Ride to Casterton Golf Club via RSPB on Sunday 17 February 2019

Considering the late announcement of the ride, a good number of people congregated at the Beaumont start for Neil’s ride to Casterton. We took the Caton Road from Beaumont and turned onto Kellett Lane to Nether Kellett and Over Kellett where, having heard mention of Warton Crag Mike left us to take the Carnforth route to RSPB Leighton Moss. The rest of us carried on to Capernwray, Borwick and Warton before taking the road over Warton Crag, where the short, steep climb rewarded us with fantastic views over the bay and towards Leighton Moss. A short descent took us down to join the main road which we followed to Leighton Moss. Waiting for us there were several other riders who had made their way independently, and we took our time enjoying the good company and fare provided.

With Miles now taking the place of Mike, we set off towards Yealand Storrs and Yealand Redmayne, where we took the turn towards Burton. Arriving in Burton, we took the Hutton Roof turn and followed the long climb as far as Johnson House, where we turned left towards Hutton Roof village. We took the Kirkby Lonsdale turn in the village and passed through High and Low Biggins before arriving in Kirkby Lonsdale. We cycled through Kirkby and crossed Devil’s Bridge, making our way to Casterton Golf Club where Dave, who had made his way independently from home, and Sandra, who rode ahead of us from Leighton Moss, were waiting for us.

Having refuelled satisfactorily we regrouped outside and readied ourselves for the home leg. Adrian’s bike lock key, however, hadn’t entered into the departure spirit and promptly snapped off in the lock. A plea to the proprietors produced a pair of bolt croppers, but the cable resolutely refused be cropped. Out came the Angle Grinder and the cable soon surrendered. Thanking the proprietors and promising to call again, took the minor road and joined the old Roman Road crossing the A65 and onto Overtown. Through Burrow and Tunstall, we took the Wrayton turnoff and followed the road to Wennington, onto Wray and Hornby, before riders began to choose their own ways home and the group rapidly diminished as we neared home.

4000 ft of ascent, 48 miles in good company on a fine, occasionally sunny day and home for 4 o’clock. What better way to spend Sunday!

Neil Westwell