Sunday ride to Clapham via Ireby Green, 6th June 2021

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There were only five of us at the Boot and Shoe and we set off a bit late over the Newlands and Quernmore Roads to Caton, Brookhouses and then Wray. There had been a move to stop at the Bridge Cafe but having gathered another rider waiting patiently for us, we set off westwards, crossed the River Hindburn and then turned north up Russell’s Lane to join the Old Moor Road. There were few cars and the roadside was full of wafting cow parsley with the odd pink campion. A whizz down Long Lane took us into Low Bentham and to the steep pull out on Burton Road. The elec. assist on Matt’s recumbent trike meant he was able to be our back marker, discouraging blasé overtakers even on the hills. Once on the top we had an almost straight undulating route to Burton with the countryside spread out on either side. The recent top dressing meant that we were all a bit cautious of going too fast down hill and round the bends on the descent to the River Greta.

From Burton it is an easy ride along Ireby road to the Cafe at Ireby Green with great views across fields of buttercups, daisies and grass that had been left to grow, eastwards towards Ingleborough and the line of fells. Glorious views across the countryside were a feature of the day’s ride which was marked by blue skies, little wind and clear air. At Ireby Green we met all those CTC riders who had followed the less exotic routes popular with more cars. The cafe is well organised and was very busy with many cyclists as well as petrol heads.

Those coming on - a couple dropped out, a few joined - retraced our route back across the River Greta to wind along the minor roads to the east of the A56 (Bentham Moor Road, Dumb Tom’s Lane, Langber End Lane, Whinney Mire Lane). This was a new route to some of us, though others were reminded of solo rides during lockdown. The lanes were quiet and gave us a route towards Clapham without including Ingleton or High Bentham. Once east of the A56 there was of course a climb up through the pretty hamlet of Cold Cotes on Lowkber Lane to the Old Road between Ingleton and Clapham, that got steeper and steeper. A breather at the top gave us a chance to take in the panorama looking south-west before gliding off on a freewheel descent into Clapham.

The Reading Room and Bunk House where we’ve enjoyed many a poached-egg-and-beans-on-toast is no longer in business. The building has been taken over by someone selling drinks and snacks but had little to offer us. The village shop however has become a thriving business selling all sorts and welcoming cyclists by offering to fill water bottles and providing a DIY tea counter.

Our way home was by the traditional Reeebys Lane and Mewith Lane big dipper, again giving views of the fells away to our right. The day was too good to end soon so we all pulled into the Bridge cafe at Wray for tea and ices and more chat. It was good to be riding in company again and to find out how everyone had been faring over the last eighteen months.

Tim Dant

CTC  Sunday Ride to Grange over Sands    30th May ‘21

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Lancaster and South Lakes Cyclists Touring Club enjoyed a 60 mile Bank Holiday Sunday ride to bustling and sun-drenched Grange via Beetham. Seven riders hastened from Beaumont to the Garden Centre for morning coffee, taking in the delightfully green and pleasant countryside around Burton and Holme. We met up with another four Club members for a good chin-wag before eventually deciding that we needed to turn the cranks again in direction Grange.

The lanes around Heversham were busy, as was the A6 for the short distance to the A590 before we regained the lanes at Levens Village. Passing the Derby Arms and through Meathop, encountering family groups seeking solitude, we arrived in Grange to a carnival atmosphere, with brightly-roofed craft-stocked gazebos on the promenade.

After being slowly baked in the mid-day sun we tried to generate a welcome breeze with an initially rapid ride to Lindale and up the Winster Valley, taking a slightly more circuitous route past Witherslack Church. A further more hilly departure from the traditional route, around Mill Side, occasioned a mild revolt by half of the company before a choreographed reunification at the cross roads on the old A590.

Crossing the very busy dual carriageway at Gilpin Bridge was thought too risky, so it was a retrace to Levens Village and onwards over Heversham Moss , Sandside and Storth. As it was only 4 o’clock, advantage was taken of the recently re-opened café at Leighton Moss RSPB, sitting in the shade until gentle hints caused us to head for home.

The Club programme of rides and other events can be found on our website, www.ctclancaster.org.uk

Len Howard

Thursday Ride to Little Town Farm (Thornley) 27 May

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We gathered at the Boot and Shoe for our ride to Little Town Dairy at Thornley near Longridge with an anticipated stop in Scorton for coffee on the way there and on the way back.

Setting off on our usually route through the University. The six of us were enjoying the warm sunny weather. In Galgate we turned up Stoney Lane passing Five Lane Ends and went through Street to turn right at Harris End cross roads. Heading for Scorton we took the first left to go over the water splash and travel along the fell road. In stead of doing the “Barnacre Loop” which would have meant us back tracking on ourselves we turned right to drop down to Snow Hill Lane and on to our refreshment stop at the Barn.

Suitably refreshed we went through Garstang and turned left at the Brockholes Arms to weave our way through the lanes going through Inglewhite to arrive at Chipping Road coming out of Longridge which meant after a left turn it was about a mile to our lunch time stop.

We had an excellent lunch sat in the warm sun(included a bottle of beer for me and Mike to show how the lockdown is starting to ease!). After lunch it was across the road to take the road down the side of the Derby Arms. We weaved our way though the pleasant country lanes avoiding the turn to Walmsley Bridge and Claughton Estate to arrive back into Scorton via Sandholme Mill.

Another refreshment stop but without Mike and Tim who both decided to carry on home.

Leaving Daisy Clough we decided to take our usual Winmarleigh loop as it was such a lovely afternoon. Eventually the six were whittled down to 3 the others making their own way home.

By the time I arrived home at 17.15 I had 52 miles in my legs but very pleasant miles with excellent company

Anyone who is interested in joining us can find information about our regular club rides on Thursdays and Sundays on our website: www.ctclancaster.org.uk

Jim Gardner

CTC Ride to Arnside:  Sunday  23 May 2021.

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Lancaster & South Lakes Cyclists Touring Club enjoyed its first organised Sunday ride for 14 months on the 23 May. The Sunday rides programme was relaunched with a leisurely 40 mile ride to Arnside, including some extended cafe stops to allow us to socialise after the long break in activity.

Eight riders gathered at Beaumont College and headed to the morning coffee stop at Farleton View fisheries, pushed along by a fresh breeze from the south. A weather eye was kept on the higher ground to try to spot encroaching showers as the route followed quiet lanes through the Kellets, Capernwray, Borwick and Priest Hutton. At Cinderbarrow a brief heavy shower meant a frantic search for waterproofs before continuing via Hilderstone to Holme and the much anticipated rest at Farleton View. Here awaited us another five Club members, some of whom we hadn’t seen for over a year. Thus began an extended sociable interlude. Knowing that we hadn’t far to go and that we might even escape the forecast more persistent rain.

Eventually we set off again through Woodhouse, Heversham, and across the Moss to Sandside and Arnside. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the excellent Wayside Café opposite the Station had reopened. So began another sociable soiree before turning our wheels in the direction of Silverdale, Carnforth and our respective homes.

The forecast heavy rain duly arrived at about 4 pm, after everyone had got home and put their feet up with another mug of tea. All in all, a steady start to our relaunched Sunday rides programme. Details of all our regular Club rides can be found on www.ctclancaster.org.uk, if you are interested in joining us.

Millennium Bridge to Milnthorpe 13 May

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Ride on Thursday 13th May by Jim Gardner

Six of us met on the Millennium Bridge in Lancaster for a ride to Greenlands for coffee then lunch at Milnthorpe and hopefully an afternoon break at Silverdale Golf Club.

Following the river initially we turned left at the army camp heading for the Kelletts. Once through the Kelletts a pleasant run to Tewitfield and Greenlands.

After a refreshment stop at “Wellies” we headed towards Burton but turned left heading to Holme via the “mucky farm”. After Holme things got interesting because we ran into the monsoon belt. A quick stop enabled 5 of us to don our waterproofs leaving the sixth to get soaked!!

In Milnthorpe Tim and Phil decided that the weather wasn’t going to improve so they didn’t linger and set off for home whilst me, Mike, Ian and Keith sat in the rain and had lunch from Sue’s Cumbria takeway and had a quick chat with my youngest daughter.

Suitably refreshed we set off going through the deer park and weaving our way to Silverdale Golf Club where we enjoyed a cup of tea (or coffee). On our way the roads dried out as if it hadn’t rained at all.

After the afternoon break we set off and decided to go up and over Warton Crag (mmmmm) then crossed the A6 at Carnforth lights then into the Kelletts via the road past the quarry(it’s a stinker).Over the motorway we turned left heading for Kellett crossroads where we turned left to drop down into Halton and over the metal bridge and back to Lancaster by the new cycle track and home via the railway station.

All in all a good ride with 40 miles (and 2700 feet. Ed.) on the clock by the time I got home

Anyone who is interested in joining us can find information about our regular club rides on Thursdays and Sundays on our website:  www.ctclancaster.org.uk.” 

A Haylot Advnture - Mike Codd's Ride 6 May

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I set out with three others from Millennium Bridge at 9:15. We headed by the simplest route – riverside – A683 – Wray, Bridge House Farm for coffee and sustenance. Sitting outside, we put the world to rights for a while, girding our loins for the next part of the ride into the hills.

We had to engage bottom-bottom gear almost from the get-go up School Lane, hitting an early steep section, before the ascent moderated. We continued climbing,  then came the stinker after what had already been a hard ascent, passing a house on our left, the road hit a long 15%before levelling out for a superb panorama, where we all stopped for a breather.

Sweeping round from the east, we spotted Fountains Fell, Pen-y- Ghent, Ingleborough, Whernside, Gragareth, Crag Hill. Then to the northwest, we saw cloud and mist over the Lake District fells, where it clearly was raining.

That was the Taster.

Keith left us here with prior arrangements. We three joined Moor Lane, continuing uphill, and stopped again, just past the first cattle-grid, to catch our breath, then continued, descending steeply to cross the Roeburn, then steeply up past the little chapel where a parked car, boot open, displayed large tea-making kettles and teapots - clearly a chapel that people used.

Continuing up on this road (which eventually leads to the Hornby Road) we opened the gate on the right, clearly labelled “Haylot”. This took us downhill, to cross the Roeburn again then through a gate onto a steep ,recently-tarmacked road. The workers had filled the holes well with loose gravel, but not using enough tar, had left it in an unsuitable condition for safe cycling, so we walked for 100 yards, before picking up the climb to Haylot Farm. Then it started hailing, fortunately not heavily.

Undaunted, we enjoyed a rapid descent to cross a feeder stream of the Roeburn, pushing again for a while then ascending to near Winder.

Ahead of the others, I turned left, suddenly coming across the intended turn to Crossgill. Turning round, I saw Tim follow round the corner and come to a stop; Phil, who had been ahead of him was spotted descending rapidly straight on.

After some thinking Tim and I descended through Crossgill, then met Phil coming in on the other road. Ride rescued!

We then descended to cross Artle Beck, then up to The Cragg. I suffered the “bonk” on this ascent, being in bottom-bottom gear up to the top, but managed to stay in the saddle. A quick swig of sweetened cold black coffee sorted it out.

After this, the ride became easier. We descended, past Baines Cragg, turning left down Rigg Lane, through Quernmore, zipping along Bay Horse road to 5-Lane Ends where we took the Chipping road.

Past the Fleece, we turned right and descended across the M6 and through Cleveley Bank then  right to arrive at The Barn, where queues of would be diners convinced us we’d go to Daisy Clough on Station Lane. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch, only briefly interrupted when we left our exposed table for a sheltered one, recently vacated, to avoid a passing shower.

We crossed the A6, past Holly farm and then joined the road to Cockerham, then, turning off at Thurnham, approached Glasson, via Jeremy Lane. All were keen to get home by now, so we eschewed tea and cakes in Glasson and took the riverside path back to Aldcliffe, where we dispersed for home.

We rode only 45 miles but climbed 3660 feet – Phew!!

 

Mike Codd

Ian's meander, 29th April 2021

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There have been a couple of informal groups riding together since the ‘rule of six’ returned and I joined one of them a couple of times recently. This ride was led by Ian, with Mike, Jim, Keith and Phil following his twists and turns between cardinal coffee stops. To the north we went to Wellies at Greenlands for coffee and scones, to the east we stopped off at Wray for lunch of bacon butties and poached eggs. And then the rest went on to have some tea in Scorton. None of these stops is very far from Lancaster (which made it easy for Phil and I to bunk off after lunch) but as we set off in the right direction, Ian would put in a short ‘diversion’ to ‘get in some extra miles’. Such as the pretty road going east from Priest Hutton that bypasses Borwick. But then we did some work puffing up Sunny Bank! There are other informal groups (we saw the Bolton-le-Sands mob zip off up the A6070 while we stuffed scones…) that have been riding together, everyone beginning to get fitter in time for the emergence of a new rides programme in a few weeks time if the restrictions are relaxed a bit further.

Hope to be linking up with more old friends (they are mostly old…) in the not-too-distant future!

Tim Dant, 2nd May 2021

A Footnote to “Ian's Meanderings” - The Cardinal Tuesday Morning Coffee Shops

on 29th April, 2021

From Millenium Bridge we gained Greenlands Farm (the most northerly) via Kellet Lane, Back Lane, the wooden bridge, Back Lane & Borwick Lane (Warton), the A6 and the A6070.

After coffee, having surmounted Sunny Bank as per Tim's write-up, we used Rabbit Lane into Gressingham, Loyne Bridge, the A683 to Melling, Lodge Lane over Melling Moor to Wennington and the 'B' road to Wray, for Bridge House Farm (the most easterly).

From lunch it was 'the usual' valley route to Claughton where Tim & Phil cut for home. The 'main party' of three climbed over Caton Green then climbed to Postern Gates for a traverse of 'Happy Valley before taking a left turn over Procter Moss, down into Lower Dolphinholme and the Wagon Road to Street for a right turn at Harris End crossroads, down Long Lane, a left up Brewers Lane, across the bridge by the ford then Higher Lane, across the top of Snowhill Lane to descend Tithebarn Lane for tea at The Barn (the most southerly).

We wended our merry way home via Cleveley Bank, Whams Lane and the university, to give me personally a total of 54 miles, front door to front door.

Ian Roberts.

Jim's Circuit of Lancaster 22 April 2021

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We decided as it was such a lovely day for the three of us (Mike CODD, Ian Robert’s and Jim Gardner) to do a complete circuit of Lancaster.
We started at the old railway station at Halton and went up the cycle track to Caton where we took the Postern Gate road, but at Postern Gate we turned left to head over “happy valley” (also known as Bay Horse Road!) and through Quernmore. Just as we were arriving at Five Lane Ends a sharp left turn took us up the very long drag on Strawbank before we dropped down into Dolphinholme village.
We left Dolphinholme using the Wagon Road but instead of turning right at the end we turned left on Tinkers Lane to join the Trough road which we used to descend into Scorton for a much needed refreshment stop at the Priory (coffee, sausage butties and veg hotpot!)
Scorton was left via Station Road and we crossed the A6 on to Cabus Nook Lane to head for the Cockerham road. At Thurnham we went left on to Moss Lane then Jeremy Lane and round the back of Glasson Marina to get our dinner at the Bistro cafe(excellent food, sat in the sun, the chips are fabulous not greasy).
Using the old railway line to Lancaster then the cycle track passing the race track to Snatchems (tide was out), Overton, Middleton then a coffee at Half Moon Bay cafe before we risked the prom at Morecambe. Which idiot suggested the ride along the prom in weather like that??? (Go on, Jim. It wasn’t that bad! ED.).
At Hest Bank we cut through the lanes to Hatlex Lane crossing the A6 to head past Kellet cross roads dropping down to Halton and over the metal bridge to complete our circuit.
By the time I got home I had just clocked up 60 miles but the beauty about this sort of ride is anyone feeling it is too much they can cut it short at a lot of points because nowhere were we more than 10 miles from the centre of Lancaster.
Any one who feels they would like to join us our web site is CTCLancaster.org.uk which gives details (soon - Ed. - Mike Codd) of our Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday rides .

JIm Gardner

Sunday Rides, 29/11 and 06/12/20

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Last week’s ride was a bit of an unintended exploration.  We had intended a route to Slaidburn via Longridge, Hodder Bridge, Waddington and Grindleton, returning via Dunsop Bridge, to Longridge and Preston.  In the event, the ride went as planned as far as Dunsop Bridge, with a break for elevenses at Slaidburn.

However, the road between Dunsop Bridge and Whitewell was completely blocked by shoring work where it runs alongside the Hodder, so we were forced to return via the Trough to Marshaw thence to Oakenclough (ok, we could have gone via Scorton).  Route 90 through Bilsborrow was also closed (by United Utilities); this forced a last minute diversion through Inglewhite to reach Preston.

This week’s ride (6 Dec) was altogether different.  It was inspired by rides led by Nick Hall, with an attempt to complete a long distance without being far from home.  The first target was Jeffrey Hill.  From near the golf club we had fine views of a beautiful cloud inversion in the Ribble Valley.  There was no ice, but the hilltops were coated with snow.

Our next hill was the section up Church Raike and past the chair factory at Chipping.  There are 3 sections of slope approaching a gradient of 20% towards the top.  However, the views were still wonderful along the road via Bleasdale village to Oakenclough and Harris End Fell and continued to be so throughout the ride, with sunny clear weather predominating.

Ian and I had a brief chat with Mike Hutchinson as he was returning home from Dolphinholme.  We rode together until Ian and I turned for Bay Horse.  The route was flattish from here, via Forton and Winmarleigh to reach Stake Pool for lunch.  A second traverse of the mosses took us via Nateby to Garstang to follow Route 6 then the A6 south for a while.

There was a traffic control on the A6 because of the large hole in the road here, this being the cause of the road blockage we encountered the previous week. However, we turned right at Owd Nell’s and headed along the St Michael’s road to reach Inskip.  The last leg took us to Traeles, then Clifton, before reaching the Guild Wheel and home.

Both rides were about 75 miles, the first one feeling longer because of almost 5000 feet of climbing, but both rides were very satisfying, and a goodly distance for a late Autumn ride.

Mike Bridges

Thursday ride 26 November 2020 – Fox & Goose to Clapham (Yorks).

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I set out with my companion in dry conditions heading for Bay Horse Road, via Blea Tarn Road.

A nice descent to cross the Conder, thne a stinky but fairly short thrutch (waking up the Alsatian on our left) followed by a steady climb to the junction, then offleft to Quernmore. We crossed and went our usual route to Wray, via Postern Gate and Caton Green.

The post office at Wray was selling takeaway tea and breakfast buns (bacon or 2 eggs), which we ate sitting at the shelter in the little park by the Hindburn. Off again and up the narrow lane beyond Millhouses to turn right at Old Moor Lane (I always think of his almanack!); left and right to ride to Mewith Lane which we kept on until just above Clapham station.

Yours truly had e-mailed Goat Gap Cafe but not received a response – or so I’d thought- the website said takeaways. However, when we reached Clapham I decided a bun in the hand was a good idea so we purchased food and tea at the village shop (womanned by volunteers). The sun had now reached Yorkshire (a quick call home informing me that Lancaster had been blessed from much earlier).

After, we crossed the A65 and diverted to Goat Gap to have a look, where we found the cafe shut –Whoops!

I hasten now to come to Goat Gap Cafe’s defence. Their reply to my e-mail came from a different address to the one I’d used to inquire, so I hadn’t got round to reading their advice and apology for being closed on Thursday; They are hoping to open up for takeaways after lockdown.

Thanking my stars for stopping in Clapham to eat, we continued through the Benthams and Wennington, stopping again at Wray PO for tea and cakes. We took the Millennium path off the A683, passing Caton. There were lots of walkers out, the weather being sunny. There were some people walking dogs, mainly well under control.

As we were descending the Lune Gorge opposite Halton, I saw a couple with two dogs, one on a lead, the other free-ranging up the left-hand bank. As I approached, I rang my bell and the couple reacted, moving to the left and calling the free-range dog, which came running down the banking and across the cycle path in front of my bike. I braked hard on the leaf-strewn tarmac; my front wheel locked and I fell heavily on my left elbow and left thigh.

The couple apologised and I said I would be OK, getting help from my companion who put my chain back on for me. We toddled back home another 4 miles, having completed about 50 miles and 3600 feet.

My house now stinks of “Deep Heat “

I wonder who the other phantom rider was, who seemed to be following us?

Mike Codd

Ride 19th November

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Know we had to stick to the COVID rules I met Ian at the Millenium Bridge for a days ride hopefully taking in Silverdale, Arnside and Milnthorpe. I had intended to go via the Kellett but stops for coffee and lunch might have been a problem so an agreement was reached we went the opposite way. 

Passing Kellet cross road then dropped down the steep road into Carnforth, over at the lights then over the wooden bridge heading for Silverdale via Low Row. Surprisingly we saw another couple of cyclists ahead seeming to be going the same way!

Passing Holgates(closed) we descended into Arnside where a coffee and refreshments were gained at the bakery.

We then took the main road towards Milnthorpe( were those two in front going the same way?) before we detoured across the moss, across the main A6 to climb the real stinky road to the Heversham road. First left started the climb out of Leasgill, through Woodhouse then drop down into Milnthorpe on what is unfortunately called “dog shit lane” 

Sue’s butty wagon was doing a roaring trade and meeting my daughter in the square made the day even better considering it was probably March since we met.

Coffee and a quarter pounder(plus cheese) and suitably refreshed we decided the normal way back home, but were these other two going the same way?? YES they were/did even going over by the quarries to drop into Halton by Arrow Lane.

44 miles in lovely weather(always is on my rides) and 3000 feet of climbing.

Still trying to work out who the other two were!!!

Jim Gardner

Sunday’s Ride to Southport 08/11/20

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We thought it would be quiet on Sunday, with lockdown in place and showers forecast.  However, although the first part of Sunday’s ride, along the A59 to Sollom, was quiet, later sections proved more traffic laden.  We chose our exercise route so as to follow Route 91 from Sollom in a loop around Ormskirk and back, but decided, after passing Martin Mere and taking a break (on one of our usual benches) near Halsall, we would leave Route 91 and head for the coast.

It was showery from here on, as we crossed the mosslands west of Ormskirk, and still fairly free of traffic.  Our choice of route took us into Formby to follow NCN Route 810 north from Formby Point along a delightful hard packed shared path north to meet the Trans Pennine Trail at Ainsdale Hills.  There were a few other cyclists and walkers on the trail; the traffic started as we reached the coast road.

This trail runs along Southport Promenade as far as Banks.  This road was quite busy on Sunday, despite lockdown.  Lunch was taken on a promenade bench, although there was not much of a view because of mist.  The afternoon session was along familiar roads between Banks and Mere Brow, where we re-joined Route 91 as far as Bretherton.  The road between Mere Bow and Sollom is still in the process of being resurfaced and is quite rough.

The traffic retreated later in the day as we crossed the fields via Much Hoole, Longton and Hutton, but returned as we followed the last section of A59 back into Penwortham.  Having used our lights last week, we were able to finish the road without them this week; I notice this seems to make for a more peaceful arrival at home!  It had been another good ride.

Mike Bridges

Thursday solo ride Bowland’s remote hills and Roman road.  Mike Codd - 5 November 2020

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I last rode (and pushed) the Hornby Road about 10 years ago. Our leader had injured her Achilles’ tendon the night before (Dangerous sport, country dancing) and her husband had phoned me to lead from the Boot & Shoe. On that dismal Sunday, I had about 6 followers and we all managed to ride most of the Salter’s track to High Salter farm. (Just remembered! We all got told off by a khaki clad “Little Hitler” bird watcher, for picnicking near his peregrine falcon’s nest!).

We probably pushed about a mile on the stony bits.

Today’s Ride

Today was different; covering  the previous hardened mud with thick gravel might have been a good idea for quad bikes but is no help to those on two wheels!

I started out from the Boot & Shoe and took the Newlands Road as far as the road to Quernmore, turning off on  Littlefell Lane and down Stock-a Bank to cross the Postern Gate road and head for Baines Crag.

I passed Haylot Farm and turned for the Salter farms to join the Hornby Road. The first 200 m was OK, then the loose gravel started. I got off and pushed; not because the hill was too steep, but because the back wheel was slipping. On the level, the traction was OK as long as I could keep up about 5-10 mph. Once I started climbing and the gravel re-appeared, the bike would move forward slowly, but would not steer. Back onto Shanks’s pony again.

I would say that the views were pleasant, but not distant and it had got mistier the further east I went.

At the first summit, I stopped for a bit of biscuit and a view of the tarmac track across the valley to Tarnbrook (maybe for later exploration?).

Continuing, the route got too stony to ride (as I’d expected) and later muddy and puddled (as I’d also expected). Then the route improved, with a lighter sprinkling of gravel and then sporadic patches of tarmac on ancient concrete - bumpy but rideable. Better concrete followed as I passed a lone rambler and the footpath on the left to House of Croasdale, turning into very welcome tarmac. I resolved never to do the Hornby Road again, unless on a mountain bike.

The rest of the ride was all on tarmac (Heaven!).

I took Back Lane to Newton, then riding above the River Hodder along the road that had been blocked by a motorbike accident during one of our Spring Audaxes (Remember that?). I stopped at Dunsop Bridge for a take-out coffee and a biscuit from Puddleducks – open for takeaways! I also had a nice socially distanced chat to a lady who’d ridden over from Fulwood.

The Trough of Bowland was waiting for me and traffic was very quiet as I continued for Abbeystead. At Dolphinholme, I took the right turn at the mini-roundabout and along a hilly but pleasant route, bringing me out at 5 Lane Ends – we should use it more often.

The remainder of the route was as normal, via the Uni and past Booths to home.

43 miles and 5020 feet - 7 hours!

 

Mike Codd

Sunday Run on the S Lancs Cycleway (25/10/20)

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Yesterday’s ride took us boldly where some of us never go.  We set off from Preston at 8.00 am, to make use of the hour, heading east via Mellor and Wilpshire before turning south for Church and Oswaldtwistle.  After our previous navigational deviations, we found Route 6 easier to follow this time past Accrington station and south up the old railway incline to reach Haslingden for a socially distanced morning break at the site of an old bank, now converted into a garden.

From Haslingden, the South Lancs Cycleway (Route 91) heads NE undulating as far as Rossendale before turning N and climbing gently for about 4 miles through Lumb and Water.  The scenery was increasingly wild as we climbed over Deerplay Moor and descended narrow lanes to Walk Mill.  Our next climb took us through Worsthorne (for a socially distanced lunch at the new War Memorial).

We zigzagged and undulated through wonderful moorland east of the Burnley/Nelson conurbation, eventually descending to Trawden.  The weather had been kind, with sunny periods following one early shower.  The brisk SW breeze was helpful, albeit cool.  Passing the well-known monument commemorating Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee, we bypassed Wycoller to reach Laneshaw Bridge before starting our next climb.

This ascent took us over the beautiful Kelbrook and Bleara Moors to reach the steep descent into Earby (where I started to realize my brakes needed some adjustment), thereby returning to the Ribble Valley.  Having been travelling generally northwards, we tuned west here to continue along Route 91 through Barnoldswick.  The roads from here are quiet (and undulating along a few single arrow climbs) and pretty and run into Downham.

Here we had our third break before we continued, now with lights, south westwards into the setting sun.  We followed Route 91 through Worston before deciding to take a more direct (and less hilly) Cycleway into Whalley.  Twilight was on us and we proceeded towards Preston by the most direct route – along the A59.  Our original route would have been via Ribchester and Longridge but we decided the back lanes would be no advantage in the dark.

We had no problem along the main road; traffic gave us a wide birth because of our lights. Being able to set a good cadence along the smooth tarmac, we soon reached the lights at the top of the hill at Samlesbury and here diverted on to the B6230 to reach Walton-le-Dale where the ride effectively finished and we headed for our different homes.

This is an excellent ride (although the finish was an expediency we would have avoided in the summer) but a long one, not so much because of the miles but because of the ascent.  We both enjoyed it, having completed 89 miles (97 for Ian) and over 7000 feet of climbing, and many miles of unfamiliar and scenic roads.  It had been a first class day!

Mike Bridges

A real Lancashire ride.

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The original North Lancashire Cycleway followed on from route planning for the Cumbria Cycleway. In pre- SUSTRAN National Route days the idea of joining up County Cycleways seemed an interesting proposition. Which is why the two adjoining routes shared a common section between Kirkby Lonsdale and Arnside. When the South Lancs circuit was added the planners took the opportunity to bring all of the section from Silverdale to Wray into its home County. Putting Lancashire into COVID level 3 and advising to avoid crossing into surrounding counties gave me the impetus to ride this top end of our County Cycleway.
Route 90 is mainly sign posted and by linking from Hornby to Brookhouse, most of the 30 miles follow the Cycleway. Following the blue Route 90 signs I obviously started from Nether Kellet.

Head down towards Carnforth traffic lights. Go straight ahead on the main road, R by the station then L sp onto the narrow lane. Soon R cross the foot/cycle bridge out towards Warton. L and follow the road over the level crossing, uphill to the road junction. L the L again to Wolf House gallery/cafe. Go R to Silverdale, L through the village. Resist the temptation to turn towards Arnside, its in Cumbria!  Sp Route 90 Continue to T junction L. Shortly ignore road to Arnside and continue along lane above Leighton Beck to a junction with a confusion of signs. Follow the lane on the right sp Yealand Redmayne uphill (steep first part]  L at the bottom of the hill and shortly L again sp to cross A6.

Follow SP to R and then L onto sometimes muddy lane leading over the main railway line, the M6 and the canal down to the once important coach road to Burton. Turn R (just keeping inside Lancashire) to next L turn to Priest Hutton. Wander through this village and Borwick before forking left. Immediately after the railway bridge L passing Docker Park and following signs to Arkholme. R in village up to the top of Arkholme hill L down Rabbit Lane to Gressingham. Cross River Lune into Hornby.

Leave Lancs Cycleway following A683, pass brickworks and L uphill to Brookhouse. Continue through the village, straight on to meet the road coming out of the Quernmore valley. R back onto the Lancashire Cycleway. L at A683 then R at Crook of Lune.. Continue through Halton, pass Greyhound pub then R up Foundry Lane. At Kellet Lane R back to Nether Kellet. 30 miles.

R - right,
L -left,
sp -blue Route 90 Lancashire Cycleway.

This route can be accessed in Warton, Hornby, Brookhouse/ Caton and Halton. Various roads lead from Lancaster and Morecambe.
 Brian Greenwood

Run Report Sun 25th OCT 2020. Solo Autumn ride

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The extra spare hour in the morning gave time to dig the old Mercian out from it’s slumbers in the garage, and a quick check over, finding some lights, old Carradice fitted, and it was out and up and over Sunnybank, through Hornby to Wray. Bridge House tearoom was not busy, so a quick coffee and date slice outside in the sun , a short chat to two riders who were about to tackle Salter Fell , and it was off through Wennington, up Ravenclose, over to Ingleton. In nice Autumn sunshine , a big helping of sticky toffee pudding , and another coffee was enjoyed outside the cafe near the viaduct. Taking Tatterthorn Rd  over to High Bentham, on fairly quiet roads it was a pleasant run through to Wennington and Hornby. Leaving Gressingham, Rabbit Lane was taken to the Arkholme road then the climb over to Docker Park . With low sunshine making visibility tricky at times, it was a familiar run back through Borwick to Warton.

The old Mercian had behaved itself, and I’d almost forgotten how comfortable it is to ride, and how nice downtube friction shifters are!  Just watching the final Stage of the Giro!

DAVE HUGILL

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A made up ride for two - 18th October 2020

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I thought it might be nice to ride with some company which I hadn’t done for a bit so I tried to join a ride that Phil told me about that Mike was organising. So I turned up at Crook O’Lune at 9am willing to go off and do my own thing if there were already six. But there was no one. After a while, Phil turned up, surprised that there was no sign of Mike or Jim. So it goes. So we set off up through Halton Park, not entirely sure where we were going. But Phil wanted to show me some gates in Lupton that his son had made. So that’s where we went. Along the Kirkby road, down Sunny Side (the road was a bit greasy so I didn’t let go - but it was still a whizz) and then right up Keer Holme Lane. It’s a lovely unspoilt valley with views across green fields and hills with very few cars. Up on the road to Whittington we hung a left through Hutton Roof and then on down to Lupton. The gates were very pretty and rather unusual - neither of us could have afforded the gates let alone the house and its surroundings… On a low wall just beyond All Saints Church, on the delightfully named Goodmickle Lane, we had a sandwich and enjoyed the view across Lupton Beck valley. Back on the bikes with the sandwich eating version of cafe legs, we turned east and then south east to enter Kirkby via Kearstwick. Pootling through Kirkby and across Devils Bridge we took the steep and rather slippery Chapel House Lane up to the Roman Road to Barbon called Long Level. A bit of A65 and then north-east through Leck and Ireby where we took a pause for Phil to change a tube. An ideal place to do it; a wide green verge, a bench and a babbling brook. And no rain!

We came home through Ireby Green, Burton in Lonsdale, Wennington and Wray. Not a long ride but great countryside. It would have been fun to ride in a slightly larger group - but we didn’t see any other CTC riders. Which is rather unusual for a Sunday ride out from Lancaster.

Tim Dant

Ride to Arnside (18/10/20)

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I am not writing a detailed report of yesterday’s ride.  I dare say that some will interpret current instructions to mean that one cannot visit areas of lower levels of Covid infection.  The restrictions are capable of being interpreted in a variety of ways.  My current style of riding includes no café stops or any other form of planned interaction with locals.

We were quickly into the ride, with a morning stretch along the A6 via Lancaster and Carnforth to Leisure Lakes before turning for Warton.  We continued to Silverdale via the entrance to Leighton Hall and took a break on a bench near the RSPB reserve.  Our only conversation was with fellow group member Ruth who was on her way to the reserve for a coffee.  It was good to see her out.

Our route continued along Slackwood Lane to Silverdale then past Arnside Tower to Arnside, the way lined with trees whose foliage was tinted in a variety of autumnal colours.  Apart from taking a few photos, we did not stop but headed onwards for Milnthorpe, then Ackenthwaite, turning southwards for Holme and Burton.

We took lunch at Over Kellet, where, ironically, we spotted Ruth returning to Lancaster, probably under the impression that Ian and I do nothing but eat (Bench to Bench rather than Café to Café).  We continued via the Kellet’s to Halton and Caton, picking up the road for Quernmore.

Safely south of the Lune, we headed for Scorton, then onwards using Route 6 and Route 90 to reach Bilsborrow and Woodplumpton, separating at Cottam to make our separate ways home.  The result – 98 miles of enjoyment for me; slightly less for Ian.  We are heading south east again next week.

Mike Bridges

Sunday 11 October solo ride over Lowgill Heights

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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