Coniston and Hardknott Pass loop from Windermere – Lake District National Park

Since I imported the tours as fit. files, neither the altitude nor the times are correct. 😢 The average was 20 km/h and the elevation was around 1950 m. From Windermere to Ambleside, as far as I know. The climb towards Tarn Hows on the narrow roads is sometimes quite strenuous and steep. But the view of Coniston, the Old Man and the wild western fells makes up for it all the more. The descent to Coniston is tough. Tight bends, 15 percent gradients, potholes and moss on the wet asphalt make the brakes overheat. It is a relaxed ride along Coniston Water all the way to Coniston. Normally I would stop at the Black Bull, but today I plan to ride the most difficult passes in the Lakelands. A stop would not be ideal. 😅 The further I get from Coniston towards Ulpha, the narrower and more lonely the roads become. Just beyond the town limits, there is a kicker with a gradient of 17 percent. The climb is rewarded with a last look at the Old Man of Coniston and the first view of the Irish Sea. It goes up and down a little until the most south-western point of the tour is reached at a small bridge over a stream. After Ulpha, the climbing on narrow roads begins again. Over Kiln Bank Crossing, it goes steeply uphill and then just as steeply downhill, before the climb to Birker Fell awaits in Ulpha. The pass road is in a catastrophic condition in the lower, steepest section, rough tar, crumbling asphalt pieces lie in the way, potholes like cooking pots and all this at a 25 percent gradient! Good night. It's finally done and the rest of the flatter section is more or less relaxed to cycle on while enjoying the view of the Scafell massif. The descent is fast, a little twisty and above all dangerous because sheep keep having the idea of jumping across the lane when you're speeding up at 60. 😱 Girls and boys, you're fluffy and I like you...but please don't do that. Once we've arrived in Eskdale, we have a lunch break. Bars and gel, cola and fresh water for the bidon are available at the Kings Head Inn. I'm already mentally preparing myself for my toughest climb. Up to 30 percent gradient awaits at Hardknott Pass. The Romans are said to have crossed the mountains here and the pass is an adventure by car at all times of the year (closed in winter). It's all no use... I roll off. It's still quite flat for longer than I thought until the actual pass. The landscape is big, impressive, breathtaking. Steep walls rise up to the left and right. The peaks, the waterfalls, the botany... I have to pull myself together not to stray from the road because I'm so excited. And then the killer is there! Like a wall. And now I'm crashing into it. Even in the lower part, the pass takes no prisoners. No insidious greeting with a 3 percent gradient. Straight away 15 percent, which already steepens to 20 percent in the first hundred meters. My lungs burn, my legs shake, my sweaty gloves slip on the handlebar tape. My pulse is between 160 and 185. I feel the lactate flooding my muscles and I just wish it would end. It's over in the steepest section at 30 percent. I lose my balance and have to unclip. That's it. I can never get back on the pedal. I have to push. 🥺 Until the next place where it gets a bit flatter. Finally I get back on the pedal and can continue riding. It's still no less strenuous. Finally I'm at the top. I feel like I've been run over. The descent is also very demanding. The Hardknott Pass consists of many very tight and very steep bends on both sides. Halfway down the descent I can already smell the hot brakes. If that goes well... It works! And now it's flatter again up to the Wrynose Pass, views of the Friar and Pike of Blisco make the effort seem less noticeable.