Charles Hedley (FN 58-64) has written:

“Many are the times when my wife and I have said how very lucky we are to live where we do - about 200 yards from the sea on the north east coast at Whitley Bay. There are plenty of open spaces so near and we have certainly taken full advantage of them to have our daily walks. The beach has been high on the list, but sometimes when the ‘north wind doth blow’ we just head off inland instead. I have also been doing quite a lot of cycling as well - in fact it seems that I have been cycling all my life. When I was at St Bees we were very much encouraged to get out on our bikes and explore the Lake District, and I have many vivid memories of doing just that. I think in those days everyone had a bike. More recently I have joined with about a dozen like-minded folk for a weekend of cycling based at one of the Youth Hostels scattered about the Lakes. My wife, Gill, doesn't ride a bike so for me it is pure freedom!

I recall that my first ever bike ride from St Bees (autumn term 1958) was a trip to Ennerdale, and I was just bowled over by the beauty of the scenery. One of the things I remember about the bike ride was the incredibly steep hill at the top end of the village up towards Egremont. It was a very long hot walk but we did get to our destination eventually. Such an adventure for a thirteen year old! I certainly remember the Anglers Hotel, and what a fantastic setting it was in. It was criminal that it was subsequently demolished for no real reason. One of the highlights of the term was always being taken out for a meal (either by your own parents or someone else's) and I did once have one such meal at the Anglers.

Another time I cycled to Ennerdale with a friend and we dumped the bikes behind a wall and then climbed up Great Borne. It was a bit of a slog but the views from the top were worth it.

My favourite lake was Wastwater, and it still is! A good bike ride with that final freewheel from the top of the road beyond Gosforth down to that amazing view of the screes. Just magic. Over the years we climbed up Yewbarrow, Sty Head, Great Gable, and also Great End. On more than one occasion we cycled beyond Wasdale and over the top to Eskdale. Curiously we never managed Scafell Pike from school, but a few years ago I did get to the top of it with one of my brothers.

I have been trawling through the grey cells and remember with some affection the bike rides over to the Loweswater, Crummock and Buttermere valleys, and also the steep hill (Fangs) on the way back. Another memorable ride was along to Cockermouth, then via Bassenthwaite to Borrowdale for a picnic lunch at Grange. Thus refreshed, we rode along the valley floor to the Honister Pass. I recall having to walk down on the Buttermere side until it became safe to ride. That was the first time I had ever had to walk down a hill with a bike. Then we rode back to school via the three lakes mentioned. Must have been mad!!

Ah well - we were all young once!”

 

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