Day two of the Lakeland Loop was easy peasy in comparison to the first day despite the route card clocking it at only three miles less. Armed with this knowledge and having survived the previous day all was good in my world as we skirted Ulswater and then headed upwards on tarmac that was already hot and sticky. It was still early but as soon as the gradient steepened I could feel beads of sweat popping out of pores and trickling off my face, it was going to be another scorcher. A fat ginger cat hugged the narrow band of shadow on the stonewalled road opposite me, seeking out the shade and ignoring the strangers on bikes toiling upwards in the sunshine. A road cyclist eased past me as if I was stationary his skinny tyres making light work of the climb up through Dockray. I felt amazingly self satisfied he would probably be done and dusted in a couple of hours while we had a gorgeous five days more of biking.
The first five miles of tarmac were followed by the Old Coach Road and five miles of fast, fun-filled track and fabulous views. The speed and eekiness of the route required full concentration and yet the scenery was calling out to be appreciated what a wonderful dilemma! Before we knew it the magic was over and we were back on the tarmac with another big climb up through Threkeld to Blencathra National Park Centre and lunch or so we had thought but there was not a crumb to be had at the Centre. A quick look at the map confirmed my worst fears that there would be nowhere to eat until we'd virtually reached our destination for the day. I could feel my sense of humour was about to fail big time when Mark whipped out his fancy phone, located a pub in Threkeld and booked us a table ... yes we did have to retrace our steps down one mile of very steep hillside but there would be food at the end. The Horse and Farrier Inn did us proud and we well and truly indulged ourselves before tackling the climb back up past the Centre and onto a bridleway which took us up to the remote Skiddaw House YHA. Once again the scenery was all encompassing without a car, road or other building in sight. Having eaten our fill earlier we were now surrounded by food for the soul
From the YHA there were only a couple of short ups before we were into crazy descent territory with a finish alongside Whitewater Dash Waterfall. The route spiralled downwards persuading us to risk ever increasing speeds in the pursuit of that perfect ride; mind and body calculating the angle, the line, feeling the route unwind until it was done and we could only look back with wide grins and deep breathing at the descent newly completed.
Once through the final gate we were reluctant to return to the tarmac and so opted for a bridleway through fields, which were as hard as nails and equally uncomfortable. Finally we succumbed to the road wending across to Bassenthwaite and the Lakeside Country Guest House our B&B for the night. Tea and biscuits were served on the terrace which was very civilised but we were in need of further sustenance and for the second time in a day had to retrace our steps to find food, this time at the Castle Inn back round the other side of the Lake.
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