Sunday 11 October solo ride over Lowgill Heights

8am start to beat the traffic, I set out from Piccadilly, via Barton Road and Newlands for my usual Postern Gate route, passing Caton Green, to go through Wray. I ascended the road to the Lowgill turn, past the end of Mewith lane to take the White Pits Lane. Views from this quiet lane were misty but beautiful.

Arriving at the end, somewhat above Lowgill, I decided to turn right on the Slaidburn/Cross of Greet road to explore Ringstones Lane and return over the tops to Wray -  190foot mistake! At the entrance to Ringstones Lane “Road Closed, Businesses Open”. No problem for a cyclist! Each of the 2 farms I passed had a “Road Closed Ahead” sign. Then, just above Lanefoot Bridge, over Crossdale Beck, I encountered a much more informative sign, (which would have been more useful at the T-junction, half-a-mile and 190feet back!), “Road closed to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists”.

Never mind. I’d intended to do a few hills, so I retraced and set off back up, then down the road towards Lowgill. I picked up the next downhill: “25% unsuitable for motors”, and joined the road going up through Lowgill and down to cross Stairend Bridge over the Hindburn.

There followed a delightful stiff climb through woodland (3 walkers were there before me). Ignoring the left turn to Higher Thushgill, I continued uphill, until I reached a cattle grid on White Moss at 230 m a.s.l. I stopped for a drink and was passed by a couple on bikes, who’d come the more gentle way from Wray. Later there was a group of about six riders going the opposite way to me. The day was now warming up and the views of the Yorkshire and the north Lancashire fells were stunning. There was a clear 120 degree panorama of mountains to my northwest.

The freewheel down to Wray was very welcome. A further delight, at Bridge House Farm cafe, apart from the coffee and scone was  meeting (socially distanced) Neil, Tracey, Geoff, John J and Kenny who were riding to Casterton Golf club. My route back was similar to the outbound route, getting me back for lunchtime,. 36 miles, 3100feet.

Mike Codd