Sunday Ride to Bowland Bridge on April 19

Ride Report    Sunday 19th April 2026

The sunny mid-April weekend enticed a good number of members of Lancaster Cyclists Touring Club out on a ride, in expectation of a delightful excursion ’awheel’ to Bowland Bridge in the southern Lakes.

The coffee stop at Levens Hall was reached via the Kellets, Cinderbarrow, Holme, and Heversham. Signs of spring were everywhere in the roadside greenery, and the heady aroma of wild garlic filled the air in the woodlands. It might have been 1926, as we waved to people in their convoy of veteran cars near Priest Hutton.

After meeting up with more Club members in the sun-trap  ofthe courtyard at Levens Hall, eight of us continued to Witherslack, bypassing the village centre on the lanes at Mill Side and up the scenic Winster Valley, the gaunt limestone cliffs of Whitbarrow to our right. Past Witherslack Hall and then through the twisty switchback lanes to Cowmire Hall and  Bowland Bridge.

A few of our party had to forego their well-earned pint, as the village pub was closed, yet another casualty of the crisis in hospitality. But we were appreciative of the tables outside the pub to enjoy our picnic in comfort.

Eventually we roused ourselves for the return trip, heading towards Crossthwaite via the pretty grassed lanes at Tarnsideand Mireside, and taking the bypass to Underbarrow village at Gregg Hall. We were now on the eastern edge of the Lyth Valley, and starting to glimpse views of Milnthorpe Sands with the backdrop of Arnside Knott. Brigsteer Park woodlands ( wild garlic again ) led us on to Levens Village where we decided to call at the cyclists honeypot of the village shop. Another natter around a picnic table with drinks, Endmoor bakery tray bakes, and ice creams.

After putting the world to rights we remounted our (predominantly electric-assist) bikes for the final leg of ourexcursion around the quiet unspoilt valleys of south Lakeland. Our way took us along the well-worn  lanes  over HevershamMoss to Sandside and past Leighton Moss.

For the Lancaster riders, it was a ride of 60 miles, and home in time to do some gardening.

New members are welcome to join us on our Sunday and Thursday rides. Details of which can be found on our website     ctclancaster.org.uk