Mike Codd’s Solo Ride over Lancashire’s Bowland Cols 2nd April 2020

7:48 seems awfully early, but to avoid the later traffic rushing into Lancaster to buy the morning news about C...... (Don’t mention that word!) it was a good move.

From Boot & Shoe I went straight up Hala Hill and all the way to the T junction above Dolphinholme. This time, I turned left and continued through Oakenclough, up the 20% (Phew!) and on to Emmet’s Chapel turn. I continued right, stopping to put on Rainlegs as it was now drizzling. I could see that the fell tops were clouded above 300 metres.

Passing above Marshaw Farm, I rattled up to the bottom of the climb to Trough of Bowland and fetched up at Dunsop Bridge, where I sat in the shelter on the green, eating a hot (not really) cross bun, ignored by sleepy ducks.

Suddenly, a duck woke up and flew off, stage right, hotly followed by two drakes. This performance was repeated when another 3 ducks took off.

It was time for me to go. Unfortunately, it had to be in the bushes, as the  UK’s most central convenience was closed because of C.... The road to Newton was uneventful (no blockage by injured motor cyclists) and I soon arrived in a very quiet Slaidburn, where Bounty’s baying was completely absent.

The slog then started, to cross the Hodder/Lune watershed against a force 7 gale. I’d thought it had been too easy.

Two vehicles overtook, then shortly two from the other direction. I then crossed the infant Hodder and, selecting granny, to commence the slog against gravity, rain and wind up the waggling road to Cross of Greet. I was very pleased not to be passed by any vehicle in either direction as, perforce I used all of the road, sometimes purposely, often at the wind’s whim.

Over the top I found the wind even stronger and from my left. It was too gusty to be useful and I took my foot out of a  pedal in case I was forced to stop. Passing the turn to Botton Head and the first one to Lowgill, I took the direct one to Wray, where I stopped at the shelter on the green for a sandwich and a call to Jan.

My route home was the usual, except I missed out Caton Green and took the A683, turning off at Caton and up past Postern Gate and down Newlands to Hala and B&S. 13:08, an hour and 10 minutes from Wray (worst time yet!).

Never mind. I enjoyed it and so could you. Just pick a less windy day.

46 miles and 4900 feet. 5 hours 20 minutes.

You could do much better!

Mike Codd