Riding Through Time – England part 2

In August, we put the lovely, rolling Scottish Lowlands  behind us and rode south to Carlisle and the Lakes District.

From Northwestern England and Scottish border at Carlisle; through the Lakes and Peaks Districts to Southam (where we began a Narrow boat journey…)

Lakes District

The Lakes were very crowded with stay-cation families trying to break the monotony of lock down so we camped in Carlisle, overseen by its immense castle at the foot of Hadrian’s Wall. We used the local bus system to visit the lakes. 
The Lake Windermere Jetty Museum was on my “must see” list.  Their display of early wooden pleasure boats and racing steam boats enticed us with the added bonus of an active restoration workshop on site.  The 2020 timing was lucky because I was also able to see the exhibit of Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons, one of my favorite series of English literature. In honor of another childhood tradition, we also had to stop by the Beatrix Potter Museum for a hug with Peter Rabbit. Our newest family member will have books and stuffies to carry into 2021…
We put the Lakes behind us by catching the Carlisle-Leeds scenic train line to the Peaks District.  The depots along the way were charming, well preserved Victorian snap-shots.

Our ride through the Peaks included the Monsal Trail, 8 miles converted from an 1860s steam rail to a linear park for hiking, riding, and bicycling. We started at the Blackwell Mill trailhead cycle shop and finished at the Bakewell station. It was a beautiful day and a fun ride through the mountains on the Peaks trail to Middleton Top campsite.

Coming out of the Peak District, we happened upon a delightful path pointing to a steamy spot of tea and scones at the Shackerstone Station of the
Battlefield Line.

Adding it up…

Looking back, we calculated an average 8 miles per hour on our fully loaded bicycles.  Anyone would think, “that’s really slow!”  But keep in mind that every hill and river valley becomes challenges of mind and muscles.  There is the huge satisfaction upon reaching the top and almost sheer terror on some of the downhill runs.  The stops for photos, mapping, energy snacks and water break up the hours as we roll through the villages and fields.  (It is NOT a 14 hour trip, thank you for that note Google!)

Bicycle of the month