Thornthwaite
Directions
Leaving Cockermouth and on to Thornthwaite Cross over Gote Street from the Papcastle road and continue past the James Walker factory, then right onto Bridge Street, crossing the river just after the doctor's surgery.
You then head left onto Main Street. Go past Station Street before turning right into Chal oner Street, left into Cocker Lane and then almost immediately right to fol ow the river. Go under Lorton Street towards the Youth Hostel, turn right to swivel over the River Cocker and fol ow the path past the cemetery before the hairpin right turn onto Strawberry Home Road, where you take a left. It is now a straightforward run.
You may wish to stop near the shores of Bassenthwaite's northern tip, in which case go through the village of Wythop Mill and turn right by the phone box.
Turn left at the Pheasant Inn and go over the A66 onto the B5291,taking the scenic Ouse Bridge to the Castle Hotel. After that, it's a short hop along the road and up to the vil age and the Sun Inn, where they serve good food and ale. Assuming you do not opt for this diversion, you wil encounter a short, hil y section before the descent to Bassenthwaite Lake, from whence it is an easy ride into Keswick. At Thornthwaite you meet up with the Whitehaven route.
Legend of Barf and the bishop
There is a Viking burial ground here at Powter Howe and just behind it is a hill called Barf.
You wil see two large white rocks - one halfway up Barf, one at the bottom. The higher one is the Bishop, and the lower the Clerk. They commemorate the tale of a deadly 18th century drinking session at the Swan Inn (now transformed into holiday apartments) during which the bibulous Bishop of Londonderry (doubtless on diocesan duty) bet his clerk that he could beat him to the top of Barf. They downed their glasses and set off. The Right Reverend keeled over half-way up, while the clerk pegged it at the bottom. The stones are said to commemorate this foolhardy wager. I do not know whether they were on their way up or down. Informed readers are welcome to write in.
Thornthwaite overlooks Bassenthwaite Lake, the only lake in the Lake District. This may seem strange, but all the other expanses of H2O in the so-called Lake District are Waters, Meres or Tarns.
Accommodation
| Lanefoot Farm, Lanefoot Farm, Thornthwaite, near Keswick, CA12 5RZ | |
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Charming and informal campsite bang on the route with good facilities at good prices. There are a couple of fields, plenty of space and a proper country feel, within easy striking distance of pubs and restaurants. |
Run by: Helen & Gareth Davies 
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Telephone : 017687 78097 |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Powter Howe, Powter Howe, Thornthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5SQ | |
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16th century farmhouse of great character. Magnificent views over Bassenthwaite Lake towards Skiddaw. Set in two acres of mature gardens. |
Run by: Keren Lockwoood 
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tel: 017687 78415 |
rooms : 2D, 1T, 1S. |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| The Coledale Inn, Braithwaite, Nr. Keswick Cumbria, CA12 5TN | |
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The Coledale is a genuine country inn situated above Braithwaite Village in a peaceful hillside position well away from passing traffic. It is ideal for cycling and walking, with paths to the mountains immediately outside the hotel gardens. Ideal spot to explore the area for those not in a rush. |
Run by: Geoff & Charlie Mawdsley 
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Tel : 017687 78272 |
Rooms : 2S, 11D, 6T, 1F. |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Scotgate Holiday Park, Braithwaite, Keswick, CA12 5TF | |
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Scotgate Chalet, Camping & Caravan Park near Keswick is an |
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Tel: 017687 78343 |
Coffee Shop, Braithwaite village : 500m Shower rooms, laundry Licensed Shop. Chalet rentals by arrangement
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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Braithwaite
Directions
Merging the routes from all the starting points
Nestling at the bottom of the Whinlatter Pass and Newlands Val ey with the spectacular backdrop of Grisedale Pike and Bassenthwaite Lake, the routes from Whitehaven / St Bees & Egremont and from Workington merge in time to take you to the picturesque vil age of Braithwaite.
Braithwaite is half way between Thornthwaite and Keswick. It's an excel ent base for touring the Lake District, close to Loweswater, Crummock Water and Buttermere.
It's a straight and pleasant run through a quintessentially English village scene, over a Medieval humped-back bridge. This section of Braithwaite, leading out towards Little Braithwaite and Ullock, is somehow preserved in time. Only cars spoil the scene - otherwise you could be back in the 18th century.
Cycle Repairs
Ian Hindmarch fixes bikes in his workshop next to the village stores , next to the hump-back bridge. 017687 78273.
