CTC LANCASTER & SOUTH LAKES Thursday Ride from Millennium Bridge to Kirkby Lonsdale via Barbon on 13th October 2022

It was a bit cool on the Millennium Bridge at 9.15 am on Thursday when 12 members of the Lancaster and South Lakes CTC met for our ride to Kirkby Lonsdale but with a good weather forecast promised.

In two groups we set off along Halton Road and taking the rising Kellet Lane to Nether Kellet and then, unusually for this group, taking Birkland Barrow Road and Addington Lane to join the Kirkby Lonsdale Road. We then doubled back towards Halton and took the Aughton Road and Fall Kirk to reach Gressingham. Then across Loyn Bridge to Hornby and on to the coffee stop at Bridge House Tearooms, Wray.

Awaiting us, at the café, were four more CTC members who had made their own way to coffee by various routes but intending to ride to Kirkby Lonsdale. A straw poll of the riders decided that the preferred lunch stop should be at Casterton Golf Club and not Kirkby Lonsdale. A quick telephone call by the leader to the golf club confirmed that they could, indeed, accommodate the 12 riders for lunch.

Therefore, following tea/coffee and cakes, 12 riders (but not the original 12) set off past Millhouse Cottages and took the minor undulating lane to Wennington Station. After Wennington the group climbed the narrow lane to reach Wrayton and the A683 just before Hornby. The leader expected at least one puncture at this stage of the ride as our route had taken us over the dreaded hedge trimmings en route. But apart from a mechanical (chain off derailleur) all was well. By this time the sun was shining and some riders had shed their outer layer to keep cool.

Onward then along the A683 to Nether Burrow and taking the lane adjacent to the Highwayman Public House to reach Overtown. We, of course, dismounted our bikes to walk through the private access lane to the cottages in order to cross Leck Beck by the narrow pedestrian bridge.

Carefully crossing the A65 we took the Roman Road, riding below the beautiful colours of Barbon Low Fell, to the Dent road junction, Barbondale before descending into Barbon Village and passing the church and public house. The left turn at the war memorial was taken to pass the Church Mouse cheese emporium and following this lane eventually joined the A683 to Casterton and the Golf Club for lunch. By now it was warm enough to sit outside at the picnic tables provided and enjoy the marvellous weather for this time of year.

Once we had recharged our energy levels, we continued along the A683 to Devils Bridge and by crossing the bridge and the adjoining car park went into the Market Place at Kirkby Lonsdale. From the Market Place we took the left hander up the hill to pass Kirkby Lonsdale School to make our way across the A65 to cycle along the Low Biggins Road. Then up over Hutton Roof and the steep descent into Burton in Kendal.

A quick detour through Priest Hutton and Borwick took the remaining 5 riders (some leaving us to travel via Capernwray and the Kellets home) to the A6 roundabout, where we took the road to Warton, through Warton Village to Carnforth and the Brief Encounter Tea Rooms for afternoon refreshment.

Refreshed, once again, we took the coast road to Crag Bank and then our usual route via Anclffe Lane back to the Millennium Bridge and then dispersed for home.

I had completed 54 miles in fine, warm weather and with little wind in good company and having visited three excellent refreshment stops where we were welcomed and treated well. A jolly good day out!

Anyone who is interested in joining us can find information about our regular club rides on Thursdays and Sundays on our website: www.ctclancaster.org.uk.

Keith Jewsbury