Ireby

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 straigh 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).

16. Ireby		Back to
Judith Wills & Stephen Ort		Woodlands Country House Hotel, CA7 1EX
Tel		016973 71791
Website		www.woodlandsatireby.co.uk
Email		stay@woodlandsatireby.co.uk
Rooms		7D/T - 3 of which will convert to Triples
B&B		£32-£43
EM		£22 for hearty 4 course dinner plus coffee
VisitBritain 4 stars		Fully licensed

This beautiful former parsonage has some stunning views and is in the heart of a totally unspoilt section of the Northern Lakes. Part of the VisitBritain Cyclists Welcome scheme, it is fully licensed and does a splendid 4-course dinner with coffee. In the village and a great spoke to spend a last night.

Ron & Heike Howes		Whitefield Cottage, Overwater, Nr Ireby, Cumbria CA7 1HH.
Tel		017687 76357
Web		www.whitefieldcottage.co.uk
Email		info@whitehfieldcottage.co.uk
B&B		£30-£50
Rooms		1D, 2T.
Evening Meal		Lifts provided within 5 mile radius to pubs or restaurants
Storage		Plenty of parking space

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.

ROUTE

In my view, it is as good as anywhere on the entire C2C & Reivers route. Pointed peaks emerge from the rolling flow of hills, juxtaposing dark shadows with patches of brilliant sunshine in the autumn atternoon I was last on the route.

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 Whitehave, the official finishing point. However, I find Cockermouth quite irrestible - 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.