Lakes District: Kendal to Staveley
Day 15
Distance- 36km (657)
Weather- low lying cloud, rain
Highlights- MTB with out trailer, dinner out
Lowlights- not completing the high peaks trail due to the weather
Accommodation- Staveley Carvan and Camping
We decided we need a shower and some creature comforts so looked up the local caravan and camping club site and moved on from the farm. They were kind enough to book us in early so we could dump our stuff and head off to the hills and explore the mountain tracks. The site manager was definitely a happy camper, employed by the association to run the park during summer and going camping himself in Spain during the winter, nice life.
The track we had set our eyes on was known as High street, 60km round circuit, classified as an epic, starting in Ings. The weather wasn't great with low lying list and a slight chill in the air but hopes we high. As we climbed these we dashed, as the rain started and the wind picked up. Since most of the track was going to be high and exposed we alter our plans to some lower more protected routes. These still took us up over Galburn pass which a well deserved down hill on the other side. Pete suffered, pain in the knee and not enough pain relief. Stopped at a little town on the other side for a snack and decided to retreat to Stavley to the infamous Wiff, MTB cafe.
Met a local MTB rider who offered to be a tour guide for a while but Sarah got a flat and we lost him. The cafe served a nice thick shake and coffees. Even nicer was the bike shed/shop next door, never seen so many bikes on a floor at once. A lot of drooling was done. Sarah and Bridgette entertained the thought of another cycle but then decided a warm shower and book sounded more inviting. We rested and cleaned up as best we could for dinner with Sarah's relatives that night. We took a wondering path town to Starvely through sheep paddocks and farms, all sign posted public access/footpath.
The destination was a small but famous pub called Eagle and Child. It was packed and we wer lucky to grab a table for 6. A great dinner was had although the service was bit slow. Sarah’s cousin was very entertaining, a submarine builder. Pete finally got a meal which turned out to be a challenge but still room for sticky toffee pudding.