Tour de Buttertubs - Sat. 5th. July 14


Tour de Buttertubs

The planning for this walk had to begin in August last year, in order to be in time to be sent off for the December issue of Strider. The concept was for a medium distance walk, starting and finishing at sensible times, but timed to watch the Tour de France en route, as it fought it's way over Buttertubs Pass, a once in a lifetime opportunity. The difficulty was, back then there was little or no information available regarding either road closures, parking restrictions or times when the 'caravane' and the cyclists themselves would be in the area. So with fingers crossed we gambled on Cotterdale as a starting point, a start time of 9.00am. and a walk of around 15 miles. The road closures turned out to be the biggest problem as getting correct information, and from whom, was like drawing teeth. Finally after several visits to the area, we were satisfied our plans would work.

The first problem of the day arose as we drove up Cotterdale, in that the landowner had erected notices, even on the walker's car park, banning parking. The second problem was the air was thick with midges. Nevertheless after leaving it to the last minute to get out of our cars, so as to have as little contact as possible with the midges, followed by an slight altercation with the gamekeeper, our group of 12 set out on the walk, all as planned spot on time at 9.00am.

Leaving the village of Cotterdale behind, we made our way under Great Shunner Fell to Hardraw, which was much quieter than we'd imagined it would be, then along to attractive little village of Sedbusk. The weather was fine and the organisation of the event all seemed to be going along like clockwork. From Sedbusk our first climb of the day began as we took the bridlepath up onto North Rakes Hill, where we took in the scenery as we enjoyed a welcome coffee break. From there, and now with time in hand, we followed a good track to a point partway up the road on Buttertubs Pass. This is where we enjoyed the spectacle of the 'caravane' passing by and the general good humour and carnival atmosphere of 'Le Tour'. We also had lunch at this point.

Click on pictures to view slideshow.

 

Lunch over, we made our way up the pass to a suitable vantage point to watch the riders go past. The first rider to go by was the ever popular veteran Jens Voigt. At the age of 42 he was making his 17th. and final appearance in The Tour, but obviously determined to bow out with a flourish. Next came a couple of other riders, followed closely behind by the peleton. However many times you may have watched The Tour, you cannot help but be amazed at the speed and ferocity of the riders as they pass by on the climbs. With them almost brushing past our arms we were in a perfect position to witness this. Once the broom wagon had gone by, flushed with the excitement of what we'd just seen, we made our way through the still partying crowds to the top of the pass, before continuing our walk up onto Great Shunner Fell. Still chatting about the events of the day, we had another coffee stop on top, where we sat in glorious late afternoon sunshine, with fine views all round (particularly into Lancashire, Ralph!) It was Ralph's nasty Yorkshire sense of humour having had the audacity to bring a White Rose flag on a West Lancs. walk, particularly as he displayed it on several of our photos. The chatting continued as we followed the Pennine Way from the summit and down the ridge, turning right partway down to our cars in Cotterdale.

From comments made on the walk and at the finish all had had a very enjoyable walk and day out.

Stan.