Kendal

It was a cold but bright morning on Sunday when ten riders set off from Beaumont on Nigel Cole’s ride to Kendal.

Warmed up by the ascent of Kellet Lane up to Nether Kellet, they dropped down to Carnforth and headed on past Warton Crag and over Leighton Moss to a welcome coffee stop in Arnside, joined here by several others, happy to be out on their bikes again without the recent accompanying winds and rain.

Heading on to Levens , through Brigsteer Park, enjoying the elevated views over the Lythe Valley with the sun sparkling off the many flooded fields, they turned right at Brigsteer and commenced the challenging climb onto Helsington Barrows to be rewarded with extensive views South over Morecambe Bay and East to the Howgills dusted in snow. Quite warmed up by this effort, they then descended into Kendal, busy with crowds attending the Mountain Festival. 

Suitably refreshed after enjoying the sunshine along the River Walk they headed South into a warming but often dazzling lowering sun, through Natland and along the lanes through Viver and Ackenthwaite to a final welcome tea stop at Beetham Where it was still sunny and warm enough for some of the group to enjoy a coffee outside. 

Finally returning via Holme,Tewitfield, Over Kellet and down to the Lune Cycle track at Halton. The sun having just set as they wove through the traffic jams in Lancaster after a very rewarding 50mile ride.