Hot day in the Lakes

Today we were torn between climbing and mt biking. In the end we opted for the bikes and headed over to the Coniston area to explore the quieter trails that head over from here to Seathwaite and the Duddon Valley.

The terminator about to cool off in the stream

Amazing singletrack

We were lucky that there was some thin cloud cover, but it was still hot going (around 26C). The trails didn't disappoint and were as good as I remember from when I was last here 3 years ago. The singletrack from Stephenson Ground round Ravens Crag to Kiln Bank Cross is one of the best tracks in the Lakes, technical bits, fast bits, short sharp climbs and big views.

The sloth hitting the short sharp climbs on the golden' singletrack

And still more amazing trail (and views)

Going, going, gone....

The only downside to this route is heading back over the Walna Scar road. Some biking gods may be able to ride this, but I've never seen anyone get more than 100m. Kev got 20m before his rear derailleur hit a rock and fell off (good excuse to push). After converting his bike into a singlespeed, we did the long 'push' in the blazing heat.

Nearly safely through this hard down (tough higher up)

The start of the Walna Scar road. Kev's bike broke after 20m! Good excuse to walk (push)

Heading through the eerie mine ruins (Walna Scar road snaking up to the sky line)

Eventually after what felt like we'd been in a desert survival situation we got to the highpoint and headed South to Natty Bridge and back through the forests. A great ride...... I'm back at work tomorrow so can have a rest from all this (fun) activity.