Well, that were one hell of a ride …! And, it included a “Guzzi Sighting” ( I’m sure it was somebody on here) … Kevin and I had planned to have a ride out today. It had been planned a week ago, but we were torn between a run down to Ironbridge, or a gallop to the Lake District … The Lakes won … We met at Lancaster services, M6 northbound, (formerly Forton services) … When did that change ? Bright and early…ish, (9am), we started our day with a coffee… then, off we went, leaving the motorway at Carnforth, and onto the A6 to Levens Hall, picking up the A590, with a view to riding up the west coast… hopefully, to be on “the road less travelled” We chose right…! At Greenodd, we headed for Grizebeck, Broughton in Furness, and Silecroft … I bet you’ve all seen Silecroft…! Clue, the opening sequence of Countryfile … an ariel shot of six horses galloping along a beach… Well, I thought you might find it interesting … Leaving those horses behind, we passed Muncaster Castle, and Ravenglass, then just had to stop for another brew, after which, the lack of sun had me in need of another layer… This is where we were passed by a red Guzzi… I don’t think we were noticed, and I seem to recall someone on here, resides in Cleator Moor, only just up the road… In fact we left the coast road and went through that neck of the woods, in the direction of Cockermouth, to go through the beautiful Whinlatter Pass, before dropping down into Keswick… Then south to Ambleside, where we just had to fulfil an ambition of mine… to travel a demanding, steep, narrow, and undulating road named “The Struggle” … Just thrilling …! and it ends right outside the Kirkstone Pass Inn … I have often delivered the beer to that particular pub, but the thought of doing that road in the wagon … Oh no … From there, we dropped down into Windemere, and headed back towards Kendal… Then rode to another National Park!! ( as if we hadn’t done enough already…!) We took the A65 past Kirby Lonsdale, and on to Settle, where we entered the Forest of Bowland, and took some lovely little B-roads, to bring us, eventually, to Clitheroe … Kevin fuelled up here, well, he did have to get back home …. to the far side of Manchester…!! An absolute cracking ride-out … Not one, but TWO National Parks …. Loved every minute … Regards, Tony
