Whilst the Covid-19 situation permits, me and Mrs Mouse took the opportunity this week to get in a 3 day holiday which could also act a dress rehearsal for a Scottish tour next month. (Hopefully!) Before heading up, the weather forecast was for thundery showers every day, so I went kitted out in a jacket and trousers made of waxed cotton with a fixed waterproof lining. ‘Unfortunately’ the weather was dry and mostly sunny, so I spent a lot of riding time being overly hot and sweaty. But as compensation, the scenery was more stunning and the roads more grippy than if we had rain. The trip up the first day was a few hours of dual carriageway and motorway, the first time Mrs Mouse had been on such on a bike. That went fine thanks to a Dart flyscreen and some extra press studs I had added to my jacket to tighten the cuffs and stop wind getting in and trying to blow jacket up over my head! After the motorway slog we negotiated our way across to Nidderdale to go up by the Gouthwaite reservoir and across the hill top to Masham. From there some nice A roads through Wensleydale, following someone on a bike with a small boxer engine most of the way. We stayed at a lovely hotel near Hawes called the Stone House Hotel which, as it turned out, is run by a motorcyclist, and he’s built a secure storage shed for guest’s bikes, whether motorised or not. The place is a little more expensive and ‘posher’ that I would normally go for, but the staff very friendly and welcoming and I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking to treat yourself to a quiet stay in the dales. The second day we headed west towards the Lake District. The first part of the A684 before Sedburg was empty roads and great scenery. After that though the road to Kendal and Windermere was busy, then it got worse; all the way from Windermere to Ambelside was a slow moving traffic jam with little opportunity to filter, all the while swealtering in the sun. Then road was clear to get to our first destination: Wrynoss pass. Very tricky narrow roads to get to the pass which itself was reasonably straight forward, and the whole route before and after the pass has stunning scenery. After trauma of narrow roads and steep drop-offs Mrs Mouse wanted to get to the seaside, so I duly picked some random spot on the satnav and followed the instructions. Unfortunately, we got beach, but no ice cream, or amenities, or shade, so too hot to stay, With an eye on the clock, I got satnav to pick a winding route back to hotel. Glad we did, because we got an brilliant ride across the top of the hills and an amazing wide vista coming down the other side. (Photo's just don't do it justice. At the time I said to Mrs Mouse that I didn't realise you got such things in England). The final day, I had planned a 'local' route, taking in Buttertubs Pass, B6270, Tan Hill but unfortunately it was heavy fog on the hills, so we missed out on a lot of promised great views. At one point heading towards Tan Hill I was having to constantly wipe my visor clear of the condensation on the outside (pinlock kept inside clear) and rely on the satnav to tell me where the road was! We had lunch in Kirkby Stephen then headed back to Hawes and down to Settle because I'd seen that road recommended, and can say it didn't disappoint on the fast sweeping roads front. (B6250 from Hawes to Ribblehead Viaduct then B6479 to Settle) After that it was eating up the miles to get home, with a short visit at some friends in passing. The last couple of hours was done in the dark, and it was then I realised my visor was too smudged to see safely when combined with the dazzle of oncoming tragic, so I promptly pulled over at the next layby to clean it. I had barely got my lid off before a passing biker virtually screeched to a halt (I exaggerate slightly) at the end of the layby and was walking back to see if I needed help. Isn't the biking fraternity wonderful On re-reading what I've written I realised one constant factor of riding in that area I've failed to mention: there's sheep roaming bloody everywhere! And they seem to particularly like the grass growing at the edge of the road tarmac. Fortunately they seems rather chilled and don't look like they're about to throw themselves under your wheel. Nevertheless, slowing down and giving them as wide a berth as possible seems like a wise move.
Sounds like you had a great time. I've ridden around Hawes/Ribblehead quite a few times and as you say it's a lovely area.
Lovely photos and write up @brown mouse . Glad you enjoyed the wondrous county of Cumbria! Me and a couple of mates were planning a Scotland trip in May which never happened obviously, then we thought September but we have now decided everything is so unpredictable we won't bother. At least we can stay local for beautiful scenery!
What a brilliant write up and photos, brown mouse! Thanks so much fo sharingr the story and pictures of your adventures. The areas you traveled sound--and look--beautiful. I'm sure that with all that's going on in our world it must have felt great and been rejuvenating to be on the bike together traversing beautiful countryside. I enjoyed all of the details that you included--made me feel a bit like I was there. Plus it reminded me of how glorious it is to travel by motorbike. And I agree with your sentiment--the biking fraternity is wonderful! Your post has inspired me to pull out the UK map that Mr. Sandi gave me for our anniversary recently so I can get a better sense of your and Mrs. brown mouse's route.
Thanks It certainly did! We've been getting out for day trips on motorbike, but other than that feeling rather cooped up at home as we haven't been socialising or even shopping since March. I very glad of that. I did wonder if my wordy posting would be appreciated but see from you and others it was worth doing.
We had a May trip booked, was meant to be the highlight of the year. So when it became obvious that wouldn't happen rebooked immediately for mid September to keep the hope alive. This 3 day trip we've just done feels like a mini Scotland and really glad we did it, now won't be totally gutted if Scotland doesn't happen, but certainly still going to go if it's legal and we have accommodation.
