Clapham to Dent via Kingsdale Thurs. 8th July 2021

It was a perfect day to head for the high fells of the Yorkshire Dales. Lancaster CTC assembled an enthusiastic team of twelve riders at Halton Station for a challenging days ride to Dent via Kingsdale, led by Patience on the tandem.

The social get-together at Ireby Green café was reached via Wennington and the Wrayton loop, against the backdrop of a bucolic landscape of contrasting green and bright yellow fields. At one time it appeared as though rain might intrude on our appreciation of the countryside, but the threat soon passed. More club members had made their own way to the café, swelling our numbers to twenty.

Eventually a group of ten took up the challenge to continue up Kingsdale via Burton in Lonsdale, Westhouse and the gentler ascent via the telecoms mast. The view up Kingsdale from the first summit, towards Braida Garth, was savoured before freewheeling by the side of the beck to Kingsdale Head. The closed gate afforded a brief interlude to contemplate the climb before setting off up the steepest section towards White Shaw Moss, topping out at 470 metres. The group came together to enjoy the precipitous views down Deepdale, before testing their brakes on the steep descent to Gastack Beck Bottom, and absorbing the atmosphere of this hidden gem of a side dale to its junction with Dentdale.

It was heart-warming to note the campsites in the village being well used by staycationers whilst we enjoyed a well-earned lunch, before turning our wheels in the direction of Gawthrop and Holme Fell. Two of our number decided to peel off and return via Barbondale, apparently not having had enough steep ascents to maintain their fitness.

There was time for another extended social interlude at Casterton Golf Club, before the final leg home via Arkholme. A sixty-plus mile day for most, with about 4,300 feet of climbing.

Our CTC member group operates a varied programme of rides, not all as challenging as this one. Information can be found on our website  www.ctclancaster.org.uk

Patience Cooper