Cant remember what the little place is called, but theres a pub called The Mill/Mill House or summit, just after that, there is a little bridge, then road splits left or right. (bout 4 or 5 miles before Greystoke)

Normally i take the right, along a nice stretch then onto the A66 for a little while. Has anyone used the road/track to the left, and if so, whats it like compared to the other route/a66. Just fancy a change of scenery in June!

Are you talking about the pub called "The Mill Inn" at Mungrisdale and doe's the road go past Thanet Well and Johnby, then back to Greystoke.

yip, thats it, the Mill Inn. i tend to veer right towards the a66, nice country wide road. aint a clue whats left at the juction, but curious as to if its easier/faster than the other way

If it's the alternative route from Mungrisdale and it go's over bridge, passes Murrah and Berrier. There is slight climb from 762' to 1130' then a descent to short of the A66. The total ascent for this 4.2 mile section is 428'

I don't think I have done this alternative, always stuck to South of A66. Looks good and worth a try. I may do that route if I do the C2C this year.

This detour is worthier than the main route as you don't end up cycling alongside the main road - also some stunning views.

Im not into all these ascent numbers (only interested in descents, lol)

How long would you say (time), from the Mill Inn to Greystoke via second route, and how long (agian, time), up cycle/walk the ascent?

Using this pub as a possible "support stop" ..

anyone gotta postcode for mileage count from keswick/Greystoke..

Im thinking about the 40/42mile marker?

CA12 5JD - that's the Pedlar Cafe in the centre of Keswick.
CA11 0TP - that's the postcode of the pub in Greystoke - The Boot & Shoe.
CAI I OXR - that's the Mill Inn at Mungrisdale.

That left turn at the Mill Inn means you're heading for the back of Skiddaw and places like Caldale and Hesket Newmarket - nice little villages. The Reivers route goes this way and takes you across Mosedale Common. It's a nice alternative to following the more direct route by the A66.

so, how much easier and faster is the a66 route compared to the alternative route?

I did the A66 (express route) the last time I did C2C from Scales to Penrith. It's much easier and a lot faster and did not have no problems with passing cars, just cycle fast (15-20mph)