Thursday Ride: Kellet Crossroads to Bowness or Arnside

Lancaster and South Lakes CTC Ride Report – Thursday 10th October 20241

A fine forecast attracted a good turn-out for Thursday’s ride to Levens Hall, Bowness and the Windermere ferry.  In a new experiment two rides were on offer, both going to Levens Hall, the second group going at a steadier pace and aiming to encourage those riders who wanted a shorter and slower pace.  Both rides were well-subscribed, proving that there is a demand for variety in our programme.

Leaving the crossroads between the Slyne/Halton and Lancaster/Nether Kellett roads, the first group headed uphill towards Nether Kellett, enjoying glorious views over to the bay and the crystal-clear Lake District fells.  Having safely navigated the seemingly ever-present roadworks in Nether Kellett, we carried on to Over Kellett, then left, past the Clearwater Fisheries, then via Borwick and Priest Hutton to Burton in Kendal.  The sun was beginning to warm up the chilly air as we cycled through Holme Mills and Holme, then straight over to Ackenthwaite, where we turned right, then via Woodhouse to Heversham and on to a welcome break at Levens Hall.

It was still a bit chilly to sit outside, so most of us managed to squeeze indoors.  We were joined after about 10 minutes by the second group and briefly mingled before going our separate ways.  The longer ride was carrying on to Bowness and the shorter one to Arnside for a leisurely lunch at the Bob-Inn.

Those on the longer ride carried on to Levens Village, then via Brigsteer and Crosthwaite to the Winster Valley.  The autumn tints were just starting to show in the trees and we had a splendid ride up to Bowness, where we gathered for lunch at the lakeshore kiosk just off the road to the ferry.  We had received a message on our new and popular WhatsApp group from some of our members who had gone walking in the Lakes and noticed a sign at the Plumgarths roundabout, near Kendal, stating that the Windermere ferry was not running.  Fortunately for us, this was not the case and we were able to cross over the lake for the princely sum of £2.15.  Two of our members elected not to cross over the lake, but took a more direct route back home.

Turning south the four remaining stalwarts now headed on the beautiful, but hilly little lanes via High Cunsey, Graythwaite and Lakeside to the bridge over the River Levan at the foot of Windermere.  Keeping to the cycleway by the side of the A592, we took the little lane into Staveley in Cartmel, then across the A590 towards Cartmel, after a mile or so, turning left to High Newton.  From here we swooped down the infamous steep drop of Tow Top and back into the Winster valley.  This road used to be terribly pitted and covered in loose stone, but is now, fortunately much safer for cyclists.  Back now in more familiar territory we carried on to Witherslack, then along the old A590 to Gilpin Bridge.  Here we crossed the A590 to take the cyclists’ route via Sampool and back to the A6 at Levens.

Our return route was over the moss to the west of the A6, then up though the Dallam deer park and over to Beetham.  The leader took us up a final masochistic climb to Slack Head, then past Silverdale railway station, Warton and Crag Bank before heading back to our various homes.  The long route was just over 60 miles and over 4,000 feet of ascent, a hugely enjoyable ride in the wonderful autumn sunshine.

Lunch at Bowness on Windermere

We have regular club rides on Sundays and Thursdays, as well as social half-day rides on Tuesdays.  New riders are always welcome.  Please see our website: ctclancaster.org.uk for further details