Only 3 of the Mudpackers made it this weekend, the sun was shining and what a day it was turning out to be.  We decided to do the ‘loop’ the opposite way around; the thinking behind it all,  was we had the long descent of Mastiles Lane at the end rather than ride up the lane out of Kilnsey. Mastiles Lane if you have not already been over it yet is probably the most ridden bridleway in all of the Yorkshire Dales (A lane I used to hate and loathe due to being fat and unfit). Mastiles Lane was once part of an important long distance monastic route linking the estates of Fountains Abbey in the northern Lake District with Pateley Bridge. Mastiles lane is also a historic drovers’ road.

We decided to head along the road towards the Hawkswick Cote caravan park, just after this entrance we headed up towards Hell, sorry Arncliffe Cote and Street Gate, sign posted 4miles. This is approx 2-3mile climb, very tough but rewarding, the views are spectacular. From here you head over to Mastiles Lane which is undulating until the final descent into Kilnsey, which Des and George flew down.... I lagged behind as always!! The ride itself is approx 80% off road, the off road mileage (13.5) which equates to 41 miles on the road

A couple of beers at the Tennants Arms rounded this quality ride off.