Summary
To KIRKBY LONSDALE via OLD HUTTON and RIGMADEN, back via GATEBECK and MIDDLESHAW27 miles (44 km) 1936' climb (587 m) Grade – moderate but lengthy
OS 97 (Kendal & Morecambe)
A reasonable days ride – steady ups and downs, some steep but short – overall not too daunting.
Refreshments/ wc only available in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Start - Kendal Leisure Centre, Burton Rd, Kendal, LA9 7HX
A reasonable days ride – steady ups and downs, some steep but short – overall not too daunting.
Refreshments/ wc only available in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Start - Kendal Leisure Centre, Burton Rd, Kendal, LA9 7HX
Map
To view elevation details please use this link and select "Elevation Graph" from the top left hand side corner of the map.
http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=475748
http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=475748
Description
Continue up the
hill from Kendal Leisure Centre on the main road. Fork left at the nearby
lights, following the Station/ Oxenholme sign. It becomes quite steep by the
station and beyond, although after the Station Inn it then drops and undulates.
Continue on this
road to Middleshaw (by Old Hutton verge sign) 3 miles out from the Leisure
Centre. Turn right unsigned into Popplemire Lane for 1+ miles (2 km), turning
left unsigned at the end by Holmescales Farm to climb up to the far end of Old
Hutton.
Cross straight over
the road (sign Killington) to soon pass over the M6. Carry straight on for 2 miles (3 km) soon passing large wind turbines on your right, and straight on at a
very distinct T junction (Sedbergh).
The road soon drops
sharply after Heights Farm on your left, and in 500 yds/m you take a right at
the first junction, a small unsigned crossroads.
Follow this road
for 4+ miles (7 km) straight ahead, down through the wood and then mostly flat
to turn left at the main road at Kearstwick. You soon arrive at Kirkby Lonsdale
for half-way refreshments.
On the journey back
your route into town needs to be rejoined. There is a small one-way system in
the town, which requires you to cycle up New Road by the square (sign to car
parks) for 250 yds/m, at the top following the road round to the right (sign
Old Town/ Old Hutton) and descending, going left at the bottom (same signs).
(This climb and descent can be avoided by simply pushing your bike back along
the one- way street you came in on).
Carry on this road,
passing the road you came in at Kearstwick, and take the left turn a ½ mile (1
km) further on (sign Lupton). Go straight over the nearby crossroads, then in 1
¼ miles (2 km) go left at a grassy T junction – Lupton signs, but may have
fallen down.
After 200 yds/ m
turn right up an unsigned gated lane, soon arriving at Pant End Farm. There go
right, soon up a steep hill, then a flat bit and then a fast descent, crossing
over the M6.
Turn right at the
bottom, and continue straight on through Gatebeck to reach Holmescales Farm in
a mile (2km) where we rejoin the outward route.
Retrace your route now – Popplemire Lane to
its end at Middleshaw, then left all the way back to the Leisure Centre.
