Hartside

[TrevA]

Planning our next campervan getaway and thinking about staying at Troutbeck near Penrith. It’s feasible to do the Hartside Pass from Melmerby, , but I notice that it is an A road, so I wanted to know how busy it is.

Also, Great Dun Fell is not too far away, so it may be possible to do a ride over to there and take in the climb.

[50sbiker]

The roads around Hartside are not mad busy,even in summer,much of the traffic uses the A66.Sunny weekends tend to be busier with the biker brigade up and down the valleys.

[Paulatic]

If you don’t want to be stuck out at Troutbeck ( the CC site has an annoying outdoor centre close by) I can recommend Thacka Lea in Penrith. https://thackaleacaravanpark.webs.com/
A lot handier for almost everything.

[robgul]

There is/was a fantastic bakery/cafe at Melmerby - not to be missed.

I've ridden up the main road 3 or 4 times - no big deal as any heavy traffic is at crawl speed.

Rob

[TrevA]

Thanks for the tip. Since the Hartside cafe is closed, a tea stop at Melmerby on the way back would be just the job.

[loafer]

there is also these guys stayed here a while back but all was great even had a heated bike garage with a fully equipped tool section
and close to hartside .. https://independenthostels.co.uk/member ... enthostel/
also an other great tea shop can be found at little salkeld http://organicmill.co.uk/

[cycleruk]

There is another route upto Hartside that misses out most of the main road but is probably harder. Go north from Melmerby to Gamblesby. Head to Renwick but turn right before and then climb to Hartside.
Mile 5 - 8.3 on this route (part of our C2C). Rejoin main road (fairly quiet) and Hartside at 9.8 M.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31011523

[geocycle]

There is another route upto Hartside that misses out most of the main road but is probably harder. Go north from Melmerby to Gamblesby. Head to Renwick but turn right before and then climb to Hartside.
Mile 5 - 8.3 on this route (part of our C2C). Rejoin main road (fairly quiet) and Hartside at 9.8 M.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31011523

Yes, I’ve done that. It’s ok but there is a short steep ramp prior to meeting the main road. The main road is much better graded and usually not too busy. The only route I’d avoid is the off road alternative that adds a loose surface to a steep hill.

[Geoffroid]

I know you asked about Hartside, but I would recommend nearby Great Dun Fell if you want a challenge on a very quiet road. This climb is the highest tarmac road in Britain. The road is only open to traffic going to the air traffic control site at the top, and you can cycle up it as it is classified as a bridleway. A start from Melmerby would give a lovely ride of about ten miles on the back roads to the climb. Unless on a mountain bike (where it is a challenging ride from Great Dun Fell down to Garrigill), you have to descend the way you climbed.

It is a very atmospheric climb.

[cycleruk]

There is another route upto Hartside that misses out most of the main road but is probably harder. Go north from Melmerby to Gamblesby. Head to Renwick but turn right before and then climb to Hartside.
Mile 5 - 8.3 on this route (part of our C2C). Rejoin main road (fairly quiet) and Hartside at 9.8 M.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31011523

Yes, I’ve done that. It’s ok but there is a short steep ramp prior to meeting the main road. The main road is much better graded and usually not too busy. The only route I’d avoid is the off road alternative that adds a loose surface to a steep hill.

I only remember a long steep ramp, (but don't tell anybody)

[geocycle]

There is another route upto Hartside that misses out most of the main road but is probably harder. Go north from Melmerby to Gamblesby. Head to Renwick but turn right before and then climb to Hartside.
Mile 5 - 8.3 on this route (part of our C2C). Rejoin main road (fairly quiet) and Hartside at 9.8 M.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31011523

Yes, I’ve done that. It’s ok but there is a short steep ramp prior to meeting the main road. The main road is much better graded and usually not too busy. The only route I’d avoid is the off road alternative that adds a loose surface to a steep hill.

I only remember a long steep ramp, (but don't tell anybody)

You may we’ll be right! I do recall stopping to admire the view....

[TrevA]

I know you asked about Hartside, but I would recommend nearby Great Dun Fell if you want a challenge on a very quiet road. This climb is the highest tarmac road in Britain. The road is only open to traffic going to the air traffic control site at the top, and you can cycle up it as it is classified as a bridleway. A start from Melmerby would give a lovely ride of about ten miles on the back roads to the climb. Unless on a mountain bike (where it is a challenging ride from Great Dun Fell down to Garrigill), you have to descend the way you climbed.

It is a very atmospheric climb.

Thanks. Planning to do Great Dun Fell too, probably on a separate ride on the same road trip.