Blog Post by Emma: Our Favourite UK ride of 2015
Several years ago Grant took me on a spectacularly scenic, but tremendously hard ride in the North Lake District. Although not that long in distance, just over 40 miles, the route takes you over four of the area’s steepest passes (Newlands from both sides, Honister and Whinlatter). I’d only been cycling for about and year when we first cycled this route, and on my first couple of attempts back in 2003, I had to get off and push on Newlands and Honister. Thankfully my capacity for riding uphill is much improved these days!
We’ve always tried to ride this fabulous route a couple of times prior to our summer road cycling trips to the mountains of Europe, as it’s great training, as well as being one of our favourite places. As our desire to ride longer distances increased, we decided to extend the route when we did our first trip up there in 2015.
So four passes became six, taking the distance to approximately 65 miles, from our starting point in Braithwaite. The ride basically entails riding each pass (Newlands, Honister and Whinlatter) from both sides.
On leaving the village the height gain begins almost immediately, but the rise is gradual and gives the opportunity to warm up the legs. As the road climbs along the edge of the valley, a series of short ramps give a flavour of what is to come. Grant tends to gauge how his ride is going to go by how his legs feel on these first rises in the road. As the height increases, so do the views. Farms are scattered across Newlands Valley, and in the warmer months streams glisten, and the mountains are green with grass and fern.
The first really steep section of the ride lies at the end of this valley…..the first ascent of Newlands Pass. Friends have expressed that this feels like the most challenging point in the ride, due to its timing, but I don’t think it is actually the steepest part. You are rewarded with a beautiful view, particularly if you look back down the valley towards Braithwaite. It’s worth stopping to admire the scenery for a short time…..this can be your excuse if you’re gasping (like me) when you reach the top!
The ride quickly shifts to a descent, dropping sharply into the next valley…..look out for sheep! Now deep in the Lake District, high peaks edge the spectacular, sometimes mirror-like Lake Buttermere.
The road runs alongside the lake, towards the infamous Honister Pass. The ascent begins gradually, which gives you opportunity to admire the sides of the valley, which appear to rise almost vertically and loom high above you……you feel like a tiny dot on the road! The climb becomes incredibly steep in its later stages (up to 25%) but the slate mine gives you a target and a visual indication that the top is near. A few more arduous pedal strokes take you past the mine to where the road eventually flattens. This is a great place for a breather and to share each other’s experiences of the climb. We tend to grab a quick bite to eat at this point. A tasty bar is a nice reward after that hill!
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