Ride to Mallerstang, via Ais Gill Cottages, Sunday 13th May 2018
/Eleven riders turned out on Sunday for our annual ride to Mallerstang. Starting from Devils Bridge, the main road was taken, with some opting for the Barbon route but all made the coffee stop at Farfield Mill OK.
Taking the Garsdale road in glorious sunshine, the normal peace enjoyed on this route was occasionally shattered by fast moving groups of motorcycles and sports cars, but all safely arrived at Garsdale Head. Here Frank and Ruth took the Coal Road route for Dentdale, whilst we proceeded up to the Cumbria/Yorkshire border at Ais Gill cottages. A very pleasant picnic lunch was enjoyed by the waterfall on the upper Eden river.
Passing by the highest point on the Settle to Carlisle, with magnificent views of Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge, we took the narrow road over Birkett Common at Pendragon Castle. The cool air and sunshine made for splendid views of Cross Fell and the northern Pennines as we descended to join the A683 to Sedbergh. By taking the narrow high road past Cold Keld and Fell End, some of the main road was avoided and then it was a case of swooping down to Sedbergh for a welcome warm brew.
Opting for the main Middleton road, we headed for Kirkby Lonsdale, taking the narrow road to Barbon to finish off. My computer read 52 Miles and 3018 ft of ascent - a splendid day and thanks everyone for turning out!
Dave Hugill
After the coffee break at Farfield Mill a couple in the group rode on up Garsdale, but left at the Garsdale Station turning. It was the perfect day to be anywhere actually, but sudden inspiration had brought The Coal Road to mind. A perfect day for a feet assisted ascent to the summit at 1750', as in the photos. From here you can see forever and fresh good air is limitless. Dent Station way up there, is a perfect lunch spot, before the brake gripping descent to glorious Dentdale, all spread out below.
Ruth Tanner