Sunday 18th September. Beaumont to Ingleton, Ribblehead, Horton and Wray
/The forecast was for a cloudy day, with possible showers around lunchtime in the vicinity of Ribblehead. However, the day got off to a fine start and there was a good turn-out at Beaumont for the Cyclists Touring Club ride. We cycled out to Halton, past the army camp, then joined the Lune Cycleway by Denny Beck bridge which has now re-opened following “works” on the bridge. There was evidence of some new paint on the iron-work, but the job appeared to be only half done – a bit disappointing, but not surprising in the current economic climate.
At the end of the cycle track we took the roads to Wray, then on to Wennington and up Ravens Close. This hill seems to get longer with passing time, or is it just some of us aren’t as fit as we used to be? Our climbing efforts were rewarded with the long swoop down, then onward to Ingleton for a welcome morning coffee stop at Inglesport Café. As we cycled into the village we encountered our first shower, somewhat earlier than forecast.
Leaving Ingleton after a relaxed and convivial break, we dropped down the hill, over the river and then up the initially steep climb on the Twistleton Scar road to Chapel le Dale. Noting the speedy traffic on the main Ingleton to Hawes road, we were glad to be on the quiet side of the valley. When we re-joined the Hawes road, our climbing muscles were put back to use on the gradual climb up to Ribblehead. The viaduct was looking splendid and was clearly being enjoyed by the many car users who had parked up at the road junction to Horton in Ribblesdale. Taking this relatively quiet road we soon made our next destination – Blind Beck farm café just before entering the village of Horton. Good, solid cyclists’ fare of baked beans and eggs refuelled us for the next leg of our journey.
Passing through Horton in Ribblesdale, and still helped by a following wind and welcome sunshine, we took the Helwith Bridge and Austwick road, still hugging the sides of Ingleborough, and (almost) completing our circuit of this wonderful hill which so dominates our skyline to the east. In Austwick we turned left after the church, down to the A65, then across to Keasden and the cyclist-haven of Mewith Lane back to Wray. On this second visit we stopped at the Bridge House café for further liquid refreshments and chat.
On leaving Wray, the group split at the junction to Hornby, with some taking our outward route straight back to Lancaster, and others going via Hornby and Gressingham to the communities north of Lancaster. Rain once more caught up with us on the final leg home, but as we neared the coast the sun returned to cheer us back after our great adventure. A 60 miler day to be proud of.
For more information about our club, please see our website: ctclancaster.org.uk. We have regular rides on Sundays and Thursdays. New riders are always welcome.