written by Ian O'Brien

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8 Tracclub members made the trip north through Shap village and along Haweswater reservoir before unloading in the car park at the far end. Anton had arranged the permits and the National Park Ranger was there to meet us to give the combination to the locked gates and give us a briefing. The warden was very helpful and confirmed that the permit system was working well but stressed we needed to be back at the top gate for 3-00pm when the combination was changed

After passing some 4x4's, one of which had driven off a bridge & got stuck within 5 yards of the 1st gate from the car park, we set off in 2x4's - 7 bikes & Evan on his quad & then climbed the loose & snaking trail 1000feet to the summit of Gatesgarth Pass before descending.

We turned right at Sadgill into Stile End which proved a real challenge to ride up the slippy rock steps and meant that most riders needed some assistance and brought the quad to a standstill until Evan found 4 wheel drive.

Through Kentmere & on through Grizedale Forest where Anton insisted we stop and admire his (&others) handiwork in previously draining a section that was always flooded.

Over the ferry to Hawskshead and a few new trails that Anton had found before doing Hodge Close & thinking about setting off back. Whether to do Grizedale again was the question but time was getting on & we decided to head back.

Needless to say it took longer than anticipated and despite our best efforts it was 3-10pm when we reached the top gate and - yes the combination had been changed. With the prospect of having to go back & round by road-about 25 miles and some already on reserve, we asked the mountain rescue team who were on an excercise in the area if they had the new combination, but no such luck. Fortunately the warden had seen our plight and came to our assistance so Evan thanked him by by giving him a ride back on his quad (although I'm not sure I would have felt comfortable on the back dropping back down the steep descent to Haweswater).

All safely down and accounted for, we loaded up the vans and trailers before setting off in fading light after another memorable Tracclub ride out. With special thanks to Evan (paramedic support-fortunately not needed) & Anton for organising everything & leading the ride.

Ian O'Brien