Ireby & Longlands
Parkend Restaurant and The Snooty Fox at Uldale are two of notable watering holes in the vicinity, but there aren't that many because this is gloriously open and unspoilt countryside. Just north of Uldale, a tad under two miles from the route, is the charming little vilage of Ireby. Here the Lion serves excellent pub food and the Woodlands Country House provides hotel accommodation for B&B prices for those wanting to stop off in an old parsonage for a last night before the final stage home. To get to Ireby you simply continue down the B5299 instead of taking the track to Baggra Yeat. To get back onto the route, simply continue through the village (ignore the right turn to High Ireby) and it lies just beyond Ruthwaite).
In my view, it is as good as anywhere on the entire C2C & Reivers route. Pointed peaks emerged from the rolling flow of hills, juxtaposing dark shadows with patches of brilliant sunshine the autumn afternoon I was last on the route.
Kirklinton to Longlands
There are still a couple of serious up-and-downs to come. Take your time - indeed, you will have to, courtesy of the topography - through Fellside, Branthwaite and Langlands.
But once you have got to Bewaldeth it is fairly easy riding into Cockermouth, a delightful stop-off for those who fancy a leisurely finish.
When you have crossed the A591, just beyond Bewaldeth, continue along the lane until you get to the crossroads, where you turn left to cross the River Derwent before heading right at the next crossroads.
Once you have passed Hewthwaite Hall (on the right) it is plain sailing into Cockermouth, where you arrive perilously close to the Jennings brewery. Those who can avoid such temptations might wish to push on to Workington or Whitehaven, the official finishing point. However, I find Cockermouth quite irresistible
- fine ales, great fish and chips and one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Britain (the Quince & Medlar). One could quite easily undo all the benefits of several days hard cycling amongst such temptations.
Accommodation
| Woodlands Country House Hotel, CA7 1EX | |
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This beautiful former parsonage has some stunning views and is in the heart of a totally unspoilt section of the Northern Lakes.
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Run by: Judith Wills & Stephen Ort |
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Rooms : 7D/T - 3 of which will convert to triples. B&B : £35-£43. Evening meal : £22 for hearty 4 course dinner+coffee. VisitBritain 4 stars. Fully licensed 016973 71791 www.woodlandsatireby.co.uk / [email protected] |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Whitefield Cottage, Overwater, Nr Ireby, Cumbria CA7 1HH | |
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Superbly and stylishly restored house on the edge of the Caldbeck Fells with stunning views across the back of Skiddaw. Set in four acres of landscaped gardens, Ron is a British canoeing coach and outdoor activities instructor, fisherman and organiser. Plenty of bike storage space. |
Run by: Ron & Heike Howes |
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B&B : £32.50-£40 (£35 for single occ). Rooms : 1D, 2T. Evening meal : lifts provided within 5 mile radius to pubs or restaurants. Storage & plenty of parking space 017687 76357 www.whitefieldcottage.co.uk / [email protected] |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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