Having idle thoughts about a bikepacking loop from Skipton, across into the Lakes then up and over towards Keswick, finally on to either Carlisle or Appleby to get the train home.
Which will be the most 'fulfilling' experience on a loaded bike - High Street from the Troutbeck side or Stake Pass from Great Langdale? Assuming decent ground conditions.
Stakes would be more scrambly but short, high street would be a LOOOOONG push
Could you go up dubs and across Ill bell?
Stakes is obviously much further west so you'll have more miles in your legs
Good point on both.
Not sure I fancy some of the descending on the ridge, if I remember it correctly.
I suggest the key decider is weather. If it's been wet then the High Street downhill will be a nightmare.
I was quite surprised the third time I did it (when it wasn't frozen) just how much work it is to cycle down.
Also, you'll have done moorland stuff on the way so more lakesy/mountainy stuff might make it feel more of an adventure, so stakes for me
The third option is to skirt the issue by going Gatesgarth, Askham Fell and Pooley Bridge, then over towards Threlkeld and Back o'Skiddaw. That might be a bit more chilled out.
Martin that route is on the Jennride winter edition in March seems the most sensible 🙂
There's a Jennride winter edition?
Yes details will be out shortly 200kms, riders start from 6pm Friday night will involve 2 nights out. Route will be on the grim side so will appeal to the type 2 type of rider.
Rich
200kms in March? Oof...
