Appleby-in-Westmorland

An easy start to the day in the sunshine with the Bay of Morecambe on my left. Past huge quarries and estuary. Beautiful. Then heading off to Kendal..yes, its hilly but who cares anyway. Especially all those people jauntily riding past on their e-bikes. Not a single one was willing to let me have a go. Mean-spirited I call it.🙁

More canals. Didn't know there were any in the Lakes! On past Kendal of mint cake fame.

Then under an old viaduct. How did they move those huge blocks of stone. They'd certainly hurt if Old Burt Tintwistle dropped one on your toe. And into the first river of the day. Nice bit of safe paddling in the shallows.

Reckon I did the steepest hill of the ride here. Judging by what I experienced in Devon last year ( a 30% incline) and the fact that I had to stop it must have been about 25%. Over the top I conversed with a dog Walker. That last one was steep I said. They're all steep she said. Good point, well made!

Had lunch near Shap overlooking the M6 with a robin singing to me.

Up yet another hill into The Yorkshire Dales (apparently) though I did seem to be in Cumbria still. The hills are still big but seem gentler, more rolling.

Appleby, my destination, only 2 1/2 miles and I see a sign to The Rutter Falls. Enquiring of two ladies eating sandwiches whether the diversion is worth it the answer came back that they were indeed spectacular. OK, it's only 300 yes so off I go. Warning, Ford. Look for bicycle alternative. None. Inspect the ford on approach. Max 3 inches deep. No problem. Nice and slow, into the water, go for a swim. The wildlife photographer on the other side was laughing so much that it was all she could do to ask if I was ok. Wounded pride, sprained Baby Small on right hand, clothing burn on right hip. Yes. OK. Apparently I was not the first she had observed that afternoon. Previous one was a motorcyclist. BONUS point though for spotting a red squirrel running down the road as we talked. THAT FORD IS LETHAL....UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES GO NEAR IT ON TWO WHEELS. And the waterfall was pathetic. Life lesson learned.... don't believe old ladies eating lunch near a junction.

Fish and chips for tea in Appleby whilst watching the cricket. How genteely British is that?Read more