LAKE SIDE RETREAT

In the latest in a series on the best UK riding destinations, Vern Pitt explores the challenging climbs of the south-west Lake District

- Vern Pitt

You do one of two things in the Lake District. You either go up or you come down,” says John Rea, rider with Honister 92 and one of the architects of today’s ride around some of the lesser heralded roads of Cumbria’s crown jewel.

He left out that when you’re not doing those two things you’re breaking into or accelerating out of corners. There is no free speed, no easy miles here – and that’s despite leaving out the legendary climbs of Hardknott and Wrynose passes that make up the finale of the famously tough Fred Whitton sportive.

The terrain is ‘stabby’, that’s the phrase that rings in my ears and my legs as I winch myself up another 20 per cent kicker on what I have naively assumed was the flat section. It’s how local Barrow Central Wheelers rider Christina Wiejak had described the terrain of the Lake District to me and right now it certainly felt like I was being stabbed, right in the thighs with a hot poker.

But what even a few minutes into today’s ride is clear is that the scenery makes up for it. It’s akin to riding through Middle Earth, but the pack of orcs chasing you is just your own self-doubt about whether you’ve left enough in the tank for the climbs to come. “It’s one of the most scenic counties in the UK,” says Rea.

LAKE DISTRICT FACTS

Essential info

WHERE TO STAY We stayed in the Calder House Hotel in Seascale. Rooms are from £75 a night and it has a decent pub menu style restaurant to fuel up at before and after a big ride.