Conditions were almost ideal as 13 cyclists from the CTC Lancaster and South Lakes group set off from Beaumont College at 09.15am yesterday morning, led by Mike Bridges – it was fresh, sunny and calm.  The group headed through Halton village, climbing north eastwards along Kirkby Lonsdale Road.  There were fine views over the Lune Valley to Bowland, and northwards where the clouds were more evident.  The group joined the B6254, taking a direct route towards Kirkby via Arkholme and Whittington and arriving in due course in the town.

At this juncture, they were joined for a refreshment break by another 8 or so members, and for the most part partook of a relaxing break in “The Bakery” café.  Some riders chose to curtail their ride at this point, returning homeward.  About 16 members continued the ride, heading for the hamlet of Biggins and following Saddler Nook Lane as far as Johnson House with the cloud thickening and the temperature cooling.  Here there was a division of numbers; the majority of the group turned to follow narrow lanes through Hutton Roof and along the north escarpment of Newbiggin Crags and Farleton Knott to reach the village of Farleton.

The main route, although scenic and not too difficult to follow, was quite narrow, following lanes with poor surfaces at times and strewn with occasional clumps of mud, grass and leaves.  It was no surprise that some of the more cautious members of the group took the broader lanes by Burton and Holme to reach the lunch venue.  The main portion of the group followed the planned route to reach Beetham and Slack Head, reaching Arnside via Leighton Beck Bridge at about 1.00pm.  Both halves of the group enjoyed lunch together at “The Heron” in Arnside.

After lunch, the group continued, now on the homeward leg, via Silverdale and Red Bridge Lane.  A short shower fell during this interval, but hardly caused a ripple – one or two members donned jackets, but the rest ignored the isolated shower and carried on.  The group crossed the Keer at Hagg Wood on its way to Crag Bank.

The group was becoming depleted at this stage, several members having arrived in their home neighbourhoods.  The remainder completed their day out by following the canal towpath and the A6 into Lancaster.  It had been an enjoyable day out in good Autumnal weather.