A bimble through the byways of Cumbria

[geotim]

Day one.

Mounting our mighty steeds with trepidation, we threw over the panniers, bade farewell to the hamlet and set off into the wild unknown that is “across the border”.

Thankfully the border is only a couple of miles from our house, so we have ventured outside of Yorkshire before, but never in such a cautious state… Four days on e-bikes through the lanes of Cumbria, the fear was palpable.

Would the battery last?
Would floods and pestilence smite us?
Would we become benighted on some barren hillside, surrounded by the wrong type of sheep?
Would they have gravy at the chippy?

A short ride to Kendal today for our first overnight, with a milkshake stop on the way to visit grandchild #1.




Milk.
Milkshakes.
Coffee.
Honesty box cakes and biscuits.
And a viewing area to see the cows for the wee ones…



Clearly a professional…

Sorry, no photos of the Thai meal this evening, I could probably only stretch to the after dinner coffee and chocolate.

 

[ikkje]

This sounds like my kind of trip report so I’m ‘in’ Natland eh? only a few short miles due west of us. Keep the reports coming

 

[trebor]

Sorry, no photos of the Thai meal this evening, I could probably only stretch to the after dinner coffee and chocolate.

Which Thai did you go to?
And how was it?

 

[Davey B]

Christ almighty....you're going to be setting blood pressure monitors off all over UKGSer land...a cycling trip report...whatever next....

 

[geotim]

Christ almighty....you're going to be setting blood pressure monitors off all over UKGSer land...a cycling trip report...whatever next....

In my defence, they are e-bikes, so technically have a motor…

 

[geotim]

Which Thai did you go to?
And how was it?

The takeaway in Burneside which now has a few tables…

Tried what used to be Jintana the other week, nice food but the kitchen ventilation needs fixing.

This place originally set up as a pop up and take ways only.

Tasty and fresh. Very nice.

 

[geotim]

This sounds like my kind of trip report so I’m ‘in’ Natland eh? only a few short miles due west of us. Keep the reports coming

Have you tried the newly opened dairy in Natland (see photos above!).

 

[ikkje]

Indeed and hence my comment, which was admittedly fingers and thumbs as I saw you were in Natland and we’re a few miles to the East of Natland. I’m looking forward to a detailed trip report now and don’t leave out any details

 

[geotim]

The route as planned.

Three stages;
Bentham to Kendal.
Kendal to Askham.
Askham to Hartside.



A couple of nights in Kendal and then a couple more at Hartside, before riding back via Langwathby, train to Horton and then a cycle back down through Austwick and Clapham back to Bentham.

 

[geotim]

Battery anxiety…

Happy to report that both are now recharged and ready for the real challenge - Shap.



The 27 miles used about 2/5ths of the battery, despite a heavy load.



Sleep beckons, butter in the fridge in case the massive motorcycle chains and locks are insufficient protection from the marauding Cumbrian hoards…

 

[Tinytim]

Sadly, ashamed as I am to admit it, but I'm in




( a smidgen of geology would not go amiss and should be possible timewise as you're hardly hooning about are you )

 

[geotim]

Sadly, ashamed as I am to admit it, but I'm in




( a smidgen of geology would not go amiss and should be possible timewise as you're hardly hooning about are you )

Essentially split into three distinct zones, with a surrounding ‘domed’ limestone unit which once capped the entire area.

Cut to the east by the Pennine and Eden valley faults, which form the magnificent Pennine escarpment, enjoyed by some many whilst riding up Hartside pass!



As a precursor to my upcoming lecture series, perhaps some light background reading?

Might I suggest:

Mineralization in the Lake District - MediaWiki

earthwise.bgs.ac.uk

(Obviously I will be focused mainly on the minerals and historical mines in these mighty mountains…)

 

[Tinytim]

Essentially split into three distinct zones, with a surrounding ‘domed’ limestone unit which once capped the entire area.

Cut to the east by the Pennine and Eden valley faults, which form the magnificent Pennine escarpment, enjoyed by some many whilst riding up Hartside pass!

View attachment 425875

As a precursor to my upcoming lecture series, perhaps some light background reading?

Might I suggest:

Mineralization in the Lake District - MediaWiki

earthwise.bgs.ac.uk

(Obviously I will be focused mainly on the minerals and historical mines in these mighty mountains…)

I know all that from my past....I meant I want some examples of interesting stuff you come across as you sub hoon, if you know what I mean.

 

[trebor]

The takeaway in Burneside which now has a few tables…

Tried what used to be Jintana the other week, nice food but the kitchen ventilation needs fixing.

This place originally set up as a pop up and take ways only.

Tasty and fresh. Very nice.

I went to the Thai Kitchen when it first opened a few years ago, it was very good, I must try it again.

The one that was the Jintana, Araya Thai, on Highgate is owned by the same chap that has the Araya Thai in Lancaster. The Lancaster one used to be my favourite, when Big, the owner, was always in the kitchen we ate there most weeks on Friday lunchtime. When he started spending less of the lunchtimes in the kitchen we stopped going as much, the food was still good, but not as good when Big was in the kitchen. We've stumbled on the Kendal Araya Thai the first week it opened, it was good, and we'll go again.

Have you tried Bangkok 7 on Finkle Street? This is much more expensive, but the few times we've been we have always found the food to be very good.

Enjoy the rest of your trip, be careful on those bends to Hartside!

Bob

 

[Doc]

Have a good one. A better man than me cycling all that way.

 

[Davey B]

In my defence, they are e-bikes, so technically have a motor…

Nah....makes it more worserer......it aint a proppa bike mister, it's got one o' them new fangled motors....as well as "t'aint no motorbike dude, it's a poncy push bike innit'

Anyway, I'm in, good effort

 

[geotim]

I went to the Thai Kitchen when it first opened a few years ago, it was very good, I must try it again.

The one that was the Jintana, Araya Thai, on Highgate is owned by the same chap that has the Araya Thai in Lancaster. The Lancaster one used to be my favourite, when Big, the owner, was always in the kitchen we ate there most weeks on Friday lunchtime. When he started spending less of the lunchtimes in the kitchen we stopped going as much, the food was still good, but not as good when Big was in the kitchen. We've stumbled on the Kendal Araya Thai the first week it opened, it was good, and we'll go again.

Have you tried Bangkok 7 on Finkle Street? This is much more expensive, but the few times we've been we have always found the food to be very good.

Enjoy the rest of your trip, be careful on those bends to Hartside!

Bob

Thanks Bob, always good to get some more recommendations!

Yes, we just have to look out for those lunatic motorcyclists on Hartside ().

Cheers!

 

[geotim]

Have a good one. A better man than me cycling all that way.

(E-bikes are the future…. Ask Warlord )

 

[geotim]

I know all that from my past....I meant I want some examples of interesting stuff you come across as you sub hoon, if you know what I mean.

Woja, wilco!

 

[geotim]

Day two.

A casual stroll around Kendal, to assess the capabilities of the Cumbrians.

Leisurely stroll by the river to the bike shop to collect some brake pads (thanks Ikkje!). Otters are occasionally seen in the river, though the extensive flood defence works are probably keeping them in quieter areas just now. As usual, flood defences are being installed AFTER the floods. Storm Desmond, 10 years ago, took a huge toll on the town.

Onward in to the heart of the town to break our fast. Today we chose Marra, which is a pleasant bread based eatery just off the old market square.

Next door is the Unitarian chapel garden, which is open to casual visitors who dare to brave the narrow entranceway into the ‘backs’ of the buildings.



A quiet space with various memorials to old Kendal folk.
Interesting inscription on this one:

Here lieth
Edward Blackstock of Kendal
By his private conduct
And his public spirit
He justly gained a general respect
And departed this life
On the 9th of May 1745
In the 68th year of his age

Not exactly effusive with their praise in those days, were they?

After a quick pop in to the iron mongers for some needle nose pliers, we enjoyed the delights of a supermarket. Not a common thing in parts of Yorkshire. Marks & Spencer did not disappoint.

A wander back through the Cumbrian hoards saw us at our lodgings in time for a quick cuppa.

This afternoon we will again take our lives in our hands as we brave the local streets in search of a museum.

Until then I shall be researching Cumbrian Geology, to ensure I don’t miss out on any places of particular note… I’d hate to disappoint.

Tomorrow will see us tackle the ‘route 70’ toward Tebay and beyond, from where I shall post again.



Note;
The ride tomorrow begins with a steep climb! Pray for a tail wind and smooth tarmac!