CTC Ride to Casterton on 4 April 2024

Nine of us met at Millennium Bridge for the ride to Casterton Golf Club with a morning coffee stop at Bridge House in Wray. The weather was fine as we set off, although the Spring sunshine was still missing in action! We followed the river towards Halton, then taking the left turn up Kellet Lane to Nether Kellet, pausing at the motorway bridge to reassemble. We rode on, but arrived at the temporary roadworks just after the lights turned green. Unfortunately, as we were going at cycle speed, uphill, through the works, the cars waiting at the other end were beginning to move towards us as their light turned green before we had passed through the roadworks. Perhaps more time should be allowed at roadworks before lights change to account for cyclists pedalling uphill. We continued, unfortunately, not for very far as one of our number was struck by a punctured tyre. Teamwork got the inner tube changed in reasonable time, but having lost possibly half an hour, the decision was taken to amend the route slightly so we got to coffee at a previously anticipated time. We took the Kirkby Lonsdale turn just passed the quarry and headed towards Redwell. Rabbit Lane took us to Gressingham then onto Hornby, arriving at Wray to find that we had missed a couple of riders who had made their own way to Wray.

After spending a pleasant time enjoying the company and refreshments, we took to the road again heading towards Low Bentham via Russell’s Lane to avoid the steep climb at the start of Long Lane. We joined Old Moor Road then rejoined Long Lane a bit further along, taking us into Low Bentham. It’s a steep climb out of Bentham on Burton Road, but becomes pleasantly undulating once the summit is passed. Through Burton and onto Ireby Road took us past Ireby Green farm and onto and across the A65 passing through Ireby. Through Leck we approached the A65 again, turning right onto it towards Kirkby Lonsdale. Previously we would have gone across the busy main road through Overtown, but a local resident and landowner have decided they don’t welcome cyclists anymore and despite local council discussions we are still not welcomed. So the A65 it was, albeit briefly before we took the road past the old station onto the old Roman Road, no Romans here to prevent our progress! We soon arrived at Casterton Golf Club where we met up with several more fellow cyclists. It was nice to sit and chat for a while, enjoying the excellent lunch, efficiently served as usual.

It was decided, although perhaps not universally, to bag a few more feet of ascent so we headed towards Hutton Roof via Devil’s Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale and Biggins. The ascents, although tough were all quite short, but the descent down towards the second Burton of the day was rewarding. From Burton, we headed all the way along the A6070 passing Greenlands, crossing the motorway bridge, turning left at the roundabout then the right turn towards Warton. Riders were leaving the ride now as they neared home. A good day, covering 50 miles and ascending 3000ft.

We ride on Thursday’s and Sunday’s and new (and old (and young)) participants are always welcome! See ctclancaster.org.uk