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8th January: Ride To Mawdesley
We met at Ken Glaze's house for this ride, which Ken had planned and today was to
lead. Twelve riders set off on this cold and misty day towards Andertons Mill, once
there we took a right turn to start the climb to the top of Harrock Hill, and it's
now in ruins windmill. Here Ken treated us to a brief history of the mill and the
surrounding area, some members took time out to explore the ruins, it was a pity
about the mist, we would have had some quite distant and picturesque views from this
vantage point. Leaving the ruin behind, we re-
After lunch we took the lanes across Hoscar Moss to the railway level crossing at Four Lane Ends, this is probably the worst run crossing for cyclists in the country, the operators will not raise the road crossing barriers for cyclists, we have to use the pedestrian gates which take us diagonally across the two tracks, it's a nightmare! Following this crossing we continued to the canal and followed it's towpath to Parbold, past the second windmill on this ride at the canal bridge.
We now followed the 'B' roads through Parbold back to our start point at Hilldale, and Ken's house. Again we enjoyed his hospitality, and gave him our grateful thanks for organising and leading the ride.
Safe riding and all the best, Brian Parkinson.
Click here to see the photos of the ride.
25th January: A ride to Sefton Meadows Garden Centre from Southport
A crisp, bright and sunny Southport morning for the start, soon away to keep warm,
to 1st brew at Formby. Followed railway to Hightown and Mersey to Crosby beach, too
wet to pose with the Iron Men. Past Hall Rd. to Little Crosby and Lunt over the Alt
at Showricks bridge onto Cheshire lines to be met by Eddy. Joined Dot & Ken at Sefton
Meadow garden center, great value 2-
Dug H.
Click here to see the photos of the ride.
29th March: A ride to Clarion House and Barley
Glancing up from her toast and marmalade Laura announced;
“Rough Stuff ride on Sunday”
She brooked no dissension, so here we are at Spring Wood car park looking forward to a sunny day.
Straight away the tone is set as we ride upward, with extra up. Took a while to get going on the road but we caught everyone eventually, our Marins’ coming into their own once on the rougher ground. The first of the days vistas unfolds at the ‘Nick’ followed by a downhill blast at I’m told, around 37+mph.
Curiously Andy pedalled all the way down, the explanation? His touring machine has a fixed wheel! I felt humbled, even with my twenty odd gears he’s faster up and down.
We threaded our way through tracks and lanes to Clarion House to enjoy a proprietary brand of chocolate and good, hot and above all cheap tea. Laura and I elected for the half pint as it was still a way to the rustic pit stop at Downham.
After a short while we arrived at Barley where the promise of a bacon buttie led us to wend our way through the overflowing car park, you need eyes in the back of your head. All the drivers see are the last parking space and are determined to fight to the death for it. Cyclists? A minor inconvenience.
Leaving the mayhem behind we started the ascent round the shoulder of Pendle Hill, Andy cruising along on one gear as though the terrain was perfectly flat, me wondering if I had some spares in my back pocket.? Magnificent views from the top followed by the reward, Very long fast downhill to, well, Downham. Logical name really, says it all!
Finally the valley road back to Spring Wood.
“Undulates a little”
Said Brian happily.
I checked the dictionary later to see if the definition of undulating involved the use of the words ‘large hills’.
It doesn’t.
cheers
Mike and Laura
Click here to see the photos of the ride.
1st to 2nd April: Mary Townley Loop from Mankinholes Youth Hostel
The YHA made a great base for our two day ride. A comfortable hostel with a very helpful warden and very good weather report.
A track took us around Walden Moor with a steep descent and equally steep ascent at Bottomley. More superb tracks followed before a descent to Broadly and lunch stop.
Fortified with beacon butties and cups of tea we descended to Healey Dell before the start of the long climb up Rooley Moor Road and the highest point on the loop, “ Top of Leach” nearly 1500 foot. A bit of urban sprawl before bridleways took us to Lumb and northwards around Clough Bottom Reservoir, before a steep descent passing a memorial stone to Mary Townley and back to tarmac at Holme Chapel. Seven miles of road took us back through Todmordon to our overnight halt.
A moonlit walk down a narrow cobbled ginnel took us to the local hostelry bringing echoes of the past.
Day two. Retrace to Holme Chapel. Over the dams at Cart Clough and Hurstwood Reservoir
and upwards to the start of Gorple road. A long climb took us up to Gorple Gate,
the second highest point on the trail, well over 1,000 feet. A rockery zig-
Many thanks to all who attended, making this such a memorable meet.
Malcom Lomas
Click here to see the photos of the ride.
Fourteen riders assembled at Glasson dock carpark for this justifyably popular ride.
We set off towards lancaster on an excellent traffic free cycleway helped along by a moderate south westerly wind.The cycleway,which is part of
national cycle route no.6,took us along the east bank of the river Lune
where we crossed the river at Carlisle bridge.
We carried on down the opposite bank of the Lune past what was obviously a hovercraft club where the members were preparing their craft for the water.
We had been told earlier by Brian that a visit to Sunderland point was out of the question due to an exceptionally high tide.The hige tide provided us with an unexpected bonus in that we were able to watch the tidal bore come up the river,not very big compared with say the Severn,but worth seeing all the same.
We then carried on to Heysham for lunch,after which it was along the newly refurbished promenade to Morecambe for a short coffee stop
on the pier.Visibility was excellent and we were able to identify many of the Lakeland mountains along with Ingleborough in the dales.
Continuing along the promenade brought us to road crossing and the mystery part of the ride as Brian had never riden this section he had only been told aboout it.Off we went in the general direction of the Lancaster canal which we arrived at without incident apart from a couple of awkward gates.
From then on it was a gentle ride along the towpath to meet more quiet lanes which took us back to route 6 and Glasson.
Everyone enjoyed an excellent,not too difficult ride,with decent weather
and excellent views.Thanks again Brian.
James Heyes
Cick here to see the photos of the ride.
Who`d a thowt it? That the area between the old industrial towns of Blackburn and Bolton contained so much moorland that 90% of a day`s ride in that area could avoid asphalt. Not only that, the open views over the West Pennine Moors and towards the flattish coastal areas to the west were quite attactive on a dry, warmish day.
Certainly the contrast with the day before when I with a near-
Nine of us, including a new rider, left Tockholes and were soon riding south on an easy, flattish bridleway alongside Turton Moor before entering Charter`s Moss Plantation and continuing across the new bridlleway crossing Turton Golf Club. The sign ` Beware of golfers teeing off ` was a new experience for most who enjoy our pastime but we had good natured banter with a couple of them.
Just before our lunch stop at Turton Tower, we all managed to pose for a photo on
the steps of the ornamental turret of the railway bridge that passes over the Blackburn-
It was warm enough to eat outdoors before heading back north past Turton and Entwistle reservoir and the well known local pub the Strawberry Duck until reaching a high point near Bull Hill, Darwen. By now we were in our secretary`s `back yard` and he guided us expertly through all the interesting little back ways skirting the three Darwen parks and over the open moor back to Tockholes.
`Who`da thowt` we could have had such an interesting and well researched day out organised by our Lancashire area secretary.
Steve Gregson
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11th June: A ride over the Salter Fell Track
Five of us met at Slaidburn carpark on what turned out to be a great day. I led this ride as a favor to Brian Parkinson who was touring Ireland. We headed out up the long climb and over the Cross of Greet to Wray, where we met a lone cyclist doing the End to End. Great views of the three peaks. After a welcome cafe stop at Wray, we climbed again up and over the Salter Fell road back to Slaidburn. This really is a classic ride, 8 miles off road with stunning views and should be done by all. A hard ride of 30 miles, but very rewarding. Thanks to all who turned up for the ride.
Charlie hall
28th June: A ride to Dunsop Bridge
Thirteen riders gathered at Chipping for the start of today's event. The weather was quite hot, with virtually no wind, and extremely humid, definitely not my kind of day. However, foregoing the delights of the Cobbled Corner Cafe, we started the uphill journey to Mellor Knoll. About a mile down the road I realised that I had left my camera in the car, so I had to beat an hasty retreat to get it. Getting back I was just in time to photograph our crossing of the slimy concrete surfaced ford just before Greystoneley, one or two rode across, most took the more prudent option and walked over, all crossed without mishap.
On the approach to what is popularly known as the 'Chicken Sheds' we had noticed quite a number of four by fours parked in the fields. This turned out to be a group of local farmers on a fox hunt, it was decidedly uncomfortable riding through the woods with armed men lining the bridleway, certainly not my cup of tea!
By the time we reached the highest point of today's ride, just below the summit of Mellor Knoll, the heat of the day was beginning to take it's toll. The long fast descent into the Trough of Bowland was a welcome relief, and so was the lunch stop at Dunsop Bridge Village Hall. Simeon and Peter had ridden over from Lancaster to meet up with us here, and later Steve Griffith arrived from Slaidburn YHA for a chat.
Simeon joined us for the return ride to Chipping, via the Seven Splashes track, though only one splash was apparent today, we made the most of it. We couldn't resist the Cobbled Corner Cafe on our return, so we spent a pleasant hour of fellowship there before going our separate ways. Thank you all for your splendid company.
Just one other item before I sign off, I'm now starting to put the rides programme together for next year, and invite members to put forward their ideas, routes, areas etc. for inclusion. Feel free to contact me at any time with your thoughts.
Safe cycling, Brian Parkinson.
Click here to view photos of the ride.
13th August: A ride to Rivington Village from Tockholes Information Centre Cafe.
Fifteen riders met at Tockholes, in glorious sunshine, for this 25 mile ride to Rivington
Village. Leaving Tockholes we descended the track to the bridge over Rocky Brook
in the Roddlesworth Plantation and took the by-
Leaving the village behind we rode along the bridleway to Horwich, before starting the climb up to the Dovecote above Lord Leverhulme's terraced gardens. From here we had distant views of both the Welsh and Lake District hills, Blackpool Tower being prominent in the middle distance. Leaving the Dovecote behind and riding now along the almost horizontal, but rocky/bumpy mile length of Belmont Road beside Winter Hill, we arrived at Hordern Stoops and the long descent into Belmont Village. Here we crossed the reservoir embankment and took the track beside Longworth Moor to the Roddlesworth Plantation, passing the ruins of Hollinshead Hall we descended to Rocky Brook and retraced the first half mile of the morning route back to the Car park at Tockholes.
Another day of good weather and company with the Fellowship. My thanks to Steve Gregson for riding shotgun, and to all for making it such an enjoyable day. See you all next time!
Safe riding, Brian Parkinson.
Click here to view photos of the ride.
30th August: Ride of the Roses
Yet another overcast summer’s day saw a bakers dozen of intrepid Lancashire group
members, plus RSF chairman Steve Griffiths, assemble in the village car park at Bolton-
A gentle uphill ride soon led to our first track towards Monubent Head, this soon led us through a gate to a very soggy bridleway. I realised this as I cycled through a large puddle into the gateway & my front wheel disappeared up to it’s hub in the mud! As we continued along Monubent Lane Brian warned us of the 15 foot drop either side, this seemed to concentrate our minds as we followed Laura on the descent! As we came out onto the tarmac again we met up with the 2 Steve’s & Annie who had taken a route more suited to their touring style bikes. More roughstuff on a very steep & slippery bridleway took us to the hamlet of Forest Becks.
Some more mileage on country roads, past Wigglesworth & through Long Preston soon
led the group onto the Pennine Bridleway through the Hunter Bark Plantation towards
Settle. Half way up we stopped to re-
Once at the summit a fast downhill run brought us to an unusually quiet town for a bank holiday. This allowed us to enjoy a leisurely lunch, al fresco for some or in a wide choice of tea rooms. Several of us plumped for a popular cyclists café, appropriately named the ‘Settle Down’!
Out of Settle, under the railway bridge & we were soon on more roughstuff along the Craven Ridge Lane & onto Back Lane past Wham (the place not the group) & Scoutber End. By this time the drizzle that had threatened all day prompted the donning of waterproofs. This part of the route had been specially arranged by Brian as the diversion that was in place was unsuitable for riding. The very helpful farmer greeted us as we passed through.
Onwards to our last pit stop at Tosside, were the local pub has an excellent biker’s rest stop popular with those using the Gisburn Forest trails. The tea was a mite expensive, but free use of the steam wash more than compensated! An easy freewheel down the lanes soon returned us to our start point & the end of a superb 30 mile route.
Geoff Maine
Click here to view photos of the ride.
20th September: A ride from Hollingworth Lake around the moors and reservoirs of the surrounding area (24.8 miles)
Click here to view photos of the ride and click here to download the route in GPS Exchange Format.
27th September: A Tour Of The Ribble Valley.
The meeting point for this ride was Preston Arena, at Ingol near Preston, a new venue for the start of a ride for our group. Eight riders met us at the Arena, for the short ride to Preston Marina, and thence on to Broadgate where we met up with Brian, Charlie, Nick and Eileen. Riding beside the river Ribble now, we entered Avenham park for our morning coffee stop at the Pavilion Cafe.
Leaving the park behind we followed the river to the London Road Bridge, here meeting Eddie Roberts who had come to join us for a few miles. Continuing along the riverside on the cycleway through Lower Brockholes and Fishwick Bottoms we arrived at Salmesbury. Now we started the climb on minor roads to Balderstone and Osbaldeston where we stopped for lunch at the cafe beside the A59. Here we met Ken Glaze and Dot who had ridded over from Hilldale on their tandem to meet us for lunch.
After saying our goodbyes to Eddie, Ken and Dot we headed for the bridleway which leads to the road to Ribchester at Eden Holme. In Ribchester we took time out to explore the village before taking the bridleway to Hothersall Hall, then on through Norcross and King Wood to Grimsnargh for afternoon tea at the Plough.
Now using a mixture of roads, cycle-
Another good day riding with the Fellowship, this thirty mile ride was led and organised by Dug Heaven, to whom we all give our thanks.
See you all at the next ride at Lydiate, safe cycling, Brian Parkinson.
Click here to view photos of the ride.
25th October: Sankey Valley Trail
It isn’t everyday that you can have a lie in bed but this ride coincided with the return from BST to GMT. Nobody had informed the elements of the change and 18 riders enjoyed a bright, mild if breezy day in ‘old Lancashire’. Orrell Water Park nr Wigan just a short distance from the M6/M58 interchange was the starting point for 16 solos and a tandem.
After 15mins or so on road we took to a cobbled track and field paths towards Carr
Mill Dam on the outskirts of St Helens before turning onto the well maintained leaf
carpeted trail alongside Black Brook to the Sankey Valley visitor centre-
The trail runs along the side of the Sankey Brook which in part was canalised in
the 1750s to facilitate the transport of coal from the St Helens coalfield to the
Mersey at Sankey Bridges on the outskirts of Warrington and has a fair claim to being
the first true industrial canal in England. Along the way there are reminders of
this heritage at various quaintly named sites, The Burgy Banks, Havannah Flashes
and Mucky Mountains now greened over and providing havens for wildlife. Near Earlstown
the trail passes close to the famous Vulcan railway works and a mode of transport
which eventually made the transportation of goods much quicker. The 9 arched railway
viaduct built in 1830 by George Stephenson still carries the Liverpool-
Reaching the River Mersey we turned west on the Trans Pennine Trail for about 5mls to the café at the Catalyst Centre (Widnes being infamous for its Chemical Industrial past) lying in the shadow of the Runcorn Bridge.The freshening westerly breeze becoming noticeable after the wooded shelter of the Sankey Trail.
With daylight hours now at a premium the more direct return route was in itself not without passing interest of a more modern kind in the form of ‘The Dream’ a piece of modern sculpture located on the site of the former Sutton Manor Colliery site and now part of The Mersey Forest.
Not quite rough stuff but taking us through a landscape that was in recent times very much ‘rough stuff’ but now offering a wide variety of recreational usage for walkers, cyclists, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Andy Eccleston
Click here to view photos of the ride.
Sunday 29th November: A ride over Darwen's Winter Hill to Tockholes.
Despite the rather gloomy weather forecast, five riders joined me at Witton Park,
Blackburn, for this ride to Tockholes. We left the park on Sustrans route six to
Ewood, where we joined the Darwen Valley Parkway for the ride to Lower Darwen. We
then used the new traffic free cycle-
Continuing our journey we started the almost one mile continual ascent of Darwen's Winter Hill, as we neared the summit we had a panoramic view towards the coast, Blackpool Tower was quite prominent on the horizon. On reaching the outskirts of Tockholes, we took Weasel Lane to Earnsdale Reservoir, being careful to avoid the runners in the annual Darwen Tower Fell Race. Then following the route around the reservoir to Stepback, we started the descent to our lunch destination, the Tockholes Tea Room.
Following our enjoyable and leisurely lunch we tackled the bridleway through the Tockholes Plantation to Abbey Village. Next, taking a little used path we crossed the railway bridge over the now defunct Chorley to Blackburn line into Withnell, and over the hill to Withnell Fold.
Here at the bridge, we crossed over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and took to the
towpath beside the old paper mill. This mill, once owned by Wiggins Teape, produced
over 90% of the world's banknote paper. It now began to rain hard, it wasn't easy
keeping vertical as we rode along the towpath, thankfully it wasn't too far before
it became a tarmac surface, and soon we re-
Once back in the park we thought another cuppa would be in order, and so we added an extra half mile onto the ride as we visited the Pavilion. Inside, whilst warming up we decided to use the cycle washing station in the old stables, alas after another short addition to the ride we found the equipment had not been deployed today. Oh well, such is life!
So, saying our goodbyes, six wet riders, and six filthy cycles started for home. Thank you all for your company and fellowship, see you all next time.
Brian Parkinson.
Click here to view photos of the ride
Past Ride Reports of 2009