drink from Booths. Although we'd only traveled 27 miles it felt like we were further from home when we eventually went to bed.

Susan heading east.


Our wee tent for two nights.


Saturday - The sun was out and already warm when we got up. After a quick breakfast we headed off with a light load for the northern Lakes. Here the roads are much quieter  and there are no major passes to cross. The cycling is, however, still challenging with plenty of short sharp climbs. We headed first for Caldbeck where we got a cold drink and an ice cream from the village shop. It was then on to Hesket Newmarket, Skelton and Greystoke where we just had to stop at the well known Cycle Cafe. 
To extend the return leg we headed south towards Ullswater and then west to Matterdale End. There were stiff climbs which were made harder by the heat and Susan had to stop to cool her feet before we returned to Keswick via Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Keswick was very busy but we managed to get a table in the Dog and Gun for a drink and our tea.  With plenty of light left afterwards we decided to cycle around Derwent Water before heading back to the campsite. We sat outside the tent to enjoy the last of the light before going to bed pleasantly tired.

On the road to Caldbeck - a fantastic day.




A wee break in the lovely village of Caldbeck.


We followed the Reivers Cycle Way towards Penrith before joining the C2C route and following it to Greystoke.


The weather was fantastic all day.


We took it easy with plenty of breaks.


The amazing Blencow Hall near Greysoke.


A 'must' stop for passing cyclists.




The road south towards Ullswater.


Above Ullswater heading for Matterdale End.


Susan cooling her feet - Matterdale End.


On the road back to Keswick.




Locking the bikes up in Keswick.


Evening sun on Grange Bridge, Borrowdale.


Above Derwent Water.


 Sunday - We both slept well but were up early. After a quick breakfast we packed up the tent and by 8.30am were on the road heading for home. Like the ride out on Friday evening the ride home was surprisingly easy with a full camping load. We were home for 10.30am. A brilliant micro tour which shows you don't have to go far for a wee adventure.

Breakfast brew.


Ready to pack up.


Last adjustment before we head home.


Drink break outside Cockermouth.


On the A595 cycle track not far to home.


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