Chris Walker Cycle Challenge 2013

My Dad and I at the top of Whinlatter Pass

On June 29 I headed to Keswick with my Dad for the 2013 Chris Walker Cycle Challenge.  Although the event itself had been cancelled, there was a big group of people who gathered to ride the route in memory of Chris and raise funds for the Chris Walker Memorial Trust.

It was my frist ride out on my new Giant Avail road bike, it was a good ride which covered almost 43 miles of the Lakes, taking in Derwent Water, Borrowdale, the impressive and tough Honister Pass, Buttermere, Crumnock Water, Loweswater, Eaglesfield, Fangs Brow and Whinlatter Pass back to Keswick, in all 3,993ft of elevation.  You can see the exact route and details on my Strava profile.

We were staying with friends at their guest house in Threkeld called Blease Farm, it has amazing views down the valley.  We had a lovely meal on the Saturday night at the Horse and Farrier in Threkeld.

We headed to Bram Crag Quarry on Sunday morning for a bit of climbing and I did my first E1 5c, a route called Charcoal Burner, it was a big slab and you had to put your trust in your feet and finger tips!

A quick visit to Keswick in the afternoon and then a short 3 hours drive back up the road to Edinburgh.  It’s great the Lake District is so accessible from Edinburgh.

If you wish to donate to the Chris Walker Memorial Trust you can do so via their mydonate page.