Up Hartside Summit to Alston: C2C Day 4

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.

From grey stone of Keswick to sandstone of Pennines & Eden.
Before leaving town we stocked up with supplies for hills ahead

At Little Salkeld, a rest before the climb

After 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

No time to visit the stone circles

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

With Hartop Summit to conquer we didn’t have time to visit

Incentives are what it’s all about

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

Snowballs on the way up

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 disappointment at Hartside Summit

Unfortunately it was already closed when we arrived…
.. frozen pipes

Fortunately we had brought our own provisions

A frozen moment and then the descent

For a brief but cold celebration

Before a magnificent descent down to Alston

Into Alston for a warm up

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?
Do leave a comment and tell us about it.

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

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.