Hawes meet & taking a 'short' cut to get there

[piguglyshandydrinker]

After my appointment with Altberg this morning at Richmond, I went for a stroll down by the river Swale, a chilly, slightly misty day but pleasant nevertheless.



Richmond is a beautiful market town steeped in history set in fantastic surroundings.

From Richmond, I set off to Hawes on the A6108 (Leyburn road) before turning off on the B6270 heading towards Reeth, after coming across a little left turning at Grinton that I have often bypassed, I decided to turn up and see where it took me.
A 'short cut' to Hawes maybe.....

A little while and a few very small gravel strewn roads later we were met with views like this.
Bliss



Not sure of my exact location at this point, I think the view is in the general direction of Gunnerside.

Aha, I'm not lost (I just don't know where I am...)



Quaint nearby bridge in Swaledale



Before climbing up, up, up again on small twisting roads and over Whitaside Moor and more stunning views of the Beautiful Yorkshire Dales, this time looking across to Lovely Seat (only in Yorkshire.... )

.

After dropping down from the moors, time was pressing on and I had lost all orientation!
Before long I was pulling up in Hawes at Pen-y-garth cafe for a cuppa & bacon 'n egg sarnie.

The cafe was quiet & I was happily warming up by the storage heater when I saw a rather nice GSA ride past, within a couple of minutes Ben (Silverfish) entered the cafe, we had a cuppa & a chat.
Before long a familiar looking AT pulled up outside, lo and behold, a surprise visit from Gary (DunkerD), another cuppa and chat, just after midday we decided to head out for a run.

From Hawes, through Gayle Heading through Langstrothsdale Chase, heading towards Kettlewell.
Again, views that word's just don't do justice.
Here we are parked up near Deepdale.



From Kettlewell, passing Great Whernside to our right we were heading through Coverdale & more superb views while sparing a thought for the demanding, undulating single track road - with Ben trying (& occasionally succeeding) to launch the big GS off the crests .

Once at Middleham, we have left the National park behind & time for a cuppa and warm up at leyburn as it was starting to get a bit chilly before departing in our own directions.


A great day out and a reality check. We really do live in a beautiful, uncrowded, unspoilt part of the country.

Good to meet up with you agaain Ben and gary, Phil

[Recycler]

Nice. You can't beat a bit of back lane bimbling.

[Mutley]

Looks like we all missed a good ride Phil. I'll really try and make the next one. Honest