Lancaster CTC cyclists ride to Casterton 20. 03. 22

With the barometer indicating dry and sunny, ten Cyclists Touring Club riders were enticed out on their machines for a sedate excursion, billed as a one café stop to Casterton Golf Club. It was encouraging to see some familiar faces after a two year absence, as well as welcoming new members.

Advantage was taken of the Sunday morning quiet to head up the A6 to Carnforth, acquiring two more members on the way. Then by lanes less travelled  to Borwick ,and up the Keer valley, spotting a rare Sunday train trundling westwards to the seaside. Our route favoured the hills, climbing over to Docker Park and Newton, and to on-the-dot elevenses at Casterton. Outdoor dining at its finest, on the south-facing lawn, eventually stirring ourselves to move on just before midday.

The one-café ride plan was revised, the consensus moving towards making the most of the exceptional Spring conditions. Thus it was that we turned our wheels westwards towards Silverdale, cautiously steering a course through the throngs of bike enthusiasts at Devil’s Bridge, through the town and out on the Kendal road. The gradients graduated from mild to steep after Kearstwick; we had to find a way over Scout Hill via Tosca, Pant End and Tarnhouse Reservoir. Our reward was the panoramic but slightly hazy prospect towards the Lakes, followed by a renewed focus on the tarmac on the long steep descent to Warth. In search of yet more views , this time over the Bay, the balcony route took us via Whetstone and Black Yeat to the obscure junction by the canal bridge on the A65.

Still following quiet lanes , we took in the tranquil canalside  scenes  at Millness, and on to Woodhouse and Heversham, and into the wind across the flat mossland. The main road through Sandside was surprisingly lightly-trafficked and progress continued through Carr Bank and Waterslack. The café at Leighton Moss RSPB provided another welcome break, with the bonus of a 10% discount for our green mode of travel, before turning our wheels homewards.

You are welcome to join us on our Club rides, which you can find details of at www.ctclancaster.org.uk