Ride to Ingleton via Wray: Thursday, 15th February

The weather forecast for Thursday included gale force winds, showers – snow on high ground and sunny periods later. The 13 riders who left Kellet Crossroads were to experience it all. En-route to the cafe stop at Wray, the group rode through Nether Kellet and Addington to follow the long lane above Aughton. The strong tail wind helped the compact group maintain a quick pace. Beyond Gressingham the route continued through Hornby and onto Wray.

After coffee, only 8 riders continued, still benefitting from the wind on their backs, and progressed to Low Bentham via Russells and Oxenforth Green. Beyond High Bentham the group turned North East to Tatterthorn and Nutgill Farm before making their way to the A65. Crossing the busy road they continued again North East to climb up to join the Clapham/Ingleton road. With the strong wind now on their side a fast, if slightly cautious, descent led down to lunch at Ingleton.

Fortified, the group headed through Thornton-in-Lonsdale and Lower Westhouse to Burton-in-Lonsdale. Zig zagging through the village, the group dropped down to the bridge over the River Greta. Here they turned sharp right and climbed up the sheltered lane near Clifford Hall to gain the standard road over to Ravens Close. This was the windiest part of the journey home but was mainly downhill.

The riders, giving each other what shelter they could, continued via Wennington and Wray to Hornby. The group split, with those heading for Lancaster riding down the Lune Valley while the Warton and Bolton-le-Sands contingent climbed up through Gressingham to make their various ways home. A route of 40/50 miles, depending on starting point, with a flying start and a head wind return.

Brian Greenwood