From Beaumont to Casterton via Arnside - Sunday 31st July 2022
/The last Cyclists Touring Club ride in July was a 50 mile excursion to Casterton Golf Club near Kirkby Lonsdale. The day dawned disappointingly damp, but with the promise of brighter conditions to come. With some Club stalwarts enjoying the rides at the Semaine Federale in Brittany, it was an enthusiastic small band who squelched their way to Beaumont for the departure. The coffee stop at Arnside New Barns was reached by a direct route via Carnforth, where thankfully we were able to wheel our bikes through the chaos caused by malfunctioning TTL’s in the town centre.
As we dropped down to Leighton Moss, blue skies suddenly appeared to the north west and the rain receded. Waterproofs were stowed away before the climb along The Row, and by the time we reached Far Arnside prospects for the day were drastically enhanced, to the extent that we had to seek protection from the sun as we sat at a picnic bench at the Bob-In. Continuing, another member joined the group as we rode along Arnside Promenade, bringing our numbers to eight. The outlines of the Lakeland Peaks were pin-sharp in the welcome sunshine.
Our route took us along the valley of Leighton Beck, skirting Hale Moss through the crag-filled woods of Fell End, and crossing the A6 at the Wildlife park. Over the moss to Burton, we braced ourselves for the climb up the contours to Dalton, taking time to snatch glimpses of Clawthorpe Fell. Joining the main Burton to Whittington for the final climb to Dalton Crags car park, we looked forward to the long descent, with the mass of Ingleborough presiding over the sun-refreshed landscape. Then it was ever-downwards to Biggins and through the throngs of day trippers in Kirkby Lonsdale to lunch at the Golf Club, sat in the sun for a very extended repast. Here ,we gained another two members to accompany us home.
It was after 2pm before we were stirred into action, some anxious to get back to watch the Euros Final. The unusually quiet B road took us to Newton, before we gained the lanes to climb over the final fell of the day and into the tranquil Keer Valley and on to Capernwray. Everyone reached home well in advance of the kick-off, after a splendid day ‘awheel ‘ in the stunning countryside of North Lancashire.
The CTC welcomes new riders. You can find out about us and access our Rides Diary at www.ctclancaster.org.uk
Len Howard
