Shakedown Day 3 - Penrith (over Shap again) to Kirkby Lonsdale



When the road disappears behind you, it was a STEEP hill!

7 miles to go!

Such views along the way!


Interesting aquarium

An end of day treat for Steve


Another big hill climb today, just the other way round!  40 miles in all, first up back over Shap and then over the many short sharp steep hills between Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale - ‘where the hills of the Lake District meet the hills of the Yorkshire Dales’ according to Steve.

We left Penrith after half a Full English and a pack up of the other half for 2nd Breakfast.  10 miles of gentle climbing back to the village of Shap for another tea stop at the Abbey Kitchen.  I’m quite liking peppermint tea for my tea breaks.  Then it was on for another 6 miles up (and up and up) to the top of Shap.  Mostly not as steep as coming up the other way, but the very top was an effort!

At the top, we looked down at what we had climbed the day before - the road from the valley just climbed and climbed.  Amazing that we did it!  It was much more fun freewheeling down, which we did for most of the 10 miles!   As good as the epic descent from San Gimignano in Tuscany, which is the best so far.

Accidentally fell into a vegan cafe in Kendal - no omelettes for us!  Had tea and then headed off to climb the many hills between Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale.  Much huffing and puffing, but only had to push up one.  Overall it was a hard day, but regular injection of food and tea made a difference.

Made it to Kirkby Lonsdale by 2:30, really thought it would have taken longer with all those sneaky hills.  The Springfield Lodge B&B was just on the outskirts of the town, an easy third of a mile back in for next day food, beer and dinner.
No way am I getting blisters!
Night out in Kirkby Lonsdale

Booth’s market (this one in Kirkby Lonsdale) is perfect for cycling road food and right on the way to the Royal Barn, the local brewery. Steve managed to try a couple before hunger kicked in and we needed dinner.  The Orange Tree restaurant served much appreciated massive portions of steak with Brie and bacon!  Nice walk back and a long sleep!


The view on top of Shap

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