Filey to West Leas Farm near Ripon

From Filey we took a scenic route up through the moors national park, including a section of road we were supposed to pay a toll for. We then spent some time at Castle Howard, where the rain cut short our wander through the extensive grounds.
We eventually found West Leas Farm, west of Ripon, where we had booked a two storey attached cottage for three nights. The cottage had wifi (best outside the front door) and ITV4 reception (for watching le Tour - required moving the antenna onto the ironing board), and was a very pleasant spot.

York to Filey

Newcastle to York

We rode about 20km out to Tynemouth to officially complete our sea to sea ride. About 1km from the finish it stayed to rain. We caught a train back to Newcastle - on the advice of some locals at the station ignoring the sign clearly stating that bikes are not allowed on the trains.
We picked up our hire car and headed for York where we had booked into a B&B close to the old town centre. After dinner at a pub we had a wander around the very lovely old city.

Nenthead to Newcastle

Another big day. Some very steep climbs again, especially from Stanhope to Parkhead. 80km, 834 metres climbed, 15% max grade, over 30km on muddy tracks. We were really filthy because of the previous days rain and the showers that swept through occasionally today. The scenery was amazing. Just like you would imagine in a movie like Wuthering Heights, Rebecca or Tess of the Durbervilles.
The ride in to the centre of Newcastle was easy, with bike paths taking us most of the way to the place where we were staying right in the city centre. In the back courtyard with a bucket and brush we managed to get most of the mud off our bikes and panniers.

Penrith to Nenthead

A very tough days ride in very wet conditions. Tracey was extremely fortunate that she didn't have to carry her panniers. At breakfast, a lovely lad who was driving a van in support of a large groups of fellows, offered to take them and drop them off at our accommodation. Too wet to take any more photos.
45km, max slope 19%, 1150 metres climb.

Keswick to Penrith

An enjoyable relatively easy days ride along rural tracks and rail trails mainly. Stops at Sportsmans Inn near Troutbeck and the Greystoke Cycle Cafe, adjacent to Greystoke Castle - yes, where Tarzan's family came from!! Arrived nice and early at Penrith and actually caught some of Le Tour on TV for the first time. 40km 500metres max slope 15%.

Whitehaven to Keswick

A beautiful days ride along rail trails and quiet country roads. At one stage we had to stand in the narrow grass verge, hard against the stone paddock wall, to allow a truck to squeeze past us. The area is studded with very steep hills so some serious slopes had to be conquered. Our maximum percentage was 15% and the climb for the day was (tba). Views of the lakes and steep bald mountains, stone villages and old bridges over bubbling streams, flowers and birds. Keswick itself is a lovely lively town, adjacent to the serene Derwent Water. Picnic by the lake and a walk around town rounded out the day. 50 km.