The Edge Cycleworks 'Big' Lake District Weekend

Coniston - Walna Scar

Day 1 - Saturday 20th August 2011

After meeting Stu, Mike and Mark in Coniston for a few beers on the Friday night, we got some sleep, then a full breakfast and were ready to ride at 9.30am. The ride started off sedately for the Lakes, which was good for our heavy stomachs. But before long we started to warm up as the trails got increasingly technical on our way from Blawith towards Seathwaite.

By the time we reached Broughton Moor forest we were only just starting to feel a little hungry, so out came the doughnuts I had bought that morning in Coniston. An inspired choice that I will be doing again, they went down a treat. They were so nice I completely forgot about the rock strike on my shin.

As we headed into the forest the trails got increasingly difficult with roots, mud and rocks waiting to catch us out. Before we left the confines of the trees Mike came off, after washing his front wheel out on the roots. It was our first crash but not the last.

This led on to the long climb to the top of the Seathwaite descent. While it was hard work the descent on the other side was ample pay back for the effort expended in getting there. The top section was the usual boulder fest, and great fun. However on the bottom half the big boulder steps were missing. There was just a big patch of mud where they had been removed.

The safety case for taking them out was kind of negated. My concentration was diverted into working out where they had gone, or whether they were not just further down. Oops, a wrong line choice got me bounced off a rock into the wall, pitched over the bars and crumpled in a heap before my bike bounced off my head.

Thankfully, my helmet and knee armour bore the brunt, so I survived with only a few small bruises. After checking myself over we agreed to Marks suggestion and popped into the pub in Seathwaite for a Coke and some crisps. It was here Mark asked if we had much climbing left. I just answered with an incredulous look.

While we only had one climb to go it was up the back of Walna Scar, an infamous incline. At the top of the climb Mark had his answer - A Lot! But it was over by then and we only had the descent to look forward to. It didn’t disappoint, despite being chased down hill by the rain. We were quite soggy by the bottom but had big grins on our faces, especially as we had it all to do again the next day.

Full directions for this ride can be found on my Walna Scar route guide.