Our earliest start yet, leaving at eight after a quiet comfortable night and a good sleep. The overnight rain had cleared and the day was again dry. It was very warm at times but generally much cooler, it felt like we were on the cusp of summer and autumn with a fresh westerly impeding our progress. It was wonderful to be riding in open countryside again, easy cycling before the hills slowed us down. The Howgills were beautiful but with some hard climbs. We picnicked by a bridge and stream, and later stopped for tea and cake at Orton. The final third was much easier and we reached Penrith at five o’clock.
We were impressed by the Wayfarers independent hostel, we had an ensuite room and showered before visiting the supermarket. The nearest is Booths, a chain new to me, and it was very good. They had a wide selection of local and foreign beers, I went for Lancaster Amber to accompany my dinner. I cooked for us in the well equipped kitchen, which we had to ourselves.
Today’s distance: 63.9 miles (102.9 km)
Today’s ascent: 1591 metres
Cumulative: 607.2 miles (977.6 km), 10986 metres