Instead of going direct from Slaidburn to Carlisle the CTC LEJOG guide suggests Kirkby Stephen as a possible intermediate stage. There are climbs soon after leaving Slaidburn and from Sedbergh to Kirkby Stephen but otherwerwise the distance covered today is modest leaving time to explore Sedburgh and Kirkby Stephen. The route passes also near Kirkby Longsdale (popular with motor-cyclists) and minimises travel on the busy A65 and here I have applied what I hope is a small improvement to my cycled route. I went through Casterton but instead from Cowan Bridge it's possible to leave the A65 sooner to head north to Sedburgh.
This cycling route is ideal for:
Road bike
You will cycle on the following surfaces:
Paved