The Lake District 2 - Kirkstone Pass

Wednesday 3rd November bought much better conditions - grey but no rain and with the cycling kit having now dried out, and the legs not feeling too bad after the previous day exertions, we set out on a 50 mile round trip that would take us through Windermere, a short cycle route diversion around Thirlmere (which I can highly recommend), Ambleside, Keswick and a short section of the A66 en route to the top of Matterdale End.
Once over the top we enjoyed the spectacular high speed decent down towards Ullswater, where the road that skirts this vast expance of water is one that is well worth a look. We popped into a local garage to get a chunk of Kendal Mint Cake to give us a boost bofore the main event of the day, Kirkstone Pass. Rated in the book as 7/10 we were not sure exactly what to expect, especially as there was a slight head-wind buliding up as we rode through Patterdale and on to Hartsop, which was a the base of the climb...

Shortly after you pass this sign, it becomes apparent where you are actually heading as on the way there, it looks as though there are three different "gaps" in the mountains and you can't be sure exactly which one the road goes through.
 As you approach the "Brotherswater Inn", the road unfolds in front of you and you can see what you are up against.

The climb is fairly steady at first but soon reaches a lengthy 16% stretch, which gives this climb it's teeth. A beautiful waterfall on the left of the road marks the summit and once over the top the famous Kirkstone Pass Inn awaits.
I had been there for a few minutes and had a the plan to nip in and order a couple of coffees while Amanda pushed her way (no doubt) to the top to meet me. She was taking longer than expected though so I got back on and headed back down to make sure that she was ok. She was fine of course, and not only that, she was on the bike and riding to the top (turns out later that she had pushed the steepest section, but still, well done to that). With both of us having throughly enjoyed the whole ride and in particular the climb of Kirkstone Pass, which was a joy. With just a long decent back towards the cottage, we took the opportunity to have a bowl of soup in the pub before heading off at high speed down the other side of Kirkstone.
Mum and Dad had arrived the night before so we all tucked in to lashings of winter Pimms and homemade chilli - doesn' get much better!

You can view the map of the ride at MapMyRide here http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/-windermere,-the-lake-district/744129051131377010