While riding up Great Dun Fell last week, I thought that Dufton would make an excellent location for a camping/hostelling weekend.
Dufton on a map, for those who don't know this remote bit of the Pennines.
Different map:
https://goo.gl/maps/mbFgCIt's wonderfully remote, but entirely accessible from Penrith - it's about 14 non-A66 miles and not-flat miles from the west coast mainline (Penrith), and about 4 not-flat miles from the nearest station at Appleby (which would require a change at Carlisle if coming up the west coast, or Leeds if coming via the east coast). Bus services seem to be infrequent to non-existent, but a group cab from Appleby would probably be doable.
Needless to say, it's absurdly easy to get to by car (just off the A66), and the nearest shop is probably Appleby.
I don't think I really need to sell the location that much, but I was thinking of a Saturday ride (each at their own pace!) up to the radar station, which at 848 metres is the highest road in Britain, and has been described as England's Mont Ventoux. A military road (ie no cars!) up to the radar station at the summit of Great Dun Fell, blast back down, then have a pint in Dufton. Faster riders can do it twice, and lay in provisions at the top for the slower riders
There's a lovely description on the Cleveland Wheelers website - since they'll know the North Yorks Moors, they know what they're talking about. It took me nearly an hour, though
that included photos, sheep-herding and a headwind.Of course, everyone would be entirely free to ride wherever they liked, or doss about as much as they liked, and there are loads of other places to go. The walking opportunities are fabulous as Dufton is on the Pennine Way, and there's a bridleway from the village leading up the side of the astonishing glacial valley, High Cup, for walking/comedy offroading opportunities:
I was thinking of late September or early October, arrive on Friday, depart on Sunday, and mostly camping, though Dufton is very useful in that is also has a YHA for more comfort/warmth/properbeds/en-suite facilities/breakfast (although I've had a quick check, and it does seem to fill up very quickly!), and Dufton also has a pub, for food and meet-up purposes. It's an infeasibly pretty village:
(note the snow on the tops in April - the hill immediately in the background is Dufton Pike, the radar station is not-quite visible in the taller hills beyond)Campsite:
http://www.duftoncaravanpark.co.ukThe red squirrel photo isn't just advertising - I did see a red squirrel there, the one time I've camped there. It is a bit functional - the last time I was there in 2011, it was basically a static caravan park with a token bit in the middle for lightweight campers (I camped behind one of the empty statics, hence the squrl spot). Decent toilets and showers, though.
Edited 22/06/2015 - this will now take place the weekend Friday 9th October to Sunday 11th October 2015, and it's now camping only (unless you get lucky at the YHA, but you'll have to make your own arrangements)Attending:
JenM (+ van?)
Deano
"Uncle" Peter
Kim
boab + Chris S
andrewc
Woolly, peli and Tilley
Steve GT
lanterne rouge
madcow + 1
CrinklyLion + cubs
Wowbagger & Mrs Wow
PB + P
Possibles:
Canardly
Loadsabikes
Info about costs(Some of this is available on the website)
Some info from the owners:
£20 per night for family-sized tents
£20 per night for campervans/caravans (same price whether leccy hookup is required or not)
£7 per night for lightweight campersParking and stuff is on the website.
Updated 06/10/15 - notes for riders to the site1. Beware the Penrith one-way system! It's caught out many a rider. It's actually OK going south, but going north, it's a pain. I would suggest that you stay north of the A66 when returning to Penrith.
2. Penrith station is uphill - bear this in mind when returning.
3. Suggested route to Dufton:
http://ridewithgps.com/trips/6738924(This goes via Appleby, so is also relevant to anyone riding from Appleby - I think I've routed it to the Co Op, which is on your right after you cross the river - probably best to get any provisions there, though there are big supermarkets in Penrith if you don't mind carting a couple of pints of milk etc around)
3a. Why not visit the
Hoff while you're passing? There's a road sign and everything. It is uphill from Appleby, mind.
4. Alternative route to the north:
http://ridewithgps.com/trips/6738926(You can follow lanes to Langwathby, and this is the C2C route, but it's hillier and you end up on the A686 anyway as there isn't another nearby crossing of the Eden - it's all lanes after Langwathby.)
