Sunday 20th November Lancaster Circular

Given the time of year a “Lancaster Circular” ride was good idea - never more than ten miles from home, it allows a speedy return to base, should the weather take a turn for the worse. Torrential rain the day before must surely have put some riders off, and indeed those who did turn out experienced some minor flooding and muddy patches.

However the weather was superb. Although chilly, it was bright and clear for the whole ride. The leader took the group out through Hala and onto the ‘back’ road to Caton, before turning off towards the university and Galgate. They were warmed up a little by the gradual climb to The Fleece. Here they followed the route to Street and from there a little known road leading to the bridle path through Wyresdale Park and the coffee stop at The Apple Store. Here they were joined by a rider from the Preston area.

Suitably refreshed in the warmth of the newly restored glass house, the group descended into Scorton, and from there they crossed the A6 making their way along Wallace Lane before crossing the A6 once more. At Five Lanes End the first opportunity arose to make a hasty return home, but all carried on along the route known locally as ‘Happy Valley’, an undulating ride affording fantastic views of Clougha, Lancaster and the Lakes. Some did take advantage of the escape routes back to home, but the bulk of the riders reached Caton and the cycle path back into Lancaster. Here some did indeed return home but the remainder of the group enjoyed homemade soup at the newly reopened Red Door Cafe in Halton. All in all a ride of around thirty five miles was enjoyed by everyone.