Left my panniers at Peter and Deb's and cycled along Dentdale to the village of Dent, with it's cobbled streets and ancient houses. Visited the Museum there-- interesting reconstructions of life over the centuries. Large contingent of motorcyclists having a beerfest in the campsite-- fortunately they were in drinking mode and not clogging up the roads. Moved into Thorns Hall for my walking week. my fellow walkers seem quite a friendly bunch-I will reserve judgem...

Keith gave me a lift to Kendal to his bike shop, where I purchased some new tyres--a trustworthy make--and new inner tubes. Keith took the completed wheels back for me while I stayed for a look around Kendal. The Castle was worth a visit--not much left but,thanks to the National Lottery,it is safe from further decay. Spent time in both the town's museums then came back to Sedbergh on the 4.25,the last bus. Kendal is a thriving town, unspoilt by modern buildings ...

Market day in Sedbergh, also first day for the overseas pupils of the prestigious Sedbergh School. The German boy with his dad at No 10 was one of them. Pumped up my tyres (it was to prove a bad move) and cycled to Kirby Lonsdale Stopped at Devils Bridge,a popular tourist spot, to take photos, when a loud bang resounded round the car park. Not one tourist seemed to notice,but I knew at once that it was my tyre. It was flatter than flat and when I took it off th...

Great to ride out without the panniers. Took the road to Kirkby Stephen which was uphill all the way past the Howgill Fells and across the open fells grazed by the Wensleydale sheep and a few cattle. Had fish and chips at the Black Bull in Kirby Stephen and, after a look round the town, headed back towards Sedbergh--an easy ride back down the valley. My lovely hosts at 10 Main Street are cyclists too--they ride a tandem on trips in Europe and Keith rides a Camno...

Another fine sunny day. Set out from Carlton after Liz's wonderful breakfast which included smoked haddock with poached egg on top. The road along Coverdale was deserted, apart from sheep and the occasional farm vehicle. Still plenty of steep hills which I had to push the bike up. met a couple of cyclists who had just pushed up from Kettlewell. They warned me of the 1in3 hill just ahead. I had to walk down that, not trusting the Halfords brakes! Sat on a seat in ...