One of the advantages in running a leisurely tour is that there is usually time to enjoy the local attractions when weather conditions are favourable. This morning the weather was perfect, and nearly everyone clubbed together to hire a couple of boats for a relaxing row around Grasmere lake. Perhaps it wasn't quite so relaxing for those who were doing all the hard work, but it was certainly fun: an unforgettable highlight of the tour.

We took the delightful back lanes into Ambleside and almost arrived without incident - until Roger managed to cause Peter and David to come off. Fortunately injuries were not serious. Mark was waiting for us as agreed: he had gone into Ambleside early to get his arm re-dressed at the health centre. We bought a good lunch and ate it in the large park, where space and time allowed a game of Forfeits with Michael's tennis ball.

Once the inevitable water fight had been concluded we set about climbing up to Kirkstone Pass in sweltering conditions. This turned out to be a little easier than we had anticipated, although there was a sting in the tail in the form of a hidden valley before the final climb. Michael kept tight control of the leading riders on the descent, but was unable to prevent Roger from waiting at the top and then tearing down the hill at suicidal speed. He looked a little sick when he rounded a corner about half-way down to find Michael waiting there with the others!

Neil had to fix a puncture when we arrived at Glenridding. There were far more tourists here than we had expected, most of them lazing on the banks of Ullswater.

One final effort helped us up the 1½ mile track to Helvellyn hostel, the former home of the manager of the now disused lead mines. We were divided into four dormitories, but the hostel was comfortable. Some youngsters were slightly disturbed to discover that the two showers were side-by-side behind a single non-locking door, separated only by a half-partition!

Michael was the only person adventurous enough to climb the hill behind the hostel that evening and enjoy the excellent sunset behind the distant Lakeland hills. The rest preferred a mix of pool and other indoor games - except David, that is, who discovered that his derailleur was now totally useless. He spent much of his evening removing the remains and getting very oily.

We had to make an early start if we were to reach the station by 1045. There was still time to persuade another hosteller to take some group photographs for us before we sped off along the side of Ullswater, heading out of the national park which had given us so much pleasure.

All the trains left Penrith on time, although two of our number almost didn't: Neil and David went out shopping and returned just three minutes before their train was due to depart!

The drizzle began, but now it didn't bother us. As we entertained ourselves on the long train journeys homewards, we contemplated our week's holiday. We had indeed been fortunate with the weather, and fortunate also to have such a good group of enthusiastic cyclists.