25th August 2022: Waddington - Special Ride (mod)

On Wednesday morning it looked like it could be just me and Steve Tan travelling up to Whalley, which having recced the route just two days ago with Keith, was not an ideal outcome for staging a club ride. John Mills was very interested, but would he really want to tolerate my slow progress in such hilly country all day? In the end, John, Alan, and Andy Barber also fancied the route enough to rise early, and make the drive north.  Tastebuds in Whalley proved an ideal meeting place once again. The staff were very friendly, and opened a separate dining room for us. We enjoyed tasty light breakfast offerings, before departing a little after ten.

The rising lane after Sabden Brook was a very steep introduction to the variety of climbs ahead. The quiet, narrow lane that followed emerged from a green grotto onto the ridge of Padiham Heights, with its beautiful views across the moors to the left, and over the old industrial towns such as Burnley and Brierfield to our right. We took Steve Hughes' advised route to Barley via Roughlee, which worked out well, and avoided a couple of heart attack climbs on the Newchurch route. Steve used to live at nearby Higham, and if his son had not been visiting from faraway, would no doubt have joined us. Alan is also familiar with the area, as Steve and Alan have been mates since their schooldays, and they have ridden together up here. Close by is the only remaining Clarion Room in the country, and, perhaps, the grave of at least one of the “Pendle Witches” in St.Mary's churchyard, Newchurch. There is also a metal statue of Alice Nutter on the roadside to Blacko, installed in 2012, as part of the four hundredth anniversary remembrance of the Pendle Witches.

The climb around the dominating Pendle Hill is quite a slog, but before we hurtle down to Downham there is a stunning panoramic view all the way to the Yorkshire Dales to the north-east. Some claim that Downham is the most beautiful village in Lancashire, certainly it is attractive and unspoilt. It has been used for filming, and there are no Sky dishes to spoil the appearance. Whistle Down The Wind was filmed here in 1961 starring Hayley Mills and Alan Bates. The Assheton Arms has closed, which is a shame. Climbing out of the village we pass Downham Hall, the family seat of the Assheton family and Lord Clitheroe. We head for Waddington and lunch via Chatburn, crossing a pretty section of the River Ribble into Grindleton. Lunch was a sandwich or a starter sitting outside the Higher Buck in the centre of the village. This pub is very pleasant, and the food and service is reliably of a high standard. Nevertheless, I hope that we will try The Inn at Waddington sometime in the future, I just wasn't sure if the chef was back after his hip operation, and if so, was he moving quickly enough? And if they still had a “light bites” menu.

Photos by AO

After lunch we followed a secluded back road across the hillside, with a tricky little, steep up- and -down at Talbot Bridge. We passed Browsholme Hall, before reaching Cow Ark and enacting my cunning plan for the next section of the ride. Steve led a loop on a designated “Quiet Lane” past the Wild Boar Park with fantastic views at the highest point, and I saved my legs, by taking the shortest route over to Whitewell, and going my own pace, up the picturesque Hodder Valley, to Dunsop Bridge, Newton, and Slaidburn. Newton has an excellent restaurant, The Parkers Arms, frequented by Gourmet Tan, it also has a very tough climb out! I took two minutes in beautiful Slaidburn to sit on a bench in the sunshine surrounded by flowers while I had a drink. The hairpin climb out of Slaidburn was just about manageable, and I waited up the road in the shade waiting for the peloton. They had covered just over four miles more than me, so they had done well to nearly make the catch before I had stopped. Altogether now, as we crossed the fellside, and then enjoyed a long, fast descent to Holden Clough Garden Centre for a last break and drink. The garden centre was being further developed, but we eventually located the Shepherds Hut and sat chatting in the sun, in the knowledge that the run-in back to Whalley would be relatively easy.  As we approached Sawley from Holden, Sawley Lodge looked magnificent on the far side of the River Ribble. We crossed the river, passing the ruins of Sawley Abbey before ferreting around on paths and lanes to Chatburn, Worston (Where we once had a cream tea at the Calf 's Head), and crossing the A59 for a car-free few miles past Standen Hall. We completed the ride with a brisk couple of miles through Barrow and back to our parked cars at Whalley. Fifty very scenic miles covered, and nearly 4,500 feet climbed. I appreciate the support of Alan, Andy and John in travelling up, solo, from further away than Steve and myself. I really enjoyed their company, and having the opportunity to talk to John in more than just one-liners about Everton! Also, thanks to Keith for joining me on Tuesday's scouting mission.                             

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH

15th August 2019: Special Ride Ribble and Hodder Valleys - Whalley to Waddington

We weren't supposed to be here! Last Thursday I had ridden a recce in the Peak District in order to clarify a route for today. Steve Tan had kindly accompanied me, as we rode above Toddbrook reservoir, the one with the damaged dam, at Whaley Bridge. Most of the roads were open, but Lyme Park was strictly closed, and we had climbed over 4,000ft before returning to our starting point at Redes Mere. We had a fine day out, but the many steep climbs made it too hard a route for us to relish riding again in seven days’ time, never mind inflicting on others. Hence, we were now sitting in Tastebuds cafe in Whalley, as part of 'Plan B': to ride an alternative scenic route, this time in Lancashire, and not as severe.

Everybody had enjoyed a relatively straightforward journey, although Graeme's car was spotted coming into the village from the wrong direction, having missed their intended turn through chatting. From well inside the cafe, I thought I had seen Andy pass by. Then he bobbed into view travelling in the opposite direction. I managed to get to the door in time to give him a shout. It felt like the fairground stall where you needed a pole with a hook to catch the passing ducks! We were soon tucking in to bacon rolls, giant teacakes and coffee. The party consisted of Andy Barber, Graeme, Jim, Dave Pipe, Steve Tan and myself.

Photos by Andy B

I had planned to stop and look at places of interest, so first off we visited Whalley Abbey, on the banks of the River Calder. The abbey was founded in 1296, when the Cistercian monks of Stanlaw (Stanlow) moved there from a flood-prone site on the on the Cheshire shores of the River Mersey near Ellesmere Port. It is interesting to note that Whalley has suffered some bad flooding in recent times. I am not sure how this may have affected the site of the abbey.  Next stop had us swooping down the lanes, past Salesbury Hall to Ribchester Bridge. In Ribchester we viewed the Roman Baths and stood above a big sweep of the River Ribble.  A fort had been built here by the Romans in AD72, and it was a crossing point for Chester, York and Lancaster roads.

Back on our bikes, we were soon wandering up a rural cul-de-sac to view the attractive almshouse at Stydd. Built by the Shireburn family in 1728, it originally housed The Poor, and is now converted to four flats. Cue more photographs. We climbed up to Hurst Green, passing another lovely almshouse before passing the gate posts of Stonyhurst College grounds. Turning the corner at the top of the hill and viewing the magnificent baroque building below is a stunning site. Please use Google if you would like to know more; there is too much history to tell here. The list of famous alumni is impressive in itself.  By the time we had whooshed down past Cromwell's Bridge on the River Hodder, and then climbed back up, and passed Bashall Town, it became obvious that we had a dilemma. Despite our modest mileage, our sightseeing and leisurely winding up lush green hills, meant that it was time for lunch already! There was a definite 'Last of the Summer Wine' feel to our progress. To be fair, left to their own natural pace, Andy and Steve would have been miles up the road tucking into lunch at The Inn at Whitewell by now. The Higher Buck at Waddington had always been a considered alternative, and the staff were friendly and the food very good.

Lunch hadn't been quick, so after consultation with Steve who had been in this area with me before, we decided to give pretty Chipping and its high, quiet lane out, a miss this time. We wended our way past Colthurst Hall with views across the valley through sun dappled leaves. There was one 'arrow' I had forgotten at Talbot Bridge! We passed Browsholme Hall and turned onto the straight course of the York to Ribchester Roman road. A beautiful, wooded, downhill cruise alongside the waters of The Hodder and past The Inn at Whitewell followed. The inn was a manor house in the 14^th. Century, lived in by keepers of the Royal Forest. It is still part of the Duchy of Lancaster estate and owned by the Queen. The strong wind was more in our favour now as we headed for Dunsop Bridge, Newton and Slaidburn with the Yorkshire Dales in sight beyond. The sun was out and the scenery cycling up the valley was delightful. There were plenty of large undulations to tire the legs, mind you! Slaidburn is a lovely village, but there is a sting in the tail if you wish to continue towards Ribblesdale: a hard, hairpinned haul uphill. We neared our turn-off to head over the shoulder of the fell and then pile downhill, hopefully for coffee and cake. Jim announced that he was 'knackered' at this point. I told him that it was nearly all downhill from here, but he was as reluctant to accept my words as if his GP had made the same judgement! There is a good cafe/restaurant at Holden Clough Nursery, less than four miles away, but we needed to get there before last orders at 4.30p.m. The last two miles are an outstanding downhill run. Steve, Graeme and Andy scouted ahead.

Thankfully we all made it, and we received a friendly welcome. The Bakewell tarts were the best Graeme and I had ever tasted. Behind schedule, but suitably fortified, we headed home via Sawley Abbey, the side of theA59, Chatburn and Worston. Just a few, flat miles back now. In the interest of time and Graeme's bike battery, the valley side route through Pendleton and Wiswell was rejected. Despite winding the pace up with Dave Pipe over the last stretch into Whalley, it was still 6pm when we reached the cars. Steve tells me that we covered 49 miles and climbed 2,600 feet. When so many were on holiday, I appreciated the support and excellent company of those who made the effort at short notice.

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH

20th April 2017: Special Ride - Whalley to Settle (mod)

Seven of us arrived pretty well together, and early, at the kerbside on Accrington Road. A friendly cyclist who had also arrived by car, was soon interrogating us with the zeal of Michael Crick.  Although our conversation was polite, I had the feeling that he was a bit of a nutter, and was happy to escape with the others to Tastebuds for a cuppa. I didn't want to eat there, as our lunch stop was going to be early. The staff were expecting us, and very friendly in that warm, unpretentious Lancashire way. I began to wonder if Tom was held up, or wasn't coming, so I gave him a ring. The sleepy voice on the end of the 'phone wasn't Tom's, but his son's. It was established that Tom's car was not on the drive, just as the man himself entered the cafe, still in time to have a coffee.

We started bang on time: Steves Haywood and Tan, Bob, Macca, Keith, Tom, George and myself. We cycled on a side road adjacent to Whalley Abbey before heading north-west, passing over the Ribble just past Mitton Hall – a great venue for a special occasion. We then pressed up a short steep bank, and turned right just before the renowned Three Fishes restaurant. This took us on a back lane past the ancient church at Great Mitton. Can you tell that the Tourist Board paid me for this write-up?! We were soon climbing steadily and easily to Browsholme Hall. At Cow Ark we partly followed the route of the Roman road (York to Ribchester, I guess). At this point I decided to do a quiet and scenic loop crossing the Hodder at Doeford Bridge, before joining a familiar route of mine, which climbs past the wild boar farm, and provides a panoramic view of the Forest of Bowland, before plunging down to Burholme Bridge. A flat cruise alongside the Hodder soon has us at Puddleducks cafe at Dunsop Bridge, This is a reliable favourite stop, and a prudent choice on this ride, as any further sustenance cannot be guaranteed on the long leg to Settle. My hotpot pie and red cabbage was just what I needed to face the challenges ahead. I think Steve H had apple pie and custard for his early lunch- ah never mind, I suppose our type of club is bound to have its share of old eccentrics! Dave Pipe would have had the hotpot, and then the pie and custard!

Photos by Macca

I can't make my mind up if knowing the exact nature of a tough challenge ahead is an advantage, or if ignorance is bliss. I knew that the next 25mls or so would be a testing, and hopefully exhilarating ride for all of us. Newton was the next village, followed by a stiff climb by Great Dunnow before whizzing down through attractive Slaidburn. The other side of the river has a notorious mile or so of climbing including a hairpin bend. Steve Tan had managed to knacker his rear gear hanger here in the past, but we managed to shorten the chain, and he got home without his rear derailleur as I recall. We passed Tinkler's Lane, part of the Lancashire Cycleway, and our last chance to make an easy alternative route. However, the weather was fine, and the tour needed to deliver as advertised. We turned left, speeding down to Gisburn Forest and Stocks Reservoir.  At the causeway we could see people fishing from a small craft, idyllic on the twinkling waters. Then, this was it! A hard, long, slow slog straight up School Lane, then bending left into some more climbing through the forest. Coat Rakes Bridge heralded  a lung- bursting section steeper than one-in-five, followed by a few hundred yards steeper than one -in seven as we strove to stay aboard without stopping. Bob's heart monitor had redlined, so he had wisely dismounted. He wasn't the only one! My triple chainset gave me an advantage over some. Tanny and Tom were flying, but Keith was the revelation, and was well ahead of Stephen and myself, as we concentrated on pacing ourselves to the very top of Crutchenber Fell. 

According to Steve Tan's data we climbed 768 feet on this 3mile stretch. Macca took a photograph, as we all got together on the craggy top. 

Bob exclaimed that this was the toughest ride he had ever been on, and asked if all “Special” rides were like this one! The short answer was “No”, but I hope that the mighty climb and glorious descent will stay as one of the special memories of riding with our club. I know it wasn't climbing Ventoux by three different routes in a day, but for an old moderate rider it was still a bit of a buzz. So, we did hurtle down past Clapham Common for miles, with a panoramic view of the majestic peaks of the Yorkshire Dales in front. Keith had a bit of unnerving headset play on the way down, but we were soon heading east down Eldroth Road, in lovely scenery towards Giggleswick and Settle. By the time we were crossing the A65 with about a mile and a half to go, we had encountered a few more sharp banks, and a couple of the lads were looking like dead fish. I was a bit concerned, and was starting to think of contingency plans, being particularly mindful of what happened to Dave Pipe. There turned out to be no reason to worry, as The Singing Kettle tea shop at Settle worked its magic, and with plenty of good value food and drink down us, everyone was pretty well rejuvenated on our easier, and far shorter, return journey. Some of us were able to have a fun chat with a mother and daughter in the cafe. They were visiting from Earby, and the mother had Alzheimer's. There were some surreal and poignant moments in the conversation, but I think we all appreciated the encounter. I guess Settle is worth a proper look around in the future.

Returning down Ribblesdale gave us an easy start, bowling along with our destination in site on the horizon: Pendle Hill. We were heading for the end of its south east slope at the River Calder, that flows through Whalley. Our first little hill was at Rathmel, but the topography ahead had nothing for us to fear.   At Wigglesworth we headed west for a mile before turning left for Sawley. We stopped to ensure that nobody missed the turn. I then followed Brian Mac on the long stretch to Holden. Brian had got a second wind, and started to open a big gap. I only caught up with him when he had a wobble over the bridge at Forest Becks. We stopped at the junction at Holden. Bob was close behind. We waited, and waited, Evidently Keith had had a problematic puncture. The incident showed that having switched on mobiles and other riders' numbers, as well as efficient bike pumps is really useful, but not half as useful as having Dave Pipe along! Once we were altogether we headed for Worston, via Sawley and Chatburn. We have had cream teas in the past at the pub in Worston, but today we carried on, crossing the A59, and then having an easy cruise along the flat, quiet route of the old road to Whalley. We covered just over 60 miles, and ascended 3,715feet according to Steve Tan. Steve Haywood went to the cafe, but I think the rest of us just set off home. We had no traffic problems, and I appreciated the company and the support for the ride at such short notice.  I know people are often desperate to get out of Wales, but it was a long drive, and I hope the Welsh contingent felt that it was worth it. Steve and Tom's support for the peloton was much appreciated, as was Macca's photography. Congratulation to George for The Magpies promotion!

DH

23rd April 2015: Whalley, Pendle and Beacon Fell (long)

Keith, Dave Pipe and myself had cycled a recce of the proposed route at the beginning of the week.  The lunch stop pub had been closed, and Keith mashed his gears and chain before the end. Oh! and the pub we diverted to in Chipping resulted in heads smacking a low beam for the second year on the run. We eventually got back to Runcorn well after 9pm. We had a beautiful day out, nevertheless.

Today we were lucky; the weather was still great.  We had settled on two routes, one for the tandem and those who wished to go slower, and the longer one, which was never going to be actually brisk given the hills and the mixed ability of the group.

Photograph by Steve Haywood

Keith, Steve and Steve, Paul and Tom and myself made up our long ride team, and it all worked out great! It was warm with beautiful views on Padiham Heights. We stopped for an investigation of the last Clarion Room in the country, and sat on the benches looking toward Yorkshire with the sun on our faces. After grinding around the orca-like hulk of Pendle we were soon hurtling down into picturesque Downham, used as a location for both Whistle Down The Wind and Born and Bred. We were soon cruising through Waddington where I'd booked the other group in at The Higher Buck. When we reached The Dog and Partridge at Hesketh Lane, it was a relief to find it open, and very popular. The welcome was warm, our table reserved, and the food and the waitress were very tasty.  Tom would have liked more crust on his pie, but there were plenty of nice vegetables to fill up on. 

Beacon Fell was a new destination for most, although the hot hazy day limited the full extent of the panoramic view available. I had worked out that we may run into the tandem group, and we did, on the Quiet Lane out of Chipping. They looked a bit overdressed to us; perhaps Dave and Liz had been trying to lighten their costume pannier! We eventually hauled ourselves up past the Wild Boar Park and whooshed down to Burholme Bridge. We stopped at Dunsop Bridge for a quick break and coffee. After Slaidburn it was hard work around the hairpin for the lardy lads, but it’s a lovely route back over the fell, and the descent is long and exhilarating to Holden. We broke our necks to reach the cream teas booked at The Calf's Head at Worston before the 5 o'clock cut-off. Most of the staff were fine, but the Cream Tea Queen was dour and sour, despite Steve Tan's friendly greeting. We sat in the garden, still in sunshine, knowing that we only had about five easy miles back to the car. 

Everybody seemed to enjoy the day, and it was Paul's first Special Ride. 62 miles, and over 5,900 feet climbed according to Steve's gizmo. I thoroughly enjoyed the company and the pace never seemed an issue, despite three of us being fast, and three not so fast!   Many thanks to Jim and Dave Pipe for being so accommodating in ensuring that the shorter ride could take place, and Keith for taking time off work twice, and providing the convenience of the big black van. Also, many thanks to Bryan Wade for putting information on the website at short notice.

DH

23rd April 2015: Ribble Valley (mod)

With Dave’s recommended driving time just about spot on we all assembled at the café fairly close to 9 o’clock. With the prospect of a long day ahead Dave P was taking no chances with possible malnutrition and was already chomping his way through a full English when the rest settled down for the customary tea and teacakes. With Dave H threatening a 60+ mile route, four of us: Dave and Liz on the tandem, Trevor and Jim opted for a revised 45 mile version, to be followed at a much more leisurely pace. 

From Whalley we went east over the A671 and up the lanes towards Padiham Heights. The views were magnificent if a little hazy due to the surprisingly warm weather and we were soon removing our top layers as we continued to climb up to the top of the ridge. Soon, however, we were descending quickly, and after a short stop at the famous Clarion Room, pressed on northwards to Newchurch and Barley. The easy riding soon ended with a long slog up towards Pendle Hill followed by a welcome thrash steeply down to Downham. Here we paused briefly to study the unique design of the local toilets before pressing on through Chatburn to our lunch stop at the Higher Buck at Waddington. The service was excellent and we sat soaking up the sun by a dribbling stream, before leaving less than an hour later.  

Westwards to Hodder Bridge was very relaxing, tootling along enjoying the scenery, but we were soon faced with another long uphill round the north side of Pendle before dropping down to Chipping. We had just turned north towards the wild boar farm when the brisk group appeared. We set a very relaxed pace up the west side of the Hodder valley to give them a chance to get ahead (they had several more coffee stops to complete) and we were soon heading back south past the Whitewell Hotel and then eastwards to Bashall Eaves. We skipped a possible coffee stop here and instead opted to continue back to Whalley where we re-convened at our breakfast stop. 

44 miles of good riding, some downhills and great scenery: much better than tiling the bathroom!   

JD

14th August 2014: The Lanes and Fells of Lancashire

You know those days when the forecast is 'iffy', but once you are out on your bike it's perfectly fine?  Well this wasn't one of those days!  Rain showers were plentiful and heavy, and the best sunshine was on the M6 return drive.  Ivan was full of praise for the food and service at No. 61 King Street.  The route down to the River Ribble was soon rural, and easy, and green.  On reaching Roman Ribchester I tried to show the group the ancient bathhouse, but the great unwashed were sneeringly dismissive, asserting that Chester's were bigger and better!  The cafe at Ribchester was friendly and cosy, and we were soon tead, teacaked and toiletted ready for our first climb in the direction of Hurst Green.  A short diversion took in the well-preserved and pretty almshouses at Stydd.

Photographs by Clive Albany and Brian Mac

Stonyhurst College is a stunning vision as you turn the corner and see this impressive baroque building for the first time.  It was from here that my devious plan was to operate.  The faster riders could take off and ride alongside Longridge Fell's northern edge, eventually circumnavigating Beacon Fell, and meeting the less ambitious back at Chipping for lunch.  They seemed a bit reluctant to clear off!  Mike and Brian tried to be helpful with regard to taking my marked map.  Mike's excellent local knowledge would be invaluable.  The advantages would be a quiet, scenic extra 10 mile for some, while the tandem group could cope with the climb to Chlpplng at a slower pace.  This arrangement would also slightly stagger lunch, and get the tandem out ahead of the game for the afternoon.  Like most of my inspired ideas the plan never really got off the ground.  Heavy rain and a farmer scattering thorns meant that the fast group abandoned Beacon Fell, and we all arrived at The Sun simultaneously.  Well, not quite, Dave broke the chain on his tandem in a last effort to reach a menu card first.  He expertly fixed the tandem in the backyard of the pub, with support from Keith, and the use of a puddings board acting as an incentive to work quickly.  The food was fine and the service friendly at The Sun, but despite my pre- booking we were there a little while with eleven orders and probably one chef.  However, the upside was everyone chatting and getting on so well together.

We took the Quiet Lane out of Chipping and headed for the Wild Boar Park.  I was grateful to Mike for leading the faster group, and to Brian, Keith and the two Steves for supporting the tandem.  Before the exhilarating swoop down to Burholme Bridge there was a wonderful, panoramic view of Bowland and beyond.  The road to Dunsop Bridge was alongside the river and true easy riding for a while.  Steve H and Brian were advised of a short route on foot past the road closure at Newton, while the tandem and co. climbed up the fell and came down again at Slaidburn.  Slaidburn is an attractive, stone- housed village, but once across the burbling water there is a steep climb.  Steve and Brian had waited for us, and the fast group was well ahead at this stage.  The rain started lashing down as we approached the lovely sweep down toward Sawley Abbey on the Lancashire Cycleway route.  You can normally clearly see the peaks in the Yorkshire Dales here.  Because of the weather Dave and Liz had done more costume changes than Kellie Maloney!  As we came down it looked as if the road had been dry all day.  Grindleton and Downham were by-passed in order to reach our ordered cream teas at The Calf's Head in Worston.  We just made it, gratefully tucking in to jam, cream and scones and hot drinks.

Our few miles back were flat and leafy, and we met Clive and Ivan at The Eagle in Barrow.  Despite the weather the camaraderie had been excellent.  Everyone had been helpful and tolerant, and this made the day enjoyable and worthwhile.  That Keith has to bust a gut to arrange shift swops to cycle with us in the rain, and loved it, says it all!  Attendees: Dave H, Dave & Liz P, Keith, Clive, Ivan, Brian Mac, Petar, Mike G, Steve H and Steve T. 

DH

19th July 2012: Pendle Witch Country

The weather was uncertain, but the lemon cake was a sure thing at Number 51. We were having a communication problem with Dave M., who had apparently turned back in the face of miserable motorway rain. So it was that the certainties, myself, Brian Mac and George were conjoined by the last minute surprise trio of Mike Morley, Jim and Bryan Wade. 

We scooted around to briefly view Whalley Abbey entrance, and then headed for the golf course. There was a lot of up: Clive’s altimeter would have been whirring its wheels off. We weren’t in much risk of whirring our wheels off though as we strained slowly up from Sabden Brook. The narrow ridge road passed through a grotto of green onto the top of Padiham Heights, with Burnley below. Soon we were cruising, the weather was dry and the riding was easy.

After the delightful hamlet at Sabden Hall, it was 100% effort again just before reaching steeply situated Newchurch in Pendle with its strong connections with the Lancashire witches. In 1612 ten witches from the Pendle area were sent to the scaffold. In the graveyard of St. Mary’s of Newchurch is a tombstone with a skull and crossbones known locally as ‘the witches grave’. George appeared to be the expert on witches having married a local girl; he even knew where one of the Nutters was buried. 

East from Newchurch we bowled down Jinny Lane to the last remaining Clarion Room in the country. 

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Hundreds of mill workers and their families used to come up here for refreshment and fresh air at the weekend. But there was much more to the Clarion movement than this, and fitness and fraternity through a national network of cycling clubs was a significant element of this socialist movement. Cyclists and walkers still come here for a drink and a break on Sundays. From here we rode into Barley, ignoring the cosy tea rooms as my little black timetable book had us behind schedule. We then whacked our way around the impressive green bulk of Pendle Hill. Right and ahead was a panoramic view stretching as far as the Yorkshire Dales. Our geographers, Jim and Brian Mac, recognised Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough on the horizon. We hurtled down the multi-arrowed Pendle Road to famously filmed Downham. Here we ran into two lively ladies who stalked us to the post office tea shop. I think they were looking for Specsave!

We crossed high above the A59, and over the Ribble at Chatburn (site of a yummy ice cream shop) and made our way south west to wonderful Waddington. The Lower Buck tempted, but I wanted the back of the ride broken by lunch, so we carried on easily to Higher Hodder Bridge. We ground around the heavily wooded Waddington Fell and up the Hodder Valley. We had done a lot of climbing, and after at least three hours in (and out of) the saddle, our lunch stop, at Chipping’s haunted 17th Century Sun Inn, arrived not a moment too soon. The food was excellent and the service was courteous and friendly.

We wound out of Chipping up a lush Quiet Lane past Legram Hall. The peaceful road meandered between Burnslack and Fair Oak Fell soaring to our left, and the wooded River Hodder below. The Wild Boar Park was passed, and we soon sighted the unlikely red telephone box as we steadily gained height and faced the last really steep bank of the day by Knot End cottage. The reward was a panoramic view across The Forest of Bowland to Yorkshire, and a lovely long descent to Burholme Bridge. The return to the Ribble Valley was by the route of least resistance! The famous Inn at Whitewell was passed as we followed the Hodder before winding left up the Roman road to Cow Ark, and past Browsholme Hall the ancestral seat of the Parkers, Bowbearers of the Forest of Bowland since Tudor times.

It was mostly downhill from here as we sped to coffee and cake at Balshall Barn. As we sipped next to the cows, Mike, George and I decided to have a look at the breathtaking Stonyhurst College, a magnificent 16th. Century manor house now home to a famous independent Catholic school. We passed ‘Cromwell’ Bridge over the Hodder and the beautiful old Alms House in Hurst Green on our extra loop. We finished by crossing the River Ribble at Great Mitton and returned to Mike’s former home village of Whalley.

It was a pleasure to cycle in such pleasant company. It was quite a demanding ride, and for those, who, because of various circumstances were not at their fittest, very hard at times. I hope now that the lactic acid has dissipated they will look back with pleasure and remember the fine views.  Mileage 46 or 51 with the Stonyhurst College loop.

DH

17th July 2010: Ribble and Hodder Valley

The day started with nine riders, two cars, a white van, seven solos and a tandem on the motorway in the rain heading for Whalley in the Ribble Valley.  After parking up and a visit to Whalley’s luxurious public toilets it was time for Dave to lead us out on NCR 90 over the River Calder.  We were soon on quiet lanes heading west to cross the Ribble at Ribchester Bridge before entering the lovely town of Ribchester.  Here Dave led us through the back streets to visit the Roman Baths and the Museum before arriving at the Tea Shop Café for our first stop and much needed refreshment.

It was well past 11.00 hours by the time we left and it would be a while before the weather started to dry up.  After passing the impressive arms houses at Hurst Green we approached Stoneyhurst College from the west before joining last years route to Chipping.

Photographs by Bryan Wade and Ivan Davenport

Dave offered the choice of a stop for a quick half or pressing on towards the fells.  Fearing that a quick half could easily turn into a leisurely pint the group decided to keep going.  For me the next section of the ride, up past Wild Boar Park and on to what must be the most isolated telephone box in the country, is hard to beat.  The sun came out and the views were superb and then there’s the prospect of the fast sweeping descent down to Burholme Bridge over the Hodder.  Pity about the Landrover that nearly took out Jane and Jim!

Undeterred we regrouped at the bridge before heading down stream following the Hodder through Whitewell until two sharp left turns took us onto the Roman road and a climb up to the impressive lodge of Browsholme Hall.  With lunch beckoning at the Lower Buck pub in Waddington we only had the narrow attractive lane and Talbot Bridge to navigate.  All seemed well as we passed the spot where Jonathan had a puncture last year.  At the B road we regrouped to find we were missing Mike G; so while Ivan went back the rest of us rode the final half-mile to lunch.

Just as last year the Lower Buck did us proud with a reserved room for the group (Dave Heath, Bryan, Graham & Jane T, Ivan, Liz & Dave P, Jim and Mike G), and a good choice of food and ale, including Hen Harrier.  Before long Ivan and Mike G appeared: Mike having punctured at a similar spot to Jonathan last year!  All too soon it was time to leave and start the final section of the ride with our last crossing of the Ribble followed by a climb up to Downham.  From here it was an easy run back to the cars at Whalley with 46 miles clocked.
Thanks go to Dave for making it all possible.  An excellent ride in true Chester Easy Riders style.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW

11th October 2009: Ribble Valley

Sunday morning at 8.45am by the Hoole roundabout and a group of people are loading bicycles into a large white van.  Is this the result of nefarious night-time activities?  Are the bicycles destined for the black market?  But no: this marks the start of two firsts for Chester Easy Riders, our first away ride and our first Sunday ride.  And what a start: 14 members and guest riders registered, with 12 at the meet in Hoole.

Dave has been planning for today’s ride over the last month but even he has no control over the weather, so although we have been enjoying beautiful autumn weather over the last few weeks the journey up the motorway to the Ribble Valley is distinctly wet!  The ride start point is Whalley Abbey where Dave has arranged pre-ride refreshments at the café.  Here we meet up with Tony and Jonathan Small who have made their own way to the Abbey.  Then with everyone present its time for the off in light rain and with a heartfelt farewell from a local resident!
Dave leads us off at a steady pace past the impressive medieval church at Great Mitton heading for Hurst Green through the grounds of the impressive Stonyhurst College.  Here we stop to admire the architecture while Glennys records the moment.  Then looping back we re-cross the River Hodder and skirt around Longridge Fell before a comfort stop in Chipping.  This pretty village and its cyclist’s café deserve more attention than we have time for today: perhaps next year?  Turning northeast we head uphill until just before Wild Boar Park, Dave punctures. While a small group watch with encouraging remarks the puncture is fixed and we are off again.  Riding quietly along at the back of the group I am struck by the peace and tranquillity of the area: even the sheep and cattle seem more relaxed than those on the Cheshire plain.  It’s not hard to understand why Dave loves the area so much.  Then we leave the ridge for an exhilarating swooping descent down to Burholme Bridge.  By the time we make Dunsop Bridge it is 2.00pm so we stop at the café for a tea/coffee and cake.  While Dave rings ahead to warn our lunch venue that we are running late the rest of us take the opportunity to chat, and with seven guest riders joining us from groups across the C&NWCTC area there is much to talk about.  The ride to Waddington takes us through Whitewell with the river below us as we ride through the valley before turning uphill to Cow Ark past Browsholme Hall where, with only 10 minutes of riding before our eagerly awaited lunch stop, Jonathan punctures.  Eventually arriving at the busy Lower Buck pub in Waddington at 3.45pm we are given a warm welcome and are relieved to find that food is still being served.  It may be late but this is truly an inspired choice: an excellent range of cask ales from which I choose the Black Cat (its great to have the opportunity to try a good traditional mild) and a range of delicious home made meals to choose from.  One couldn’t wish for a better stop.

Photographs by Glennys Hammond

It’s after 5.00pm by the time we leave the pub so Dave wisely decides to shorten the route back to Whalley where we arrive just before 6.00pm with 40 miles completed and an appreciation of the rugged beauty and interest of the Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland.  Many thanks Dave.  All your planning and hard work paid off, for this was a truly memorable ride.  A return trip next year?  Yes please: you can put me at the top of the list.

BW