Thursday ride to Barton Grange on 13 February

Lancaster and South Lakes Cycle Touring Club (CTC) ride Thursday 13th, February 2025

Eight riders turned up at the Boot and Shoe on this cold February morning. Fortunately, it was dry, as we worked our way through the University cycle ways. Elevenses was at the Applestore Café near Scorton, where we were pleased to get inside. This is an interesting café, which is a little off the beaten track, with an excellent range of food and cakes, so worth finding.

The lanes from Galgate to Scorton are always attractive, having enough height to ensure some good views of the surrounding countryside.

Having filled up on coffee, tea and cakes, we reluctantly moved on, through the pretty village of Scorton, to Garstang. Here, we rode through the old town centre, which is well worth a visit and look around.  We stayed on the B 6430 southwards through Catterall. This originally, would have been the main road. There are old mile posts to prove it.

Lunch was at Barton Grange Garden Centre, where we arrived for an early lunch. This business has two restaurants, and plenty of room to accommodate groups like ours. Again, it was a blessing to avoid the cold for a while.

The route home took us over the M6 motorway on the Lancashire cycle way, on attractive lanes, back through Scorton, and to Galgate as before. Here we crossed the A6, to meet the A588 at Condor Green. Some of the group enjoyed a final tea stop at Ashton Hall Garden Centre café, while others continued home, not wanting to get too comfortable, on such a cold day.

The total distance was around 35 miles, but quite far enough for this time of year.

Anyone interested in joining us can find information about our Sunday and Thursday rides on our website: ctclancaster.org.uk.

Paul Rodman