Riding round Skiddaw to see Scotland across the Solway Firth at Silloth
Last ride before the clocks go back to winter time. Leaving Keswick as the mist was melting in to hazy sunshine. Riding the open moorland back in the mist round the east side of Skiddaw and Blencathra. Fording about 10 cm depth of water at Carrock Beck, then on to Hesketh Newmarket. Evocative place names! There to Wigton and onwards to Silloth there are long stretches of straight roads, some presumably following Roman alignments. Except for the steep sides of the deep valley of the River Caldew which are marked as 17% and 20% gradient, so have some interesting curves.
There’s a fine view from Silloth of the Solway Forth and Scotland beyond. Then the fun road back to Keswick through Bothel and Bassenthwaite village.