Day 3: Monday 21 July - Kirkby Stephen to Richmond

After a long day 2, we gave ourselves a bit of a lie in and left the alarm until 7am. We got some breakfast and organised our bags for Packhorse. We were ready to ride at about 9am.

Ready to leave the Kirkby Stephen campsite on Day 3

Thankfully, the first six miles were on road, passing through the villages of Winton and Rookby, which allowed us to knock-off some easy miles and warm up before the proper stuff!

Heading off-road for the first time on day 3

Our obvious track soon ran out and we found ourselves trying to pick the dryest route possible over some boggy ground at the bottom of a wide valley.

Nev always confident (?) as he crosses a stream

After some traipsing, the trail headed upwards and we began the big climb up to the road. We were again indebted to our friends at Packhorse for some route advice as we follwed a trail along a wall to avoid the worst of the boggy ground.

Matt and Nev climb to the road

After a few undulations on the road we reached our next target, the highest pub in GB, the Tan Hill Inn. This is a great pub and the staff were very helpful, making up some sandwiches even though we arrived 40mins before the start of their lunchtime!

The team at the Tan Hill Inn

The pub also had some very interesting regulars, including a sheep that was determined to get inside.

Nev talks about the problems with having a massive left ear with a fellow sufferer

From the Tan Hill Inn, we headed over Arkengarthdale Moor and navigation became tricky. The main problem was that we couldn't believe we were on the right track because it was such heavy going! We gained confidence and headed further and further from civilisation, the only reminder was a view of the A66 in the distance. The trail over the moor seemed to go on forever, but in the end it led to a fantastic, fast descent.

Ad, Hedd and Stu head over Arkengarthdale Moor

After a little distance on the road, we found another pub (The CB Inn, Arkengarthdale) and had another break. Time was passing and unfortunately, Stu left it until we needed to get going before checking his bike for punctures.... Whoops!

Stu and his puncture at the CB Inn

All these pub stops meant that our next bit of offroading, over Booze Moor, was particularly appropriate! It started with a steep climb on tarmac before progressing to a moorland track. Navigation was difficult as once again we were struggling to find paths that were clearly marked on the map.

Eventually we found a good trail and made fast progress on a double track descent. After some more tarmac around Washfold we found a great grassy descent over Skelton Moor and dropped into Marske.

Matt on the descent into Marske

From here it was onroad all the way into Richmond. It was about 7pm so to save some time we found a chippy and ate there, before heading off again for the last couple of miles out to the Brompton On Swale Caravan Park. This was a great site and we got a great pitch right next to the River Swale.

A fellow camper takes pity on Ed and pumps up the airbed with their car powered pump!