Gatescarth & Nan Bield

Been off the bike for a while now, I have done the odd ride but nothing significant to update this blog and if it were it might have been published in some other online magazine.
There are a few reasons why, the main one being building up my photography business.
I have been photographing many mountain bike races, as well as other outdoor sports and lots of landscapes.
In September I took a trip to Iceland, and god I wished I had my bike, the place looks amazing for riding, at least there is an excuse to go back, with the camera and bike next time!

Selfie under Gljufrabui waterfall in Iceland.

A few trips are planned this year, Scotland, Morocco and the coast to coast so it's time to get back in the hills on my rare spare weekends.

First 'proper' trip of the year was planned for Gatescarth and Nan Bield in the Lakes. With a couple of new riding buddies in tow, I thought it was the perfect introduction to steep, natural trails.
We set off early from Leeds and were parked up near the church in Kentmere around 9am. A few minutes later and we were climbing out of the village on tarmac.
With the temperature reading on the van at -2C, everyone wrapped up, but by the time we headed off road at Stile End, the layers were being removed.
The climb continued on a good landrover track, until we reached the first descent down to Sadgill.
After a few gates and steep rocky sections we were soon down in the valley with the prospect of Gatescarth pass ahead of us.
Seats back at full extent and suspension locked we headed on up. The track was good and ride-able for most of it, until the stream turned to a waterfall and we had to push.
The temperature dropped with every wheel turn as we got higher, until Haweswater was revealed and a trail that looked like a white ribbon laying across the hillside leading us down.

Top of Gatescarth Pass.

The trail was icy and loose rocks the size of small dogs barked at our frames and ankles, but we were soon down to the first gate. Luckily everyone knew the unwritten rule of, who opens it, closes it and between the four of us we managed to get down in no time at all.
Down at the head of Haweswater, Jonny was hoping for a toilet, for obvious reasons and Stuart was hoping for a shop. He found out his Camelbak had leaked all over the back of my van and was out of water for the next climb.

As expected, there was nothing but cars and camper vans in the car park, meaning Jonny would have to squeeze a little harder and Stu was sharing my water.

We didn't waste anytime in the valley and followed the sign for Nan Bield. The riding was short and bikes were soon on our back for the hike-a-bike all the way up.
The surrounding fells closed claustrophobically around us, as we decided to take a lunch break at Small Water. The tarn looked cold and uninviting at this time of year.
Bikes on our backs again, we slogged up the final steep slope to the wind shelter at the top.

The first section was steep, technical and rocky with switchbacks tighter than Jonny's arse, I did manage to clear it with just a couple of dabs until I reached the bottom, relaxed and had an over the bars moment, ooops. Luckily no one saw it, so it doesn't count..... right?!
After re-grouping, we got back on the now slightly tamer trail.
A few grassy sections, offered a perfect chance to show off our skidding ability and just one more steep rocky section was all that stood in our way.

After reaching the bottom, I noticed my gear shifter had locked up, luckily it was locked in 1st so it could have been worse. At least I could manage the last few small climbs back to the road that led us out of Kentmere.
After reaching the road, it was just a swift, sharp climb back to the van. Quick change of clothes, giving the ramblers something to look at and we were on our way back to Yorkshire.