Little Salkeld to Nenthead 20 Miles

Weather:- Cool & damp
Day 3 is supposed to be the hardest day, It was because three of our group stayed out a little longer than intended & got s**t faced, you can probably guess who they were from the photos, we also put a little present in the bottom of Micks rucksack, this will be unveiled at the end of the ride, (he couldn't understand why his bag seemed to be getting heavier) It should have been 27 miles long up to Allenheads, taking in the highest point on the C2C but due to not being able to get accommodation in Allenheads we cut it short by 7 miles, which worked out well, because being a football fan we were in the pub early afternoon to watch the FA cup final. Anyway back to day 3 (it’s supposed to be a mtb site). Leaving the Eden Valley behind a steady start with 4 miles of gentle climbing, warming us up nicely for the first real climb of the day. At Four Lane Ends we take the off road option which is a rocky track that climbs to Hartside (1800ft), anybody want a brew in the café? (Yes its pouring down again) After our brew we continue on the road (A686) downhill at last to Leadgate, (how cold was that wind & rain on that descent) carrying on down the B road to Garrigill. From here we again take the off road option to Nenthead south of Flinty Fell, (but not before Pauls chain snaps again) according to the book, it is a challenge, (some found it a bigger challenge than others after the late night) but good fun, two waterfalls and some very steep rocky rough stuff, after this we hopefully arrive at our 3rd night stop Mill Cottage Bunkhouse. (well designed to sleep up to nine) Hurry up the footballs on. Another night of drinking & playing pool in the Miners, & Rory aquires a new nick-name Shaggy even the locals are calling him it.