Map (zoom in for more detail)
[sgpx gpx=”http://lostlanes.co.uk/lln/08_Roof_of_England.gpx”]
Directions & GPX etc
Route directions PDF (right click to download)
GPX file (right click to download)
TCX file (right click to download)
FIT file (right click to download)
I did this ride yesterday so thought I’d leave a few comments. I’ve only done one other ride so far from LL North which was the ‘Secrets of Swaledale’ which was thoroughly enjoyable although with challenging sections of gravel.
I’d describe myself as a keen but occasional cyclist (I had hip replacement last year and have only cycled sporadically since). As a result, my fitness is not peak.
However, I quite wanted a challenge so chose this ride as it’s about the closest to where I live. Even so, I was quite fearful due to the route description of ‘very challenging’.
Setting off from Stanhope at 10am I reached the Loaning Head turn to Cycle Route 7 for lunch at about 1pm. I was quite tired but pleased at my progress. The ride to this point had been beautiful with quite a good climb up to Swinhope Moor and then an amazing downhill section at the other side. Just great fun!
The ride up to Loaning Head (see above) from there was not particularly steep but quite long and very beautiful. The most annoying part at this stage which seemed to become more noticeable as the ride progressed was the number of motor cyclists. There seemed to be a regular stream of them blasting past which, as well as spoiling the tranquility, can be quite an unpleasant shock when you’re grinding up a hill.
The section after my lunch (Cycle Route 7) was steep and any congratulating myself at getting to this point suddenly seemed very premature. I had to get off and walk on a few sections up to Flinty Fell and then had a difficult mechanical where my chain go stuck in the front derailleur which took a bit of time to fix and some more of my morale.
Nenthead seemed like an interesting place for a stop but I was conscious of time getting on and worried about my dwindling energy. Rightly so as the climb out of Nenthead (part of C2C route) is steep and too much for me so I had to get off again and walk up out of the village.
The general patten of riding and walking up steeper sections continued as the ride revealed how it had been given its ‘very challenging’ title and by the time I arrived back in Stanhope, I was quite relieved but pleased to have made it.
It is a very beautiful ride and, for those with better strength and stamina than me, is well recommended.
Hi Nick,
Well done! It is a tough ride. It might work well for many readers as a two day route, stopping the night at Nenthead or Allenheads, or making a short detour to Alston.
Jack