Appleby -- Appleby to Orton and Back - 27 miler

A route to stretch your legs on some lovely quiet roads in the Eden Valley.

The first part of the route heads west out of Appleby, where you will immediately find yourself on lightly trafficked roads with gorgeous views of the Pennines across to east. Once into the valley of the River Lyvennet, the route turns south to traverse along that river valley, through the picturesque villages of Maulds Meaburn and Crosby Ravensworth.

There follows a steady climb onto Crosby Ravensworth Fell, where the intimacy of the inhabited valley is replaced by open moorland, affording fantastic views towards the Howgill Fells ahead and Pennines to the east. A fast swoop down Orton Scar rewards your climbing efforts to the village of Orton, which offers several refreshment opportunities.

The route starts its return journey swinging east then gradually north from Orton to cross the lovely limestone pavement of Little Asby Common.  Several little detours on the return leg take in the pretty village of Great Asby, with its Holy Well and historic St Peter's Church, and Rutter Force waterfalls on Hoff Beck.

Bike Hire is available from Lake District Cycling, call 07917 608566 for enquires.