Two weeks in the hills (Lakes & Peak) and only one day of rain, which for this summer is almost a drought! Mainly dogwalking, some very good cycling and two mountain days.
The Peak now has some fantastic biking which we discovered. Best must be the new Monsal Trail, only open a year but it traverses some really impressive countryside along the old Midland Railway but you had better like tunnels! It passes all the old familiar limestone climbing venues of the 70/80's such as Chee Tor, Rubicon Wall, Ravensdale, Raven's Tor and more... There was even somebody tackling Sardine at Raven's Tor, which appeared very hard. Best of all is the start at Hassop Station which has an excellent 5* cafe, but also good butty stop at Miller's Dale. Fantastic weather all the way but it was very busy with families and walkers.
Another excellent find was the cycle trails around the Derwent & Ladybower Reservoirs but a lot of ups & downs for a trail that follows a lake! The section around Slippery Stones is well worth a visit and feels quite remote. Again the base at Fairholmes was incredibly busy with everyman his wife and kids, but thankfully the trails were much quieter. 22 miles for the full circuit so you need to be fit.
Our main trip in the Lakes was along the west bank of Windermere starting from the ferry, heading north. The track has seen much work since our last visit a year ago and can be downgraded from a Black to a Blue! Even the climbs seemed easier.
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And I'm not moving for anyone!
Lichenous rocks
Sylvia on the Monsal Cycle Trail
Chee Dale cottages
Barber Booth, Edale
Above Windermere near Ghyll Head
Becky on Scout Scar
Sylvia on the newly renovated Windermere Cycle Trail
Nigel on Fairfield summit
On the Fairfield Horseshoe
Approaching Heron Pike