Goodbye Lakes, Hello Pennines: Up Hartside Summit to Alston (Winter C2C Day 4)

Sunshine and blue skies greeted us in Penrith and it looked like a great day for riding

Day 4 of our C2C ride took us from Penrith, up and into the Pennines and onto Alston, one of England’s highest market towns. After several overcast days it was a pleasure to see the sun. Oh and the snow on the climb up to Hartside Summit.

The grey stone of Keswick had given way to the sandstones of Eden and the Pennines
Before we left town we stocked up with supplies for the hill climbs ahead

Then, after the first few hills, we stopped off for tea and organic cake at the pink Little Salkeld Mill

Where even the evidently free range chickens looked interested in a Mill Tour

On the road beyond towards the Pennines we passed a Druid's navigation aid

But with Hartop Summit to conquer didn’t really have time to visit

We knew the kids might need incentivising for the big climb to Hartside Pass 

And were left in no doubt that conditions at the top could be harsh

But we took it in stages, rewarded ourselves for each 100m of climb

Put on extra layers to deal with the cold and focused on reaching the cafe at the summit 

We thought there was time for fun and to reach the cafe before it closed

But unfortunately it was already closed when we arrived... .. frozen pipes

Fortunately we had brought our own provisions

For a brief but cold celebration

Before a magnificent descent down to Alston

And some cobble bashing to reach a cafe before closing time

By the time we'd eaten it was dark again, leaving us with a short night ride
to find our accommodation at the Lovelady Shields Country House Hotel
You can read about our stay in this wild part of Cumbria here.

Have you taken on a family challenge? We'd love to hear about it. Click comments below to tell us more.

See more of our Winter Coast to Coast (C2C) Photo Journals

• Are you a purist or not bothered? 
• Day 1: Setting Out: Workington to Cockermouth
• Day 2: Northern Lakes: Over Whinlatter and into Keswick
• Day 3: In the Shadow of Blencathra: Keswick to Penrith
• Day 4: Goodbye Lakes, Hello Pennines: Penrith to Hartside Summit and Alston
• Day 5: Over the Pennines: Nenthead to Allenhead and onto Consett
• Day 6: Welcome to the North East: Consett to Beamish & Sunderland
• Day 7: The end of the ride: Along the Wear in Sunderland

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We did this C2C ride across England, from Workington to Sunderland, as part of our Family Adventure Capital Season. We're exploring different ways families can adventure together in and around Cumbria, sharing ideas and inspiration to encourage families to get out, get active and adventure together. Got some ideas for things we should try? Let us know.  

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