Bolts Law

The above is Bolts Law; usually home to a biting wind despite a relative lack of height. The photo is taken from the top of the Rookhope Incline - the last big climb of the C2C cycle route (the one I did in a day with Liz a while back).

We actually come in from the other side - a road that leaves the infamous Crawleyside Bank, which climbs out of Stanhope and is the scene of many British Hill Climb championships for cyclists. Claire and I had left early from Penrith and driven over Hartside and (far too quickly in Claire's opinion) down Weardale and then up Crawleyside before meeting Mum and Peter at the cafe which is at the end of the Waskerley Way (and is a place all cyclists should know about). A rather nice breakfast later (I would say shame about the mushrooms - Claire wouldn't!!) we set off on the 7 mile circuit.

The first section is usually a very pleasant gentle climb to the top of the Rookhope Incline on a bridelway that is part of the C2C. What on earth they have done to it I don't know; it seems that some kind of heavy trucks have been on it - it was NOT a pleasant experience at all. From the top of the incline the usual way is to strike across the heather onto the summit ridge; however Peter had discovered a contouring route that takes us round the hillside until a path is met which leads to a gate in the fence. This rather neat variation took us to the trig point where hot cross buns and tea were consumed.

The descent to the road is via a couple of reservoirs and old mine chimneys - again the path was boggier than usual (or boggier at least than I call recall); before a final hike UP (very much so) the road to the car - at least for those with the sense to stay on the road that is!!!

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will be the pictures