The solitary modest peak of Black Combe is situated between the Irish sea and the mountains of the Lake District. If ever there was a route surrounded by natural beauty of all descriptions then surely this is it.

It would be wise to look at a weather forecast before venturing up this peak, weather in these parts can change quickly but aim for a clear day for breathtaking views, particularly from the trig point at the summit, with 360 views of parts of Scotland and Wales, the Isle of Man, North Lancashire, the Western Pennines and a fair chunk of the Lake District, and with a sea view to boot!

There are no real navigational issues on this route so it’s quite hard to get lost, surely a bonus for those of us less knowledgeable on the map front.

Terrain:  Rocky climb. High coastal fell, grassy descent.

Start Point:  SD 1348 8261 Whicham at the end of the A595 just before it hits the A5903. Through the village there’s a small church on your right hand side, there’s a lay-by just big enough for about 4 cars.

• Re-trace the road you came on for about 100 metres and take a left turn onto a road just wide enough for a small car. Follow this for ¼ mile until you come to a small group of houses. Follow the lane around the back of these and onto the bridleway on your right, signed Black Combe, follow the route to the top!!!
• The first section particularly is a bit of a steep slog, fitter riders may find it climbable, we found many of the sections simply too steep to ride, maye the full english breakfast didn’t help. Thus the first hour felt more like a walk out with your bike rather than a bike route. This is more than compensated for by the superb views that evolve after every 100 ft of climbing.
• From the trig point and the descent route head N. E. or if you’re stood in front of the trig point facing it, turn hard left, do be careful here as the track is a little unclear, you should be riding parallel with the sea and swinging slowly left, If you can’t see the sea then you’ve been unlucky with the weather.
• Follow the excellent grassy track for 1 mile then pick up a rough access track. Follow this track till you reach the road, turning left here for 1.5 miles and left again back to Whicham.
• Make time to drive down to the quiet pebbled beach at Silecroft and dip your tired feet in the sea. bike riding on the beach optional and very difficult!

Not much going on food wise. We stopped at Ingleton about half way home for a beer and food.