Ride from Kellet Cross Roads to Staveley via Shap, Thursday 18th April 2019

Up the Shap Road

It’s always good to introduce members to new routes and although it seems we have covered all the roads in our area there are still gems to find. The Shap road is near the edge of our natural territory but it leads to new lanes and on a bright, sunny day it’s worth the effort.

Leaving Kellet Cross Roads, Len led the second group and kept a sensible distance behind us, as we cycled to our first regrouping at Over Kellet. Passing Capernwray church we made our 2nd regroup off the road at Borwick. We continued through Burton and made our way to cross the A6 at the Wild Life Park to regroup in the lay-by. The attempt to not stop on corners or tops of hills was working well. Climbing over Slack Head we continued to Beetham and the Deer Park before reaching Cafe 17 at Milnthorpe for coffee and scones.

John Jackson took over the 2nd group as we pedalled through Hincaster, Sedgwick and Natland to regroup just before the Kendal Roundabout. Passing the football and cricket grounds we avoided the town centre but found the road through the Sandylands Estate busier than expected. Clear of the town the road was clear as we climbed up to meet the Shap road.  A steady uphill led to the turn off for Longsledale and the fast descent to Garnett Bridge. It was the start of the superb, twisting lanes below Potter Fell. This was followed by the dash to Staveley and Wilf’s for lunch.

The return route was by our favoured lanes to Crook and a regrouping at Underbarrow before heading for Brigsteer. Here we diverted onto the flat lanes beside the River Gilpin to then cross the A590 and more flat lanes to High Sampool and Levens Bridge. We soon left the Busy A6 and crossed the moss roads to make our way to Storth. The thought of a cup of tea at the RSPB cafe or a quick ride home guided us over the remaining miles. A good day out, helped by excellent weather and good company.

65 – 75 miles and 4,000 feet of climbing.

Brian G