Garrigill


tourist information centre
(Alston) 01434 382244

Whitehaven to Garrigill 76.5 miles
Garrigill to Sunderland 57.5

a potted history
Garrigill is reached from the west only by tackling the Pennines via Hartside summit. Nestling among the fells, Garrigill was once a thriving community of over 1000 people due to the extensive lead mining in the area but now relies on more traditional forms of industry such as agriculture to help keep its modern population of just over 200. With a village shop, public house and restful air Garrigill is a good place to rest your legs as well as having the town of Alston just a short distance away.

places of interest
Ashgill Force - a spectacular waterfall lies just off the C2C route and is definitely worth a visit.
Alston - this market town lies just a couple of miles from Garrigill and has a good selection of shops and eating places.
Thortergill Tea Rooms - A former 18th century mine with a working blacksmiths forge and tea rooms all set in an 8 acre wooded gorge complete with waterfalls.

cycle shops
Mike Fearn - (Nenthead) Tel: 01434 382194 Mobile: 07776 098 915
Blacksmith who has a stock of spares, will also repair your bike and if possible also operates a rider/bike recovery service.

route features
After the refreshing freewheel down from Hartside the going gets tougher again with a short but very steep off-road (see if you can ride it all without getting off!) section up onto a minor road. Follow this road for 3/4 mile and stop on the bridge, from here you can visit the Ashgill Force waterfall (don't do what I did the second time I rode the C2C and stop on the bridge for a bite to eat completely oblivious to the waterfall directly undrneath my feet!). You then turn left and follow a surfaced track -beware of the ford at the foot of the hill- up onto Priorsdale from where you take the off-road section down into Nenthead via the old mine workings - take care here as the route into the mines is steep in places and rocky. The alternative section is a surfaced road out of Garrigill up a very steep hill and then an equally steep ride down into Nenthead. Both routes are over high ground and it can get misty and wet so go prepared with waterproof clothing etc.

recommendations
If you have found a cafe, eating place, cycle shop or anywhere you might like to recommend to other C2C'ers then send it in for inclusion into The C2C Guide

East View

Lana Dixie
East View, Garrigill, Nr. Alston, Cumbria CA9 3DU
tel: 01434 381561
website: www.eastview-garrigill.co.uk
e-mail: lanadixie@hotmail.com

rooms .... 1 double - 1 twin
months open .... all year
B & B .... £25.00 p.p.p.n.
evening meal .... no
packed lunch .... yes
non-smoking .... yes
secure cycle parking .... yes
distance from route .... on route
pub .... 200 yards

A traditional stone cottage retaining many original features and set on the edge of the village green. Both rooms have Colour TV, Tea/Coffee making facilities and towels are provided. Evening meals are available at the pub nearby



Bridge View B&B
Margaret Rzas
Bridge View, Garrigill, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3DU
tel: 01434 382448
email: margrzas@cybermoor.org.uk
website: www.bridgeview.org.uk

rooms.... 1 family room
B&B .... £22 pppn
evening meal .... yes
packed lunch .... yes
secure cycle parking .... yes
distance from route .... on route

We run a small friendly Bed and Breakfast offering one family room which sleeps up to three people. Single guests are welcome. The room has tea and coffee making facilities and TV. Secure storage area outside for bicycles etc. Evening meals and packed lunches available on request.