Ride Rpt. 10.4.22 Beaumont to Dentdale

A small but enthusiastic group of Cyclist Touring Club members gathered outside Beaumont College for the Palm Sunday ride to Dentdale. Going by the lack of traffic on the roads we cycled along, either everyone was saving petrol or were praying for the queues to subside at Manchester Airport.

The open road beckoned as we took the high road to Kirkby Lonsdale via Arkholme , delighting in the sunny vistas up Lunesdale , with Ingleborough and Leck Fell as an impressive backstop.

Casterton Golf Club awaited us eagerly, the golfers also being thin on the ground. We were joined by three more members here, one of whom continued with us on the ride, after drinks and cake.

Quickly gaining the Roman Road, five riders climbed onto the open fell above Barbon village, taking in the sweeping view to the west towards Old Town and Scout Hill,  and noting the stationary wind turbines in the calm, sunny conditions. Signs ominously warned of a total road closure on the descent to Dentdale four miles ahead, but local ‘fast men’ overtaking assured us that it was passable with care at weekends , and so it proved. We could then enjoy the views of Barbon Fell from the undulating valley road, topping out at 900 metres.

Left at the foot of the descent to Gawthrop, and pottering along the delightfully winding single track road with the river on our right, a short climb gained Holme Fell, our picnic lunch stop. Sedbergh on the opposite hillside nestled under the  Howgills, as we decided on the disappearance of the sunshine to move on to the warmth of the café at Barbon. Advantage was taken of the lull in motorbike activity on the main road to make haste to the village, and also avoid the risk of delays on the ’puncture alley’ backlane.

Suitably refreshed and warmed, the time came to head for home down the valley, retracing to Newton before climbing over into the Keer Valley and on to Capernwray and the Kellets.

About 60 miles for most of us, and home by 5.00pm, after a wonderfully quiet, still and sunny day’awheel’ in Lunesdale and one of our favourite Dales in the National Park.

You can see the range of rides we have to offer on our website  www.ctclancaster.org.uk  We welcome new riders. Len