Garrigill

news update

Those booking accommodation in Garrigill are advised that at time of our Coast to Coast Cycle Routes book going to press for 2009, the George & Dragon was closed with little sign of reopening. There is a 'Save the George & Dragon' website and petition (http://www.savethegeorgeanddragon.co.uk/) which we urge you to sign up to. Until then there is little to attract overnighters, despite two excellent B&Bs, a camp site and sleeping space at the village hall. Margaret Rzas at Bridge View is courageously cooking soups and stews at the village hall for hungry C2Cers and there is even talk of transporting folk to Alston for evening drinks. However we would urge you to consult the websites (www.c2c-guide.co.uk and www.c2caccommodation.co.uk) for updates on what's happening.


a potted history

Garrigill is reached from the west only by tackling the Pennines via Hartside summit. Nestling among the fells, Garrigill was once a thriving community of over 1000 people due to the extensive lead mining in the area but now relies on more traditional forms of industry such as agriculture to help keep its modern population of just over 200. With a village shop, public house and restful air Garrigill is a good place to rest your legs as well as having the town of Alston just a short distance away.

places of interest

Ashgill Force - a spectacular waterfall lies just off the C2C route and is definitely worth a visit.
Alston - this market town lies just a couple of miles from Garrigill and has a good selection of shops and eating places.

Thortergill Tea Rooms - A former 18th century mine with a working blacksmiths forge and tea rooms all set in an 8 acre wooded gorge complete with waterfalls.

cycle shops

Mike Fearn - (Nenthead) Tel: 01434 382194 Mobile: 07776 098 915
Blacksmith who has a stock of spares, will also repair your bike and if possible also operates a rider/bike recovery service.

route features

After the refreshing freewheel down from Hartside the going gets tougher again with a short but very steep off-road (see if you can ride it all without getting off!) section up onto a minor road. Follow this road for 3/4 mile and stop on the bridge, from here you can visit the Ashgill Force waterfall (don't do what I did the second time I rode the C2C and stop on the bridge for a bite to eat completely oblivious to the waterfall directly undrneath my feet!). You then turn left and follow a surfaced track -beware of the ford at the foot of the hill- up onto Priorsdale from where you take the off-road section down into Nenthead via the old mine workings - take care here as the route into the mines is steep in places and rocky. The alternative section is a surfaced road out of Garrigill up a very steep hill and then an equally steep ride down into Nenthead. Both routes are over high ground and it can get misty and wet so go prepared with waterproof clothing etc.


Accommodation
,













Bridge View B&B , Margaret Rzas
Bridge View, Garrigill, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3DU

We run a small friendly Bed and Breakfast offering one family room which sleeps up to three people. Single guests are welcome. The room has tea and coffee making facilities and TV. Secure storage area outside for bicycles etc. Evening meals and packed lunches available on request.

tel : 01434 382448

email : margrzas@cybermoor.org.uk

website : www.bridgeview.org.uk

rooms : 1 family room

B & B : £22 pppn

evening meal : yes

packed lunch : yes

secure cycle parking : yes

distance from route : on route





East View, Lana Dixie
East View, Garrigill, Nr. Alston, Cumbria CA9 3DU

A traditional stone cottage retaining many original features and set on the edge of the village green. Both rooms have Colour TV, Tea/Coffee making facilities and towels are provided. Evening meals are available at the pub nearby

tel : 01434 381561

website : www.garrigillbedandbreakfast.co.uk

e-mail : lanadixie@hotmail.com

rooms : 1 double - 1 twin

months open : all year

B & B : £25.00 p.p.p.n.

evening meal : no

packed lunch : yes

non-smoking : yes

secure cycle parking : yes

distance from route : on route

pub : 200 yards





Village Hall , Debbie McLauchlan, Garrigill

Just as it says: a village hall. Space for sleeping, though the old mattresses donated by the fire service for communal use have now gone, so bring your own mat. There's also a campsite round the back. £7 a night for the hall, £5 for the campsite (to be paid into a fund jar in the George & Dragon).

Telephone : 01434 382 537

Showers : Kitchen