July 2017| 97
Route Two
On this route, you will head in the opposite direction,
which actually makes this a great addition to the first
route for serious cyclists looking to extend their ride. It
will increase your distance by a further 20km, but be
warned, this is a slightly more difficult ride than the first,
so you should be prepared to work hard!
ust like the first route, you head north, but turn left at
the first mini roundabout. This time you will be following
the blue 20 and 72 signs which will take you left by the
grammar school and encourage you to bear right as you
make your way uphill. Once you reach the crossroads,
you should turn left towards Waitby.
The next crossroads will take you right towards Smardale,
which has a slightly steep incline on the approach. Turn
left past the old Waitby School and left again at the
T- unction. Carefully cross over onto Sedburgh oad
and then left into Mallerstang. You will soon see the
Pendragon Castle ruins, which were apparently built by
the father of King Arthur. If you turn left here, you will be
well on your way back to Kirkby Stephen, following the
road through Nateby.
ust before the traffic lights, turn right and then bear left
along Stoneshot Lane.
Route Three
This km route is the only one of the three to
incorporate some traffic-free cycling. t still contains
plenty of uphill challenges, however, and so should not be
dismissed as an easy-ride.
As in route two, head north to the first mini roundabout
and turn left. This section is almost exactly the same, as
you turn left at the school, bear right uphill and turn left
towards Waitby. As before, turn right at the crossroads.
Then comes the deviation here you should cross over the
old railway and bear left to Crosby Garrett. If you enjoy
spending time with nature, you could lock your bike up
here and take a wander to Smardale Gill National Nature
Reserve on the left.
Jump back on your bike, bear right through the village,
and follow the road to Soulby. Once you have gone
straight over at the crossroads, bear right again to
Winton, picking up the grassy track and cycling over the
footbridge that decorates the River Eden. A narrow lane
will take you towards Winton, where you should bear
left and turn right at the village green. Follow the signs
to Hartley.
Bear left through Hartley, conquering those uphill
sections, and turn right onto the old railway, which used
to be part of the Stainmore Railway. You will cross two
viaducts, before crossing over a gorge and onto a bridge.
Here you will have to go through a gate and turn right
towards your final destination of irkby Stephen. You will
turn right ust before the traffic lights and bear left on
Stoneshot Lane.
Kirkby Stephen is sure to be a welcome surprise to those
cyclists who prefer to avoid the tourist hotspots. It is well
stocked with shops and refreshments, giving you a reason
to stay for more than one day if time allows.