An anti-clockwise loop in the north east of the Lake District and touching on the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Starting from the attractive little village of Orton, the route north over the open moorland is on an easy wide track offering great views in all directions. Then west through Shap village and south on a section of the A6. The small deviation from A6 was not worth it having to lift the bike over an awkward gate but there was a good view over to Wet Sleddale (‘Withnail & I’ filming location) where we had passed through on a previous ride.
Through the Shap Granite works was a bit tricky ensuring I was on an official route, but guided by helpful quarry workers. Brushing the A6, the old road (track) conveniently avoided the busy A6 and led down to the start of Borrowdale (not to be confused with the well known Borrowdale south of Keswick). The ford over the Borrow Beck river, at the bottom of the Breast High Road, was a perfect lunch stop.
Then on through Borrowdale to the end where it meets the A685 and turning north. After a short stretch the minor road leads to Roundthwaite. The surprise was meeting a Google Street View car coming in the opposite direction. The minor road passes the Tebay services offering a back door route into the services and motorway system but this is only permitted for traffic staying at either camp ground or hotel within the services.
Return to Orton - nothing technical on this ride but a variety of terrain and views on a sunny day!
Негізгі бет Orton, Shap & Borrowdale ‘gravel’ ride
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