Longridge Fell, the Trough and Jubilee Tower – 06/09/20

Sunday’s ride was intended as a bit of a leg stretcher.  We set off from north Preston, heading for Longridge in sunshine.  Our aim was to head through the village and make for the Jeffrey Hill car park.  The views were excellent as we climbed gently onto the fell.  After missing a turning, we reached the New Drop Inn (closed) with views over the distant West Pennine Moors and tuned left to make for the highest point with its wonderful viewpoint looking over to Chipping and the Bowland Fells.

Returning to the New Drop, we turned left to head for Birdy Brow, which I am pleased to say we descended, although it may be a fraction “easier” to ascend now it has been (recently) resurfaced.  Passing Higher Hodder Bridge, we took the next left for the undulating road via Bashall Eaves to Cow Ark.  There is a wonderfully situated bench, which we used for morning break, just before the steep descent into Whitewell.  This gives a great view over the pretty valley ride to Dunsop Bridge.

The big climb of the day was the one from Dunsop Bridge to the top of the Trough of Bowland.  From this side, it merits a single arrow on OS maps, but I suspect the steepest part is about 18% or so.  The sky was clouding over, and our one and only shower arrived as we were descending to Marshaw.  However, the rain had practically stopped by the time we reached Lower Lee, where the cul-de-sac leading to Tarnbrook branches off.  We took the opportunity to visit the pretty hamlet.  Ian had never been there before.

Our last climb took us to Jubilee Tower, where we had lunch near the tower, overlooking the views across Morecambe Bay.  The sky was blue again, albeit with a cooler temperature.  After lunch, we descended to Quernmore then took Long Lane to arrive at Galgate, as an alternative to the direct route to Five Lane Ends and Bay Horse.  The sun stayed with us as we took back lanes via Forton, reaching Garstang via the B5272.

Our last leg was to follow a combination of Route 6 and Route 90 from Garstang to Bilsborrow and Woodplumpton to reach Preston.  This latest in our series of rides netted us about 77 miles and just under 5000 feet of climbing.  Well worth the effort.

Mike Bridges