Barnard Castle
From the Pennines to the Cumbrian coast.
You don’t need to think too hard about what makes the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty an appealing place to visit: that’s right, it’s crammed full of brilliant roads. Oh, and the scenery’s not bad either. Better still it’s right by the beautiful Lake District and the Cumbrian coast. This full day’s ride heads out over the UK’s highest A-road, over England’s steepest pass and comes back by its largest lake. It’s a celebration of spectacular scenery and outstanding riding.
STAGE ONE
Barnard Castle to Hartside Pass: 40 miles
Leave Barnard Castle on the B6278 to Middleton-in-Teesdale. Coming down the hill into Egglestone, turn right just after the garage (effectively going straight where the road bends left) to stay on the B6278 to Stanhope. When the road meets the A689 in Stanhope, turn left to Alston. Don’t miss the left turn in Cowshill to stay on the A689, as it crosses Killhope Summit. At the T-junction turn left on the A686 to Penrith. We’d stop at the café on Hartside Pass, six miles up the road.
Morning coffee: Hartside Top Café. A warm, welcoming café with a great line in homemade cakes. On a clear day the view stretches all the way to the Cumbrian coast.
STAGE TWO
Hartside Pass to St Bees: 65 miles
Continue down Hartside Pass to Penrith. At the roundabout join the A66 towards the M6. Cross the motorway, staying on the A66 to Keswick. This is a stretch of time-saving dual carriageway (but if you want a really long ride, you can peel off on the A592 over Kirkstone Pass to pick up the A591 to Keswick). Two miles after Keswick on the A66, turn left on the B5292 to Braithwaite and stay on this over Whinlatter Pass. At the T-junction turn right to take the B5292 into Cockermouth. Cross the town centre to pick up the A5086 to Egremont. At the A595 roundabout turn right to Whitehaven, then after two miles turn left on the minor road signed to St Bees.
Lunch: Hartley’s Beach Café. Head down to the beach (there’s plentiful parking) and settle down at the café run by local ice-cream experts. Hartley’s — so that’s pudding sorted.
SEE: The Bowes MuseumNot a converted stately home, the magnificent museum was purpose-built in the 19th century and houses a collection as unique and fascinating as the story of how it was created. A definite must-see. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
STAY: The Red Well InnComfortable, traditional pub with en-suite rooms and a great menu. Outside Barnard Castle town centre, so nice and quiet. www.theredwellinn.co.uk
STAGE THREE
St Bees to Ambleside: 50 miles
Leave St Bees on the B5345 to Thornhill. When it meets the A595, turn right towards Barrow. After just over 20 miles, you need to turn left to stay onthe A595 to Barrow and Broughton (if you get to Millom, just stay on the A5093 until it rejoins the A595 again). Don’t miss the left turn at the top of a hill, beside the High Cross Inn, for the A593 to Coniston. Stay on this road all the way to Ambleside. Follow the one-way system round the town, following signs for Windermere.
Afternoon tea: Waterhead Coffee Shop. Right on the Windermere waterfront, the Waterhead Coffee Shop is a treat. If you’re not watching your waistline, the cream tea is not to be missed. Otherwise, try an ice cream. Hang on…
STAGE FOUR
Ambleside to Barnard Castle: 65 miles
Leave Ambleside on the A591 to Windermere and stay on this road all the way to Kendal. Go into the town centre, following signs for the train station, and pick up the A685 to Brough. Turn right at the Tebay roundabout (by the services) to stay on this road. Turn right by the clocktower in Brough, on the B6276 to Middleton-in-Teesdale — and about a mile outside town, turn left to stay on this road. At the T-junction, turn right on the B6277 back to Barnard Castle.
Start/finish – Barnard Castle - Distance – 220 miles - Riding time: 6.5 hours