In sharp contrast with the previous month, September 2014 has opened with a spell of lovely weather. Sunday 14th followed this trend and 17 cyclists from the Cyclists’ Touring Club met by the entrance to Beaumont College for the club secretary’s ride to Kirkby Lonsdale and Sedbergh.
The initial section of the chosen route went along the canal towpath until crossing the aqueduct at which point they descended onto the Millennium Path for Halton.
After a brief discussion prior to crossing the river there it was agreed that the ride would split into smaller groups for the ride along the B6264. After leaving Halton village and climbing the groups turned right by the Red Well Inn and made their way to coffee via Arkholme and Whittingham.
The numbers were swelled in the café by members who had ridden directly to Kirkby Lonsdale from starting points to the north of Lancaster. Suitably refreshed the ride then split into those returning home and the rest who were continuing for a full day’s ride. Sedbergh was reached by a route taking in a series of minor roads past Underley Hall, Mansergh Hall, Rigmaden and Halbeck – all to the west of the Lune river. This was a hilly route and Sedbergh proved an ideal location for a picnic lunch, or a further café stop.
The ride back was to the east of the river. Initially they rode along the A683 but, after the old railway bridge near Middleton, the leader opted for the narrow lane that runs parallel to the main road. On reaching Barbon the majority stopped for a welcome cuppa before continuing as far as the A65 by the old Station House. On crossing the A65 one group headed immediately south towards Nethertown and The Highwayman and the main road on thesouth side of the river; the rest took the outward route back to the Kellets.
The complete ride was about 60 miles in length and provided the basis for a very enjoyable day’s cycling. Next Sunday, 21st September, the ride will leave from outsideBooths, Scotforth at 9am and is to Cobble Hey and Beacon Fell.