Staying in the lakes next week

[Rickshaw Phil]

I did Hardknott and Wrynose going west to east 3 years ago. (Write up here if there is anyone left who hasn't seen it.)

It's very steep and very hard work but can be done. The middle part of the climb is less steep giving a chance to recover slightly and from this direction the Wrynose climb isn't too bad. Very low gearing helps a lot (28t front, 34t rear when I did it) and bear in mind that I came to it fresh having been dropped off in Eskdale.

I have to say that there is quite a satisfaction in cycling up a climb that some can't manage in a motor vehicle.

I think it's majestic and staggeringly beautiful.

Me too.

I have done the Trough of Bowland as well. It is very beautiful and a much easier climb.

 

[Stonechat]

Yes BTW I have 11-32 at the back so gears are OK

Will think it over!

 

[nickyboy]

I did Hardknott and Wrynose going west to east 3 years ago. (Write up here if there is anyone left who hasn't seen it.)

It's very steep and very hard work but can be done. The middle part of the climb is less steep giving a chance to recover slightly and from this direction the Wrynose climb isn't too bad. Very low gearing helps a lot (28t front, 34t rear when I did it) and bear in mind that I came to it fresh having been dropped off in Eskdale.

I have to say that there is quite a satisfaction in cycling up a climb that some can't manage in a motor vehicle.

Me too.

I have done the Trough of Bowland as well. It is very beautiful and a much easier climb.

I was about to say we have similar gearing...then I realised your front is like my rear and vice versa!

There are loads and loads of quiet country lanes setting off from Cark in Cartmel. I wouldn't bother with Hardknott/Wrynose as they are a fair distance to get to , they will be busy with cars and they are extremely hard. Hardknott is probably the hardest climb in England. Do them if you want the sense of achievement (but don't be surprised if you have to walk the steepest sections) but I would just tootle around the S Lakes instead

 

[markharry66]

If you are staying in the lakes next week the best bit of advice I can give you is at least take a towel and perhaps a face mask.

 

[iggibizzle]

If you want to do one of the big climbs , kirkstone would be a nice cycle from cartmell. Include it in a lap of Windermere. From the town of Windermere it's a long climb but not overly steep. Highest pass in the lakes though. So it's biiiig!! A proper road too so no getting squeezed out by cars. Plus a pub right at the top. Or for a more challenging ascent of it , go up 'the struggle' from Ambleside. Joins at the pub too. Beware though, I thought it was as bad as wrynose steep side. And it's a bit narrow and can also be busy.

 

[Stonechat]

Well did Wrynose today. Had to stop a few times, and it is b difficult to get started again, need a bigger ftp!

Pulled out from Hardknott or any others, was a little late in starting!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Well did Wrynose today. Had to stop a few times, and it is b difficult to get started again, need a bigger ftp!

Pulled out from Hardknott or any others, was a little late in starting!

You did well.

 

[Hyslop]

So he didWell done,good for you!

 

[jimhead]

I did Hardknott a few weeks ago for the second time. I would say go for it. You'll only regret not giving it a go. Keep your powder dry and you'll be fine.
I wouldn't attempt it in the wet though especially the descent. I felt I was pulling the brakes as hard as I could without skidding and I was still flying. I wouldn't worry about cars though - in my experience they have been courteous and pulled over when they can see you struggling up or flying down.

 

[Stonechat]

Well Hardknott will wait for another time
This is not just cycling hol, we are seeing Mrs S's friends