Braithwaite & Thornthwaite

a potted history
Braithwaite lies at the foot of Whinlatter Pass and only 3 or 4 miles from Keswick, although judging by the peace and quiet of this beautiful village it could be light years away. Braithwaite is a small village situated almost central between the two lakes of Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite and is surrounded by some stunning countryside including England's only mountain forest, Whinlatter.

places of interest

Whinlatter Visitor Centre - England's only working mountain forest, comprising of forestry exhibitions and local heritage, as well as an excellent coffee shop, restaurant and gift shop. The forest has some excellent walks (not all long!) for you to stretch your legs after Whinlatter Pass!
The Bishop - looking westwards back over Bassenthwaite you may have noticed a rock, painted white, halfway up a very steep hill. This, as one story goes is where a visitor to the local hostelry decided to take a short cut and the rock marks how far he and his horse managed to reach before they met a slippery end.

cycle shops

The General Store, Braithwaite - spares and repairs in the village shop. Tel: 017687 78167 www.braithwaitegeneralstore.co.uk.
Keswick Mountain Bikes - Southey Hill, Keswick Tel:017687 75202
Keswick Riding and Cycle Hire Centre - Cycle Hire plus minor spares and repairs. Based at High Hill just off the B5289 on the C2C route heading into Keswick. tel : 017687 73216/75255
mobile: 0411763019 fax: 017687 73216 e-mail: keswick.9glaramara@virgin.net

eating places

The General Store -On Low Bridge, Braithwaite - 50 metres from c2c route.
Freshly made sandwiches, rolls, Homemade Cakes, Tea and Coffee, Toast and Jam, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Milk, Cheese and other dairy products. Traditional sweetie shop, off-licence,
Monday to Saturday: 8am-5.30 pm - Sunday 8.00 am-12.30pm then 2.30-5.30pm You can even phone your order if you like: 017687 78088. Cycle repair shop behind the stores also.

route features

If you arrived via Whinlatter Pass you will have enjoyed the descent, if a bit hairy in places for the inexperienced, all the way down to Braithwaite. After Braithwaite you cycle on picturesque back roads to the delightful village of Portinscale. From here you cross the River Derwent and then into Keswick but take care on the roads leading into Keswick as they can get a tad busy. There is an 'un-official' option whereby you after passing over the suspension bridge out of Portinscale you take a right turn through a field following a fenced pathway.


Accommodation
Lanefoot Farm, Helen & Gareth Davies, Lanefoot Farm, Thornthwaite, near Keswick, CA12 5RZ

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.

Telephone : 017687 78097

Website : www.stayinthornthwaite.co.uk

Email : helen@stayinthornthwaite.co.uk





Powter Howe, Mr. N. Lockwood
Powter Howe, Thornthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5SQ

16th century farmhouse of great character. Magnificent views over Bassenthwaite Lake towards Skiddaw. Set in two acres of mature gardens.

tel/fax : 017687 78415

rooms : 2 double - 1 twin

months open : all year

B & B : £20 to £25

evening meal : no although a pub is nearby

packed lunch : £3.50

secure cycle parking : yes

distance from route : on route

pub : 1 mile





The Coledale Inn , Geoff & Charlie Mawdsley, Braithwaite, Nr. Keswick
Cumbria, CA12 5TN

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.

Tel : 017687 78272

Web : www.coledale-inn.co.uk

Email : info@coledale-inn.co.uk

Rooms : 2S, 11D, 6T, 1F.

B&B : from £37

Evening meal : £8.50-£12.50

Packed lunch : £4.50

On route : VisitBritain 3-stars