MORE TEA IN HBG - 15.7.17


COFFEE ON THE WALL 

A fine drizzle greeted nine hardy souls assembling in Hallbankgate; it kept us company most of the day but no spirits were dampened. Heading North we skirted the now extensive Silver Top quarry and once the busy A69 had been crossed we were set fair for our first objective, Hadrian’s wall.  The “dotted green” route shown on OS Explorer 315 is little used these days hence we surprised the gathering of riders at Denton Hall.  However, onwards and upwards and after crossing the Irthing at Wallholme it was definitely upwards to Bankshead and a coffee break on nineteen hundred year old stone furniture!

Now it was westward along the wall through Banks and Haytongate before a southerly then easterly route to Lanercost. The ruins of Lanercost priory are well worth a visit, but not for us today. Indeed these days many more come to visit the adjacent tea rooms. After crossing the picturesque Lanercost old bridge we joined the permissive path through quarry beck. Seed heads of bluebells told us that we were too late for this year’s show – a reminder perhaps to return next year in May. The ridgeway walk into Brampton then took us to lunch in the fine shelter on the extensive green – just watch out for what the nesting swallows have dropped!

Suitably refreshed, we picked up the “Dandy line”.  No horse and cart transport these days; passengers for Brampton junction have to walk it themselves. From the station it was onwards to Talkin Tarn with opportunities for ice cream and a three quarter circuit of the tarn to enjoy the full panorama. With tea in mind it was East to Farlam then along the lanes to Hallbankgate where the pot was filled several times and serious damage done to a variety of cakes.  The day’s totals: 15.6 miles, 470 metres of ascent and a fair few pints of tea. Roll on Mk3 next year!