Sunday 5th June Beaumont to Grange

There was a good turnout for Lancaster CTC’s Sunday club run on the first Sunday of June. The club’s annual spring week away had been held in south west Scotland and 24 club members had enjoyed a beautiful seven days of glorious sunshine from their base in Dalbeatie.

The weather here in Lancaster on 5th June was a continuation of that experienced in Scotland and the ride to Beetham and Grange promised further good fortune.

The ride started from Beaumont and followed a traditional route via the Kellets, Longlands, Holme Mills and Holme village.  Coffee was taken at the garden centre where several members from the Carnforth and Bentham area joined the Lancaster group.

Refreshed, those continuing for the whole ride took to the lanes en route to Achenthwite and then progressed to Heversham, Levens and onto the cycleway leading to the Derby Arms, Witherslack. This route had avoided the busy A590 and here they made use of the underpass in order to follow the quiet roads towards Grange via Methrop and the Golf Club.

After a picnic lunchby the lake in the park the ride then returned to base via Levens, andthe marshes of the Kent Estuary. After Storth and Leighton Moss the remaining club riders returned via Crag Bank, the canal towpath, Bolton le Sands and Ancliffe Lane.  The total distance of the ride was just over 60 miles. A very enjoyable day’s cycling.

March 6th

The first Sunday in March began with clear skies and the promise of favorable conditions for cycling. Although rather cold the roads were dry and there was no sign of ice. Mike Hutchinson, the club secretary, had planned a ride to Kendal with a coffee stop en route at the Garden Centre in Beetham.

Meeting by the Millennium Bridge at 09:15 the riders rode under Skerton Bridge and through the estate to Halton Road. They then rode up the long drag to the Kellet transmitter before riding through the Kellets, Holme and Burton in Kendal.

They arrived at Beetham in good time to meet several other members of the club, from the north of Lancaster, who had ridden straight out to coffee.

After refreshments those continuing for the full day’s ride rode through Ackenthwaite, Woodhouse, Hincaster, Sedgwick and Natland before crossing on to the cycle path taking them into the centre of Kendal. After a brief walk into the shopping centre they headed for Wainwright’s Yard and lunch.

The initial route back retraced the outward route until Sedgwick where they headed for the tunnel under the bridge traversing the River Kent by the Salmon leap. From Levens Bridge they took to the Cumbrian Cycleway across the marsh to the B5282. Immediately after Sandside they climbed through Storth before continuingpast Waterslack and Silverdale Golf course to Leighton Moss. Here all but the leader elected to continue straight home whereby Mike had a hot chocolate before returning to Lancaster.

The ride has been just over 55 miles on one of the best days of the year so far.

The views of the surrounding countryside were especially clear in the sun. With a backcloth of snow on the Lakeland hills and the blue sky interrupted only by white clouds.

Kendal

It was a cold but bright morning on Sunday when ten riders set off from Beaumont on Nigel Cole’s ride to Kendal.

Warmed up by the ascent of Kellet Lane up to Nether Kellet, they dropped down to Carnforth and headed on past Warton Crag and over Leighton Moss to a welcome coffee stop in Arnside, joined here by several others, happy to be out on their bikes again without the recent accompanying winds and rain.

Heading on to Levens , through Brigsteer Park, enjoying the elevated views over the Lythe Valley with the sun sparkling off the many flooded fields, they turned right at Brigsteer and commenced the challenging climb onto Helsington Barrows to be rewarded with extensive views South over Morecambe Bay and East to the Howgills dusted in snow. Quite warmed up by this effort, they then descended into Kendal, busy with crowds attending the Mountain Festival. 

Suitably refreshed after enjoying the sunshine along the River Walk they headed South into a warming but often dazzling lowering sun, through Natland and along the lanes through Viver and Ackenthwaite to a final welcome tea stop at Beetham Where it was still sunny and warm enough for some of the group to enjoy a coffee outside. 

Finally returning via Holme,Tewitfield, Over Kellet and down to the Lune Cycle track at Halton. The sun having just set as they wove through the traffic jams in Lancaster after a very rewarding 50mile ride.

Fleetwood

Seven hardly souls gathered at The Boot and Shoe for Anne’s ride to Fleetwood via the ferry at Knott End. Given the torrential rain and the forecast for it to continue for most of the day, the decision was made at this point to totally rearrange the ride with a coffee stop closer to home followed by a return to base to dry out.

As a consquence of this decision the group set forth along the cycle path to the university, and from there through Ellel and Galgate. The wind and the rain were against them as they rode up to Whams Lane and from there down to Bay Horse, crossing the A6 at Hollins Lane. From here it was a mere mile or so to the coffee stop at The Pudding House. After a longer than usual break putting the world to rights and observing the two minutes silence, the hardy souls set off again, this time with a welcome back wind taking them to Cockerham and Conder Green. Several options were available at this point and the riders took their preferred choice as to the shortest way home.

Clapham

It was a select band of 7 riders who set off in calm, cool conditions from Beaumont College on Sunday for the programmed ride to Clapham, led by Mike Bridges.  What little wind there was blew from the east as the group headed for Halton, climbing from the village along Kirkby Lonsdale Road.  The views of the Lune Valley unfolded as they climbed.  A right turn took them in the direction of Aughton, then, bypassing Gressingham, they headed downhill for Loyn Bridge.  A break was taken at Bridge House in Wray, where another member joined and 3 turned back.

The short steep slope at Mill Houses was bypassed by following the road past Feathermire, re-joining the more major road just prior to its descent into Low Bentham.  Here, the group joined the B6480, following it through High Bentham before turning left on Tatterthorn Road and heading for Ingleton.  Ingleborough and neighbouring hills ahead gave a variation to the local scenery and a warning to the group of more height to be gained before lunch.

This came in the guise of High Street at Ingleton, turning right onto Clapham Old Road for a steady effort past Newby Cote and into the pretty village of Clapham for an alfresco lunch at the Car Park.  The temperature was just warm enough to be comfortable.

Having completed their repast, the group resumed its progress by heading for Clapham Station and the climb up to Keasden.  The wind had freshened, but being from the east, was now of assistance in the journey past Mewith Head and the Forest of Mewith.  The ride was also assisted by the smoothness of the new tarmac on Mewith Lane and the continuing good scenery.  The only hiccup was a front wheel puncture sustained by one of the group – a rogue piece of hawthorn being the culprit.

This was soon sorted out with a change of tube, and the group resumed its ride downhill towards Wray then via the main road to Caton.  The last stretch into Lancaster was completed via the Lune Cycleway and a section of canal towpath.

It was, at 45 miles, perhaps not the longest ride in the calendar but nonetheless satisfying, being completed in good weather and scenery.

Beacon Fell Park

Thirteen riders met at the Boot & Shoe for the CTC Lancaster and South Lakes ride to Beacon Fell Park led by Nigel Cole. 

Setting off on a gloriously sunny late summer morning, they crossed the A6 and made for the tranquillity of the Lune Cycle Path at Stodday. Heading South past Condor Green and along Jeremy Lane, then briefly back on the main road to Cockerham. Soon happily returning to the quieter lanes around Forton and on to Garstang cutting across on Dimples Lane to get to Sandholme Bridge where they climbed up the hill to for a welcome coffee stop at Cobble Hey Farm, sitting outside in the sunshine, enjoying the views.

Eight riders then continued on a circular route around Beacon Fell Park. Now in warm sunshine, along Oakenclough lane, past the gliders taking off from Bowland Fells Gliding club and having the pleasure of extensive views towards Bowland, Pendle and Longridge fells. They then turned back West, riding up Rigg lane and around to the visitor centre for the lunch break, enjoyed once again outside, with distant views looking over the Fylde and in the company of many other visitors making the most of the day.

After lunch they completed the circuit around the park and descended to Walmsley Bridge and Claughton, heading back North West, once again along quiet lanes all looking particularly beautiful in the bright sunshine. Following NCN 6 to Scorton for a final refreshment stop and returning to Lancaster up Cleveley Bank and along Miller’s Brow for last vistas of the fells. Then dropping back down to Galgate and through Lancaster University and the cycle track back to Scotforth, ending a most enjoyable and varied ride of 50 miles.

Next weeks ride, 4th October, is to Arnside, led by Dave Hugill and departs from Halton Station at 9:15am

Hardriders - Beaumont, Sandside, Levens, Witherslack, Grange (cafe), Meathop Moss ,Levens, Heversham, Holme, Lancaster

The forecast was for rain later but the weather preferred sooner and so the intrepid team and their leader Brian were soon subjected to a downpour. The rain started gently, near Warton but ‘caping up’ was delayed to Gilpin Bridge. One rider recently returned from a visit to India, avoidedthe monsoon by heading home from Milnthorpe. At Witherslack the soggy quintet decided to avoid the planned route towards Tow Top and head across the moss to Meathop and Grange. Thyme Out Cafe, on the main street (bikes parked at the back) proved a welcoming stop. The return via Meathop Moss, Levens, Heversham, Holme Mills and the Kellets was no drier but concluded a good day out on the bikes. For the leader just shy of 60 miles, average speed 13.4 mph and back home just after 2pm.  A great start for the trial and hopefully even more riders for the next one to Sedbergh on February 22nd.

It was a very frosty start to the 2015 calendar of rides when five Lancaster and South Lakes club members met at the Millenium Bridge for Nick Hall's outing to Arnside. Deciding to avoid roads as much as possible because of the risk of ice they opted to follow the canal from the aqueduct at Beaumont to Carnforth, then along North Road and Kellet Lane to Greenlands Farm at Tewitfield. 

There they were joined by a sizeable group at the cafe and after thawing out with hot drinks and cakes the now large group was able to continue through Burton in Kendal as far as the South Lakes motorway junction.

The roads proved quite dry and ice free as they passed Woodhouse and the views became impressive on climbing to higher ground. They dropped down to Heversham village then crossed the A6 onto the wide expanse of flats near the coast, with the dry still air making up to some extent for chilled extremities. 

Having reached the road by the River Bela they were afforded a magical backdrop of the Lake District mountains reflected in the still waters of the River Kent as they rode past the estuary before stopping in Arnside for lunch. 

Their return began by climbing the hill past Arnside Knott then swooping down to a cove by Morecambe Bay, through Silverdale and Leighton Moss to Crag Bank and back to Lancaster. It was an excellent start to the year's activities on a route which took in some of North Lancashire and South Cumbria's finest scenery.

Conditions were almost ideal as 13 cyclists from the CTC Lancaster and South Lakes group set off from Beaumont College at 09.15am yesterday morning, led by Mike Bridges – it was fresh, sunny and calm.  The group headed through Halton village, climbing north eastwards along Kirkby Lonsdale Road.  There were fine views over the Lune Valley to Bowland, and northwards where the clouds were more evident.  The group joined the B6254, taking a direct route towards Kirkby via Arkholme and Whittington and arriving in due course in the town.

At this juncture, they were joined for a refreshment break by another 8 or so members, and for the most part partook of a relaxing break in “The Bakery” café.  Some riders chose to curtail their ride at this point, returning homeward.  About 16 members continued the ride, heading for the hamlet of Biggins and following Saddler Nook Lane as far as Johnson House with the cloud thickening and the temperature cooling.  Here there was a division of numbers; the majority of the group turned to follow narrow lanes through Hutton Roof and along the north escarpment of Newbiggin Crags and Farleton Knott to reach the village of Farleton.

The main route, although scenic and not too difficult to follow, was quite narrow, following lanes with poor surfaces at times and strewn with occasional clumps of mud, grass and leaves.  It was no surprise that some of the more cautious members of the group took the broader lanes by Burton and Holme to reach the lunch venue.  The main portion of the group followed the planned route to reach Beetham and Slack Head, reaching Arnside via Leighton Beck Bridge at about 1.00pm.  Both halves of the group enjoyed lunch together at “The Heron” in Arnside.

After lunch, the group continued, now on the homeward leg, via Silverdale and Red Bridge Lane.  A short shower fell during this interval, but hardly caused a ripple – one or two members donned jackets, but the rest ignored the isolated shower and carried on.  The group crossed the Keer at Hagg Wood on its way to Crag Bank.

The group was becoming depleted at this stage, several members having arrived in their home neighbourhoods.  The remainder completed their day out by following the canal towpath and the A6 into Lancaster.  It had been an enjoyable day out in good Autumnal weather.

Sunday 26th October saw nineteen members of CTC Lancaster and South Lakes turn out at The Boot and Shoe for Anne’s ride to Pilling and Great Eccleston. None of them had been deterred by the thought of strong headwinds on at least some of their route!

Setting off through the university they made their way to Ellel and Galgate before crossing the A6 at Potter’s Brook after which they took a lanes route through Killcrash and Goose Green to Forton Hall Farm. A short stretch on the B5272 took the riders to the turn for Winmarleigh, arriving at Stake Pool and Pilling for a well earned and leisurely coffee stop at the pottery. At this point they were joined by riders from Preston and Scorton. 

After coffee some of the group decided to return back to Lancaster, whilst the intrepid dozen or so ploughed on for Great Eccleston, forsaking the longer route the leader had planned in favour of the more direct route across Pilling Moss, to Cartford Bridge and a warming lunch in the cafe at Great Eccleston. 

Another split occurred at this point as some riders returned home by the shortest route, whilst the hardy few travelled on minor roads to St Michael’s. After only half a mile on the busy A586 they turned along the northern side of the River Wyre to rejoin the Pilling Moss road for a mile or so, before turning on to Skitham Lane and from there to a final refreshment stop at The Pudding House. For those who had completed the whole ride fifty miles were covered on what turned out to be a mild, but windy, autumnal day.

The Salter Fell Road was the destination for last Sunday’s ride by the Lancaster and South Lakes Cyclists Touring Club.

Eight cyclists met at the Boot and Shoe with the inviting prospect of a fine day for the 7 miles long high level crossing of the Bowland Fells between Slaidburn and Wray.

Dunsop Bridge tearooms provided a welcome coffee stop, reached via Dolphinholme, Abbeystead, Marshaw Fell Road and the Trough.  After an extended stop at the busy café, just 5 cyclists continued on to the crossing of Salter Fell.  The off-road section was reached via Newton and the Quiet Lane at the foot of Burn Fell and Wood House Lane.  

A recent bonus for walkers and cyclists has been the padlocking of the gates giving access to the Salter Fell road, so that 4-wheel drive vehicles do not intrude on the peace and quiet and churn up the track surface.

A picnic lunch was enjoyed at a shooting hut on Croasdale Fell, after passing the monument to the Lancashire witches, which provided a reminder that the route has been in use for centuries.

The northern section of the Salt Road has been much improved recently by the shooting interests, enabling better progress to be made after crossing the watershed at 412 metres above sea level.  Panoramic views opened up across Morecambe Bay and to Yorkshire’s 3 Peaks as the cyclists traversed high above the Roeburn Valley and regained the tarmac roads before dropping down to Wray for a welcome tea stop before heading home.

With a party of twelve club members away on a cyclingholiday in Majorca it was surprising to find a large group assembled outside Beaumont College on Sunday morning for the club run to Farleton View and Kendal.

Led by the club secretary Mike Hutchinson the riders headed towards the Kellets via Slyne where they turned left and climbed up Bottomdale Road to Kellet Lane at Four Lane Ends. They then rode on to Capernwray, Borwick, Priest Hutton and Burton in Kendal. The rest of the outward journey took in a series of minor roads before riding on to Farleton View Fisheries for coffee.

Here the numbers were further boosted by club members who had ridden there independently. With the promise of tea, coffee and cakes at the house of a club member living in Kendal, Mike led the ride towards Woodhouse, Hincaster, Sedgwick and Natland. Along the latter part of this stretch the road was shared with triathletes, some cycling and others already on their final discipline, running. 

The traffic in Kendal proved a bit of a problem but all arrived safely for lunch. Refreshed by their friend’s hospitality a rather less tortuous traverse of the town was taken. This was led by one of the group more familiar with Kendal’s many side streets. After returning to Natland and Sedgwick they then used the path by the Kent’s salmon leap and the underpass leading to the old A6, en route for Levens Park.  

The remaining journey took on a more familiar tone: across the Moss, on to Dalham Park and Storth and then to Leighton Moss for afternoon tea whilst others returned home, to conclude a ride of about 60 miles on a pleasant autumnal day, enjoyed by all. 

Fifteen riders met at the Boot & Shoe for the CTC Lancaster and South Lakes ride to Beacon Fell Park led by Nigel Cole. 

Setting off on a bright but slightly chilly late summer morning, they crossed the A6 and made for the tranquillity of the Lune Cycle Path at Aldcliffe via the Canal path at Deep Cutting. Heading South past Condor Green and along Jeremy Lane, then briefly back on the main road to Cockerham but soon happily returning to the quieter lanes around Forton and quickly re-crossing the A6 at New Holly heading for Scorton and along the NCN 6 to Sandholme Bridge where they climbed up the hill to for a welcome coffee stop at Cobble Hey. Sitting outside in the sunshine, enjoying the views and being entertained by the activities organised for visitors to the farm centre.

Ten riders then continued on an anticlockwise circular route to Beacon Fell Park. Now in warm sunshine, along Oakenclough lane, past the gliders taking off from Bowland Fells Gliding club and having the pleasure of extensive views towards Bowland, Pendle and Longridge fells. They then turned back West, riding up Rigg lane and around to the visitor centre for the lunch break, enjoyed once again outside, with distant views looking over the Fylde and in the company of many other visitors making the most of the day.

After lunch they descended back to Garstang via Walmsley Bridge and Claughton and then headed out North West once again, along quiet lanes all looking particularly beautiful with trees showing their early autumn colours in the bright sunshine. At Winmarleigh a sharp right turn headed them back East to Scorton for final refreshments before a return to Lancaster, up Cleveley Bank and along Miller’s Brow for last vistas of the fells. Then dropping back down to Galgate and through Lancaster University and the cycle track back to Scotforth, ending a most enjoyable and varied ride of 54 miles in glorious late summer sunshine.

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.

An eager bunch of cyclists gathered at the Boot and Shoe for Frank's ride to Wrea Green, encouraged by the excellent forecast for the day.  Soon they were heading down towards the cyclepath, bound for Conder Green, Glasson and the lanes, emerging just before Cockerham onto the main road. This they followed through the village, turning off towards Great Crimbles and along Moss Edge, then back on the Pilling road and on to their coffee destination at Bells Farm. After a convivial break, two returned homewards leaving the rest to continue southwards to Cartford Bridge.  The sunny skies and light breeze made the journey a delight, unimpeded by the draughty headwinds frequently experienced along this section of the Fylde Coast. Any initial thoughts of a changed lunchtime destination of Great Eccleston were soon amended by early arrival there, so by mutual consent the original plan was reinstated by continuing to Little Singleton and Weeton, crossing the M55 to Great Plumpton and finally arriving at Wrea Green for a relaxing picnic lunch on the Green, basking in the warmth of the pleasantly unexpected September sun.

The return took the riders East to Kirkham, the northwards through Warles, Inskip and eventually to Bilsborrow along the delightful twisty country lanes of the area.  There they crossed the A6 and M6 where the route took them northwards along more twists and turns, a most pleasurable ride under the blue skies, warm sun with a scenic view of the clearly outlined fells to the right, the party eagerly looking forward to their tea stop in Scorton.  There they could relax and review the day at leisure before completing the final section home via Galgate and the University cycleway, to conclude what was unilaterally agreed as a splendid day out with some 62 miles covered.