Now a village of some 200 souls, it once had a thriving population of 1,000 thanks to the lead mining. It is a lovely, sleepy village, complete with green, pub and post office. Some of the hardest riding is ahead, so for many it makes a natural overnight stop-off, especially if you have slogged all the way from the fells west of Penrith.

For those who like an extra challenge there is the tough route out of the village, up the very steep and rough track onto the B6277, then left onto a forest track and down into Nenthead the hard way.

The George & Dragon, if it's open, is a good place to refresh the parts that most beers reach. However the pub has frequently been closed, often doesn't serve food and is currently up for sale. Change is likely to mark improvement.

14. Garigill		Back to
Debbie McLauchlan		Village Hall, Garrigill
Telephone		01434 382 537
Showers		Kitchen

Just as it says: a village hall. Space for sleeping, though the old mattresses donated by the fire service for communal use have now gone, so bring your own mat. There's also a campsite round the back. £7 a night for the hall, £5 for the campsite (to be paid into a fund jar in the George & Dragon).

Lana Dixie		Eastview, Garrigill, nr Alston, Cumbria CA9 3DU
Tel		01434 381561
Web		eastview-garrigill.co.uk
Email		info@eastview-garrigill.co.uk
Rooms		1D, 1T or 1D.
B&B		£25
Evening Meal		Please give prior notice
Packed Lunch		£4.50
Distance from Route		On it. Pub 100m

300 year old miner's cottage on the edge of the village green. Immaculate and very comfortable little establishment. TV, DVDs, games, books and maps. Lock-up and drying.

Margaret Rzas		Bridge View, CA9 3DU
Tel		01434 382448
Web		www.bridgeview.org.uk
Email		margrzas@cybermoor.org.uk
Rooms		1D/ 1S
B&B		£24
Packed Lunch		From £4

Comfortable and cosy cottage overlooking the green, just across from the pub. Happy to take cyclists travelling alone. This small friendly B&B sleeps up to three people and the room has tea & coffee making facilities and a colour television. Guests have their own private bathroom. There is also a secure storage area outside for cycles. Laundry facilities if required.