#ashness bridge

Route: Thornthwaite, Keswick, Borrowdale, WATENDLATH and back.

This Climb: OS Maps Link

IMHO the climb up to Watendlath is a shameful omission from the Greatest Cycling Climbs list having, as it does, breathtakingly steep first section and then two of the most breathtaking views in England.

It does not reach my 200m Criterion, but qualifies for inclusion in my list for being a classic route, albeit on some weekends crammed with motorists unsure of how to tackle 2 way traffic on a steep narrow road.

From Barrow Bay where the road branches off from the B5289 you are immediately thrown onto a 10-17% meandering section which persists past and then to our classic view points,  you can stop here or catch them on the way back.

From here the climb eases of until out in the open it becomes simply undulating all the way to the Farm, where you can grab a welcome and relaxing snack.

Points of interest

The bulk of the land around here, and the farms, are owned by the National Trust, who keep,  via their tenant farmers a flock of the traditional lake district Herdwick sheep, and a herd of conservation friendly Belted Galloway cattle.

Ashness Bridge is one the most iconic photospots in England, with its perfect view of the Skiddaw range beyond the most photographed small bridge in the country. The rock is worn smooth on the way to the ideal viewpoint with the footfall of those eager to grab a snap. In addition to my take on the classic view, I present this one of my friend Wendy taking an alternate view, also the alternate view itself. These were from a separate walk via Grange Fell.

Ashness Bridge: The typical view and Wendy catching the photo above

An even better and often missed vista can be caught from Surprise View a short distance up from Ashness Bridge.