The Stockport Community Cycling Club Weekend 2016 will be based at Newton Rigg College near Penrith. And similar to last year Jim, Andy S, Sarah and I have spent a weekend previewing the facilities and recceing the rides.

Arriving Saturday lunchtime our aim was to recce the shorter of the two rides we will be offering on the Sunday of the club weekend.

Interestingly, National Cycle Network Route 7 runs right through the middle of the college. This of course, is known to many for forming part of the popular Sea-to-Sea (C2C) coast-to-coast cycle route.

It was a fine cloudy day for cycling.

Leaving the college we followed NCN 7 for a short while through Newton Reigny.

And then on towards Unthank.

From here we turned southwards towards Little Blencow.

Just beyond Blencow is Greystoke, probably most famous for being an inspiration behind the Tarzan books. It also has a quirky little cycle cafe …

Sarah and I have visited this place a few times before and have always enjoyed the food and drink on offer. For Sarah, especially the homemade gluten-free bread!

  

Leaving the cafe we set off for Newbiggin. The Lake District fells could be seen in the distance.

Indeed this was a ride where there was a fabulous view around every corner.

After Newbiggin we cycled through Stainton.

And then followed the A592 towards Pooley Bridge.

The road brought us out on to the side of Ullswater.

Pooley Bridge lies at one end of the lake, and it was time to test the second cafe stop of the ride (and our day). It was a tough job but it had to be done. 🙂

Refreshed, we left the lakeside and set off for Tiril and Eamont Bridge.

Next we made our way into Penrith.

We picked up NCN 7 again for the last part of the journey.

There was a final climb up to the college again. Sadly (for some) this last section of the route from Penrith will be rerouted for the club weekend. Jim thought it was a bit hilly and might have just finished one or two off! He’s found a slightly flatter route back instead.

  

We arrived back having completed 26 miles.

We are sure those on the club weekend who choose this shorter ride option are going to have a great day of cycling.

You can view our Newton Rigg shorter ride recce below:

In the evening we went back to Newton Reigny and enjoyed a fine meal at the local inn.

Newton Rigg College has some fantastic grounds that are worth strolling around, including a lovely hall in the grounds as pictured below. Sadly these are NOT the actual halls in which we will be staying …