Lakes District: Coniston to Pattersdale
Day 18
Distance- 25km (735)
Weather- rain, hail, sleet and strong wind (worst weather ever on a bike)
Highlights- the pub at Kirkstone pass
Lowlights- pushing up kirkstone pass (20% incline) in fowl weather
Accommodation- Pattersdale Youth Hostel
Woke to hear the rain pouring down and the howl of mountain wind outside. Mmmm... might skip that early morning walk to explore the hills.
Getting started took some time, none of us were keen to venture out. Just changing the tyres over froze the fingers, a taster of what today had in store. After a bit of advice from the owner and some fellow mountain bikes, a route was agreed upon. Sad to say goodbye to this youth hostel which was definitely one the more interesting places we have stayed. Off down the gravel road in to town. We followed a bridle way through the local forest then on to the A road. We made quick pass to Ambelside despite the weather (a good motivator). After a brief stop for peanuts we looked for the 'hill'.
Well we found it and let be said we were warned, a road sign stating 'the struggle, is long and steep and risky in poor weather'. But with the only other option being a longer route through the same weather we continued on and up. We were soon off the bikes, pushing up an incline of 20%, with the wind gusting and the rain alternating between water and ice. Half way up we all agreed this was utter madness but were too proud to admit defeat and besides we were half way. Of course as we climbed the weather got worse, till we couldn't ride even the brief flat sections or down hill sections. Then like a lighthouse the light of the pub at the pass was spotted off in the distance. Yippeee almost there. As we drew closer the wind blew the smell of coal down the mountain and we were all dreaming of a lovely hot fire. The amusing aprt is that it was only a 450m climb, bring on Nepal!
We decided to stop, warm up and defrost at the pub. They were very accommodating allowing us to spread our gear in front of the open fire and play cards for a few hours. Sarah negotiated with Tom to be picked up while we decided to ride the hill down in to Patterdale. We met a couple of fellow mad cyclists doing Lands end to John Groats who also sort refuge for a few hours. The sleet and stopped for the descent and the view opened up.
A beautiful run down a winding road with the lake in the distance. The youth hostel was a lot larger and less quant than the night before but they ad a drying room and big couches. It was quite retro with exposed brick walls, lots of wood and orange fit out.
Pete befriended a few old guys from his room who took a far bit on convincing that gortex was water proof. Mushroom soup for dinner, yummy, thank you Tom.
Getting started took some time, none of us were keen to venture out. Just changing the tyres over froze the fingers, a taster of what today had in store. After a bit of advice from the owner and some fellow mountain bikes, a route was agreed upon. Sad to say goodbye to this youth hostel which was definitely one the more interesting places we have stayed. Off down the gravel road in to town. We followed a bridle way through the local forest then on to the A road. We made quick pass to Ambelside despite the weather (a good motivator). After a brief stop for peanuts we looked for the 'hill'.
Well we found it and let be said we were warned, a road sign stating 'the struggle, is long and steep and risky in poor weather'. But with the only other option being a longer route through the same weather we continued on and up. We were soon off the bikes, pushing up an incline of 20%, with the wind gusting and the rain alternating between water and ice. Half way up we all agreed this was utter madness but were too proud to admit defeat and besides we were half way. Of course as we climbed the weather got worse, till we couldn't ride even the brief flat sections or down hill sections. Then like a lighthouse the light of the pub at the pass was spotted off in the distance. Yippeee almost there. As we drew closer the wind blew the smell of coal down the mountain and we were all dreaming of a lovely hot fire. The amusing aprt is that it was only a 450m climb, bring on Nepal!We decided to stop, warm up and defrost at the pub. They were very accommodating allowing us to spread our gear in front of the open fire and play cards for a few hours. Sarah negotiated with Tom to be picked up while we decided to ride the hill down in to Patterdale. We met a couple of fellow mad cyclists doing Lands end to John Groats who also sort refuge for a few hours. The sleet and stopped for the descent and the view opened up.A beautiful run down a winding road with the lake in the distance. The youth hostel was a lot larger and less quant than the night before but they ad a drying room and big couches. It was quite retro with exposed brick walls, lots of wood and orange fit out.Pete befriended a few old guys from his room who took a far bit on convincing that gortex was water proof. Mushroom soup for dinner, yummy, thank you Tom.