Cycling on & Off

FAMILY/BEGINNER RIDES CYCLING ON & OFF THE Weavers Wheel

by KEVIN RIDDEHOUGH

A series of cycle routes starting and finishing in Blackburn with Darwen INTRODUCTION

As I started to put these routes together I didn’t realise just how difﬁcult it would prove to be.

It wasn’t the actual act of mapping the routes and taking the reader through So, along with my wife Victoria, we’ve enjoyed over the last several years turn by turn routes, that was the easy part. What has proved to be a really encouraging new or returning riders. In particular, we try and encourage tough task has been deciding which routes to include and harder still, which families to get out and about and ride together as a family. We’ve enjoyed to leave out! some fantastic rides with our 10-year-old daughter, Summer. You’d be amazed at just how resilient younger kids can be and often will be still going strong I’ve been cycling now for many years and I’m very happy to say that for the when the adults are beginning to #ag a little. majority of those countless thousands of miles I’ve really enjoyed the riding. A ten-mile ride is possible for even the youngest riders, all we need to do is How could I or anybody else fail to enjoy the areas that surround us? In make it fun, or better still an exciting adventure. Riding on the road with Lancashire we have the enviable position of being spoilt for choice on where youngsters is a very real hazard and I wouldn’t suggest this to just anyone, to ride on any given day. but even this with the right amount of care and planning is an achievable goal Whichever route I choose to ride the one thing that I’m sure of !nding in for you. abundance is hills, and lots of them, but don’t let this put you o", the rewards In compiling these rides I set my self the challenge that each route should for your e"orts are the views that could adorn any of the !nest calendars that achieve four objectives which I feel could help encourage local people to we buy each year. With a little bit of patience and riding at a pace to suit you, consider cycling: there’s no reason why you can’t begin to enjoy hill climbing as part of your rides. 1 Through routes that are accessible to all levels, I want to encourage as many riders to experience and enjoy the beneﬁts of a simple bike ride. I couldn’t begin to compile a list of my favourite routes without mentioning a huge thanks to a few guys who have ridden regularly with me: Craig (satnav) 2 By gradually building conﬁdence on the bike I want to give riders the self- Rawcli"e, Shutts, Gilly, Dave Southward, Kev Buck & my wife Victoria. belief that they can go that little bit further next time they venture out, and The above !rst mentioned is one of the greatest inspirations to anyone maybe even think of swapping their existing journey plans one day a week to who chooses to ride a bike. His vast knowledge of not only routes but all riding to school or work. things cycling has become stu" of legends within our group. To all others 3 With clever use of local cycle paths and quiet lanes, I want to show riders mentioned, and sorry for those missed out, it really is a constant source of just what’s on offer just a very short distance out of our town centres. pleasure riding with you. I also couldn’t forgive myself if I wasn’t to give a very special thanks and a mention to somebody who’s been a great inspiration 4 In completing each section, I want to inspire riders to have a go at the routes to me. James Syson of BwD has unrivalled enthusiasm when it comes to in the next section, and in doing so work their way towards the advanced encouraging people to take up alternative travel and, for me he’s been a rides. constant guide, thanks James. We are truly blessed in the area we live in. I couldn’t think of a nicer way of When we get a new rider join us I often hang back and chat with them trying travelling around on these routes than by bike. In the warmer months, a ride to !nd out general information but mainly what they get out of cycling. The into the countryside is probably the best stress buster I can have. But don’t answer more often than not is always the same. It’s not just about the cycling, just take my word, have a ride and see for yourself. it’s also and often more importantly about the camaraderie. We’ve developed Also why not download for free the new and brilliant Cycling App for our own unique brand of welcoming new riders who join us, and its thanks Blackburn with Darwen and enjoy reading about these rides at any time. largely to the above guys and those I’ve missed out who have created this. This isn’t unique to our group though and, cycling seems to attract and nurture the social side of people.

Kevin Riddehough PAGE PAGE 2 Cover photo: John Rutherford 3 THE IMPORTANCE OF DOWNLOAD OUR APP PHYSICAL ACTIVITY In February 1894 in Birmingham, a meeting was called by Tom Groom to talk about cycling and how working people could beneﬁt. All our rides are also available on our fantastic Connect East Lancashire That meeting in Birmingham 122 years ago established an early social . movement for health and the club they set up was joined by 69 more across Cycle App the country by 1897. Cycling was a way of getting around from which almost The app is FREE to download on all Apple everyone could bene!t and “it o"ered to members of a cycling club the health and Android phones and can be found and freedom of the open road in the company of others of like mind”. on the Apple store or Google Play Store Rolling forward to 2017, it’s clear that those cycling clubs embodied the by searching ‘Connect East Lancashire spirit of the !ve ways to wellbeing, more than 120 years ago, !nding ways for working men and women to connect, be active, notice, learn and give. Cycle App’. However, we live in a di"erent era and while life expectancy continues to Alternatively scan the QR codes below, increase, the burden of non-communicable disease continues to grow. visit or visit our website: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for 6% of global mortality, and fourth major risk after high blood pressure (13%), tobacco use (9%) and bwdconnect.org.uk high blood glucose (6%). Levels are growing and acting as a driver for non- communicable disease including diabetes and cancers, and for other health risk factors including increased blood pressure, blood sugar and obesity. Physical inactivity is the leading cause of the burden of 21-25% of breast and colon cancers; more than a quarter of all diabetes (27%) and almost a third of all ischaemic heart disease (30%). In the UK, physical inactivity plays a major role in the burden of disease and its impact on the Health and Social Care system and the economy, with estimated spending of £1bn on ill health due to physical inactivity. It has been estimated that signi!cant increases in walking and cycling would save £17bn for the health service in England and Wales. There is strong and consistent evidence that increasing physical activity participation will reduce future risk for all-cause mortality and non- communicable diseases including coronary heart disease and stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases and cancers, hypertension, colon cancer, breast cancer and depression. APPLE APP ANDROID APP This booklet should provide great inspiration to cyclists and non-cyclists SCAN THE CODES TO alike to try out some of the wonderful local routes. The Weavers Wheel is a DOWNLOAD OUR APP fabulous local resource and these routes which run around it and out from OR VISIT: it con!rm Blackburn as a great place to cycle however far you want to go. BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK So in the words of the world’s greatest ever cyclist “Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride” (Eddy Merckx). As Hippocrates acknowledged more than 2,400 years ago the right amount of exercise is part of a safe route to health. Public Health, BwD PAGE Ken Barnsley, PAGE 4 5 FAMILY/ BEGINNER RIDES FAMILY/BEGINNER RIDES

The rides in this section have been carefully selected to give you RIDE NO. RIDES DISTANCE PAGE the rider, where possible a taste of bike riding but with the safety of cycle paths. FAMILY / BEGINNER RIDES

We’ve ridden with numerous younger children over the years and until they !nd their con!dence, a road is no place for the young rider. Witton Park to Feniscowles 6km FAMILY/ BEGINNER RIDES 1 8 Children very quickly learn to adapt and ride safely, but this will need constant supervision from you and if you do venture onto the quiet road 2 Witton Park to Ewood Park 8.5km 10 sections, you’ll need to be acutely aware that they will have no concept of how roads and tra$c works. 3 Witton Park to Blackburn Cathedral Quarter 6km 12 Whenever I’ve ridden with my daughter, I always ride just behind her and I’m on the constant look out for tra!c, in front, behind and from the sides. 4 Royal Blackburn Hospital to Whitebirk via the Arran Trail 13km 14

So my advice after years of riding bikes with younger children is simply this, 5 Ewood to Royal Blackburn Hospital 8km 16 take it slowly, don’t expect too much too soon and above all stay safe. If you’re in doubt stay o" the road until con!dence and road awareness has built up, we’re trying to encourage the next generation of cyclists not scare them o". For building road awareness you can use the two excellent facilities in Corporation Park and near Witton Stocks, here you’ll !nd two cycle tracks that have been designed to give youngsters a taste of road riding without the dangers of actually being on road. They’re both fully equipped with junctions, right and left turns, mini roundabouts and zebra crossings, perfect for starting out. Ride the routes in this section with care, but ride them often so that you build con"dence in riding together, and above all, enjoy the rides.

PAGE PAGE 6 7 FAMILY/ BEGINNERRIDES FAMILY/ BEGINNER RIDES RIDE WITTON PARK 1 WITTON PARK TO FENISCOWLES This is a great little family ride using in the 6 Turn right on the canal towpath heading TO FENISCOWLES main cycle paths or quiet roads. towards Feniscowles. Just before bridge 99 we 1 leave the canal through a pinch gate and take Riding through some lovely areas, but never the path down to a track that takes us to Park too far away from the starting point, this is a Farm Road - please take care on this descent. Suitable for: ALL ABILITIES / Mix of cycle paths & some quiet roads great way to start family cycling. There’s a steep climb to take us away from this Start and finish at the cycle centre in Witton path back up to the road. RIDE RIDE Park, the kids can always run off any excess 7 Turn right onto Park Farm Road and then energy at the wonderful Wits play area. 1 continue before taking your second right, 1 WITTON PARK TO FENISCOWLES FAMILY/WITTON PARK TO FENISCOWLES BEGINNER RIDES Blackburn Rosebay Avenue. Follow this all the way round, 1 Starting from the cycle centre at Witton at the end turn right and then an immediate left head towards the Athletics stadium and car onto a short section of road that soon comes to park at the main entrance. Just prior to the car a footpath down to Preston Old Road, same as park barrier take a right onto the track that has before the safest way to cross here is to walk the river running on your left. Cross the bridge your bike across the road. 1 and go right with the sports fields on your left. Pleasington Witton 8 Turn right on the main road – if concerned Cemetery Country Park 2 At the next bridge you will join the 12 about traffic it’s much safer to dismount and 2 Weavers Wheel turning left and crossing the use the footpath on the opposite side for the arwe n car park with care onto Tower Road. r D short time we’re on this main road. Pleasington ive 11 3 R 3 Head straight across Tower Road and take 9 Take the first left turn onto Sunnyside 10 4 the path directly in front of you climbing up to l Avenue and turn right at the T-junction onto 5 oo the wooded area, this is quite a steep climb Pleasington 9 rp Ewood Woodlands Avenue. Golf Club 8 ve but only a short one. Continue on through the 6Li Park & wooded section, beautiful in spring when the 10 Take the 3rd left turn onto The Crescent Feniscowles ds Lee bluebells are in bloom, and cross the railway before making a left turn around The Crescent. bridge- please take care at this section as this Soon you will make a left turn that will take you 7 is a popular path used by walkers & riders. back over the bridge and into the wooded area. Take great care on the steep descent as you are 4 Leaving Witton Park behind for now we leaving the wooded section heading towards head left onto the Crescent. Follow this all the Tower Road. way round taking the first left turn, (still The Crescent). 11 Cross over Tower Road and go through the car park to the bridge over River Darwen. 5 At the T-Junction turn left onto Woodlands Avenue and continue to the main road 12 Cross over the bridge and continue on this junction. Here we’re making a left then almost path past the Witts playground and back to the immediate right onto Cherry Tree Lane. The start point. safest way to cross this busy road is to walk along the footpath section and then when Time to complete: 6km – 40 minutes* safe walk your bikes across the main Preston Facilities en-route: Café at Witton Park Pavillion Old Road. Continue along Cherry Tree Lane following Weavers Wheel signposts towards Toilets at Witton Park the Leeds & Liverpool canal towpath.

*Approximate times based on an average speed of 6mph PAGE PAGE 8 TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK 9 RIDE PAGE FAMILY/ BEGINNER RIDES 2 WITTON PARK TO EWOOD PARK 11 At the end take a slight left turn then a slight left turn the end take At the bottom of this path you emerge At At the end of the path turn right to cycle right to cycle the end of the path turn At of the outward The route back is a reverse

8 9 10 11 journey until you reach a sign pointing you journey this on the right. Take towards Witton Park line railway path and cross the bridge over the along Speedwell Street. path. immediate right onto a shared cycle just opposite the main onto Preston Old Road Cross at the safe to Witton Park. entrance to your start crossing and enter the park back point. along the shared off road path following along the shared reach the until you Road alongside Aquaduct Cross at the safe crossing Empire Theatre. the bus lane. points and take WITTON PARK TO EWOOD PARK At the T-Junction turn left onto Woodlands turn left onto Woodlands the T-Junction At path following the left onto the canal Turn towpath as directed by the Leave the canal Starting from the cycle centre at Witton centre cycle Starting from the bridge we join the Weavers the next At the path directly Crossing the road take behind for now we Leaving Witton Park

2 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 Another great little route which takes you you which takes route little Another great section as you wooded a beautiful through onto the canal and then out Park Witton leave and back. to Ewood down for a steady ride Avenue and continue to the main road Avenue making a left then almost junction. Here we’re Lane. The immediate right onto Cherry Tree road is to walk safest way to cross this busy along the footpath section and then when across the main Preston safe walk your bikes Lane Continue along Cherry Tree Old Road. Wheel signposts towards following Weavers towpath. the canal Centre Wheel in the direction of Town Weavers & Ewood. bowling Wheel signage riding past a Weavers green on your left side. Park head towards the Athletics stadium and head towards the Athletics Park Just the park entrance. park near main car a right onto park barrier take prior to the car that has the river running on your the track with the left. Cross the bridge and go right sports ﬁelds on your left. park car Wheel turning left and crossing the Road. Tower to reach with care wooded area, in front of you climbing up to the this is quite a steep climb but only a short one. Continue on through the wooded section and as this care but take bridge, cross the railway & riders is a popular path used by walkers alike. this all the head left onto the Crescent. Follow way round taking the ﬁrst left turn, (still The Crescent). Park Ewood Blackburn 8 9 7 10 11

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Golf Club Pleasington

Time to complete: Time en-route: Facilities 2 *Approximate times based on an average speed of 6mph times based on an average *Approximate Suitable for: Suitable RIDE

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10 2 RIDE FAMILY/ BEGINNER RIDES WITTON PARK TO EWOOD PARK PAGE RIDE PAGE FAMILY/ BEGINNER RIDES 3 WITTON PARK TO BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL QUARTER 13 Leaving the Cathedral behind us by Leaving the Cathedral Here, using the lights to cross safely a right turn onto Here we make At the end of this narrow walkway cycle walkway cycle the end of this narrow At our way down Fleming then make We

8 9 6 7 10 Cathedral Quarter. Cathedral pick We moving back along Fleming Square. ﬂow cycle up King Street and follow the contra Here we turn go. lane down as far as we can Street and at the top left right onto Prince’s trafﬁc onto Fielden Street and down to the lights. we follow a quiet section of Montague and onto Road, Close, across Stoneyhurst Carlinghurst Road. top we turn left onto the At Sunnyhurst Road. and pick up National Cycleway Road Wensley route 6 to return along the same route we way back to Witton Park. out on, all the came path, we do a little right onto Lord Street West right onto Lord Street West path, we do a little King Street and then then onto Corporation Street in quick succession. Square to our destination of Blackburn WITTON PARK TO BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL QUARTER Crossing at the pelican crossing and Crossing at the pelican Moving away from the statue we head From outside the Cycle Centre we head Centre we From outside the Cycle we are still following National this point At for just Road Continue along Wensley

3 4 5 1 2 3 The new Cathedral Quarter and Blackburn Cathedral The new so much to offer. have centre town at Witton the car leave a change, not have Why of taking advantage ride into town and Park friendly route. this superb family in and way on your see so much more You’ll out of the town. Montague Street, we make a left turn and reach Montague Street, we make crossing our second major road safe pelican point with Blackburn College facing us across the road. on the main Blackburn College campus keeping our right, we continue along this path until we reach Northgate with King Georges Hall on the left, and the William Gladstone statue in front of us. down Northgate with M&S on our left and behind us. away in the opposite direction of the play parks away in the opposite direction of on your right using with the running track begin a little route 6. We National Cycleway Witton Park climb up and out of the park with Witton High School on our right, as we leave crossing we are met with a safe pelican Park Lane. Cross the us over Buncer point to take crossing onto Higher Witton road at the pelican junction. you way to the next and make Road right onto Rolleston route 6. Turn Cycleway and shortly after turn left onto St Marks Road Within 200m you will reach the junction Road. Road. with Wensley under a mile and on our right passing the now defunct gas holder that dominates the skyline. at the junction with Road of Wensley the end At Fishmoor Reservoir H 7 6 8 5 9 Park 4 Ewood Blackburn 10 Park 3 Corporation 2 BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK * Golf Club Blackburn 1 Mix of cycle paths & some quiet roads paths & some Mix of cycle

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WITTON PARK TO BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL QUARTER PAGE FAMILY/ BEGINNER RIDES Pleasington FAMILY/ BEGINNERRIDES FAMILY/ BEGINNER RIDES RIDE ROYAL BLACKBURN HOSPITAL 4 ROYAL BLACKBURN HOSPITAL TO WHITEBIRK RETAIL AREAS This ride follows a section of The Weavers 7 Using the official crossing points make TO WHITEBIRK RETAIL AREAS Wheel that showcases our town at its very your way round the roundabout, taking the 4 path to the right of the second exit (straight best with some great paths and views as we VIA THE ARRAN TRAIL descend from the Shadsworth Business Park ahead). This takes you to the canal towpath Suitable for: ALL ABILITIES / Mix of cycle paths & some quiet roads down through Knuzden and onto the retail area which you should continue along until reaching of Whitebirk. the BMW garage. Rishton Whitebirk 1 Starting from RBH follow the off road 8 You can either come off to access the RIDE Industrial Estate RIDE Rishton cycle path along Haslingden Road to Lions retail park or continue along the canal to reach Lammack Reservoir Drive. Following the signs for the Weavers Hyndburn and routes beyond. 4 4 9 ROYAL BLACKBURN HOSPITAL TO WHITEBIRKRETAIL AREAS ROYAL BLACKBURN HOSPITAL TO WHITEBIRK RETAIL AREAS 8 Wheel take a right turn onto Dutton Way and 9 Our return route is an exact reverse of our descend down the slight decline. inbound route taking us up through Knuzden The road goes through a left bend and on and back along the Arran Trail following straightening out we begin passing open fields the Weavers Wheel signage until we reach Corporation on our right hand side. Park 7 Haslingden Road. 2 The Weavers Wheel is signposted through 6 the Arran Trail leading us off into the fields and down through a superb lightly wooded section. 5 Blackburn 3 Continue descending this path all the way until you emerge at Knuzden Brook. Cycling 4 through a little playground you will emerge at 3 Haslingden Road. Following Weavers Wheel Oswaldtwistle signage turn left and ride for approx. 200 yards before crossing the road into a wooded off road section. H 4 Riding through this picturesque little Shadsworth wooded section with Knuzden Brook babbling Industrial Estate 2 away on your right hand side the path soon Fishmoor 1 emerges out onto St Ives Road where with Reservoir Ewood Guide great care you will cross and take another Park Reservoir section of an off road path to reach Accrington Guide Road. 5 Cross Accrington Road at the safe crossing point and continue along Peronne Crescent. Turn right onto Maricourt Avenue and continue round to the junction with Whitebirk Road. Time to complete: 13km – 1hour 10minutes* 6 Turning right make your way down to the Facilities en-route: Café at The Range with Toilets main roundabout with the Red Lion pub on your right.

*Approximate times based on an average speed of 6mph PAGE PAGE 14 TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK 15 FAMILY/ BEGINNERRIDES FAMILY/ BEGINNER RIDES RIDE EWOOD TO ROYAL 5 EWOOD TO ROYAL BLACKBURN HOSPITAL Starting from the car park behind Ewood Bikes 6 At the top of the climb to your right is BLACKBURN HOSPITAL this super little route will leave you breathless St James’ Primary School. Turn right onto 5 Newﬁeld Drive and then take a right turn with some of the ﬁnest views over the West Pennine Moors. Using the Darwen Parkway towards Roman Road. off road path we’re afforded views of Darwen Suitable for: ALL ABILITIES / Mix of cycle paths & some quiet roads 7 Turn left on Roman Road and continue Jubilee Tower and the expansive moors as we past Beechwood Garden Centre. Follow this head over to Lower Darwen. RIDE road all the way along with Fishmoor Reservoir RIDE You will be amazed that you are only just a few high on your right hand side until you reach 5 Blackburn short miles out from town. Observatory Road. Turn right and follow 5 EWOOD TO ROYAL BLACKBURN HOSPITAL EWOOD TO ROYAL BLACKBURN HOSPITAL through to Old Bank Lane and turn right. 1 From the car park behind Ewood Bikes, take the Weavers Wheel route and make 8 The Royal Blackburn hospital complex is your way over one of the high points of the now in front of you. Crossing this busy road, Weavers Wheel. High in more ways than one, you can enter the hospital grounds via a safe at the top of the Darwen Parkway section the crossing point and make your way around to Witton views are simply stunning. Take a well- earned the main A&E department where there are Country Park breather at the top to stop and admire the plenty of bike parking spaces available. H views we sometimes miss as we drive by in n 8 9 The return journey is the same until you the car. There are some short, steep sections reach Roman Road. Turn left here and then at 9 Shadsworth on this part so take care when ascending or the mini roundabout turn right onto Manxman Industrial Estate descending. 1 Road. l 10 Fishmoor oo Reservoir 2 At the end of this section of the Darwen rp 10 At the bottom of the hill you will see the e Ewood Guide Parkway we come out at a row of terraced iv Park Manxman Animal Trust Centre on your left. & L 6 Reservoir houses with Alum House Brook running on Just after here is a series of paths to take you 7 your right hand side. Guide back to the Darwen Parkway and your start 2 3 We leave the path through a pinch gate point. 4 and come onto Millbrook Street. At the end of 3 here we turn left onto Fore Street and have a short little section of road riding. 4 Continue over the mini roundabout and pass under the impressive viaduct bridge. As the road bends round to the right there’s a car park on your left directly opposite the Hindle Arms pub. 5 Enter the car park and at the far end pick up another section of the Darwen Parkway and Weavers Wheel. This section will take you up a Time to complete: 1 hour 15 minutes* few steep but short climbs to the top of Stopes Facilities en-route: Café at Royal Blackburn Hospital Brow -a safer more pleasant way of climbing Stopes Brow than the main road.

*Approximate times based on an average speed of 6mph PAGE PAGE 16 TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK 17 CYCLING ON & OFF THE Weavers Wheel by KEVIN RIDDEHOUGH

Photo: John Rutherford

VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK INTERMEDIATE RIDES CYCLING ON & OFF THE Weavers Wheel

by KEVIN RIDDEHOUGH

A series of cycle routes starting and finishing in Blackburn with Darwen INTRODUCTION

As I started to put these routes together I didn’t realise just how difﬁcult it would prove to be.

It wasn’t the actual act of mapping the routes and taking the reader through So, along with my wife Victoria, we’ve enjoyed over the last several years turn by turn routes, that was the easy part. What has proved to be a really encouraging new or returning riders. In particular, we try and encourage tough task has been deciding which routes to include and harder still, which families to get out and about and ride together as a family. We’ve enjoyed to leave out! some fantastic rides with our 10-year-old daughter, Summer. You’d be amazed at just how resilient younger kids can be and often will be still going strong I’ve been cycling now for many years and I’m very happy to say that for the when the adults are beginning to #ag a little. majority of those countless thousands of miles I’ve really enjoyed the riding. A ten-mile ride is possible for even the youngest riders, all we need to do is How could I or anybody else fail to enjoy the areas that surround us? In make it fun, or better still an exciting adventure. Riding on the road with Lancashire we have the enviable position of being spoilt for choice on where youngsters is a very real hazard and I wouldn’t suggest this to just anyone, but to ride on any given day. even this with the right amount of care and planning is an achievable goal for Whichever route I choose to ride the one thing that I’m sure of !nding in you. abundance is hills, and lots of them, but don’t let this put you o", the rewards In compiling these rides I set my self the challenge that each route should for your e"orts are the views that could adorn any of the !nest calendars that achieve four objectives which I feel could help encourage local people to we buy each year. With a little bit of patience and riding at a pace to suit you, consider cycling: there’s no reason why you can’t begin to enjoy hill climbing as part of your rides. 1 Through routes that are accessible to all levels, I want to encourage as many riders to experience and enjoy the beneﬁts of a simple bike ride. I couldn’t begin to compile a list of my favourite routes without mentioning a huge thanks to a few guys who have ridden regularly with me: Craig (satnav) 2 By gradually building conﬁdence on the bike I want to give riders the self- Rawcli"e, Shutts, Gilly, Dave Southward, Kev Buck & my wife Victoria. belief that they can go that little bit further next time they venture out, and The above !rst mentioned is one of the greatest inspirations to anyone maybe even think of swapping their existing journey plans one day a week to who chooses to ride a bike. His vast knowledge of not only routes but all riding to school or work. things cycling has become stu" of legends within our group. To all others 3 With clever use of local cycle paths and quiet lanes, I want to show riders mentioned, and sorry for those missed out, it really is a constant source of just what’s on offer just a very short distance out of our town centres. pleasure riding with you. I also couldn’t forgive myself if I wasn’t to give a very special thanks and a mention to somebody who’s been a great inspiration 4 In completing each section, I want to inspire riders to have a go at the routes to me. James Syson of BwD has unrivalled enthusiasm when it comes to in the next section, and in doing so work their way towards the advanced encouraging people to take up alternative travel and, for me he’s been a rides. constant guide, thanks James. We are truly blessed in the area we live in. I couldn’t think of a nicer way of When we get a new rider join us I often hang back and chat with them trying travelling around on these routes than by bike. In the warmer months, a ride to !nd out general information but mainly what they get out of cycling. The into the countryside is probably the best stress buster I can have. But don’t answer more often than not is always the same. It’s not just about the cycling, just take my word, have a ride and see for yourself. it’s also and often more importantly about the camaraderie. We’ve developed Also why not download for free the new and brilliant Cycling App for our own unique brand of welcoming new riders who join us, and its thanks Blackburn with Darwen and enjoy reading about these rides at any time. largely to the above guys and those I’ve missed out who have created this. This isn’t unique to our group though and, cycling seems to attract and nurture the social side of people.

Kevin Riddehough PAGE PAGE 2 Cover photo: Michael Glancy Potter 3 THE IMPORTANCE OF DOWNLOAD OUR APP PHYSICAL ACTIVITY In February 1894 in Birmingham, a meeting was called by Tom Groom to talk about cycling and how working people could beneﬁt. All our rides are also available on our fantastic Connect East Lancashire That meeting in Birmingham 122 years ago established an early social . movement for health and the club they set up was joined by 69 more across Cycle App the country by 1897. Cycling was a way of getting around from which almost The app is FREE to download on all Apple everyone could bene!t and “it o"ered to members of a cycling club the health and Android phones and can be found and freedom of the open road in the company of others of like mind”. on the Apple store or Google Play Store Rolling forward to 2017, it’s clear that those cycling clubs embodied the by searching ‘Connect East Lancashire spirit of the !ve ways to wellbeing, more than 120 years ago, !nding ways for working men and women to connect, be active, notice, learn and give. Cycle App’. However, we live in a di"erent era and while life expectancy continues to Alternatively scan the QR codes below, increase, the burden of non-communicable disease continues to grow. visit or visit our website: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for 6% of global mortality, and fourth major risk after high blood pressure (13%), tobacco use (9%) and bwdconnect.org.uk high blood glucose (6%). Levels are growing and acting as a driver for non- communicable disease including diabetes and cancers, and for other health risk factors including increased blood pressure, blood sugar and obesity. Physical inactivity is the leading cause of the burden of 21-25% of breast and colon cancers; more than a quarter of all diabetes (27%) and almost a third of all ischaemic heart disease (30%). In the UK, physical inactivity plays a major role in the burden of disease and its impact on the Health and Social Care system and the economy, with estimated spending of £1bn on ill health due to physical inactivity. It has been estimated that signi!cant increases in walking and cycling would save £17bn for the health service in England and Wales. There is strong and consistent evidence that increasing physical activity participation will reduce future risk for all-cause mortality and non- communicable diseases including coronary heart disease and stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases and cancers, hypertension, colon cancer, breast cancer and depression. APPLE APP ANDROID APP This booklet should provide great inspiration to cyclists and non-cyclists SCAN THE CODES TO alike to try out some of the wonderful local routes. The Weavers Wheel is a DOWNLOAD OUR APP fabulous local resource and these routes which run around it and out from OR VISIT: it con!rm Blackburn as a great place to cycle however far you want to go. BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK So in the words of the world’s greatest ever cyclist “Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride” (Eddy Merckx). As Hippocrates acknowledged more than 2,400 years ago the right amount of exercise is part of a safe route to health. Public Health, BwD PAGE Ken Barnsley, PAGE 4 5 PAGE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES 7 8 10 14 18 20 24 PAGE 26km 41km 28km 19km 25km 20.5km DISTANCE Witton Park, Cherry Tree to Top Lock to Top Cherry Tree Witton Park, Lanes from Witton Park Lancashire Wheel The Weavers to Hoghton & Private Road Witton Park & Pleasington Trail Ewood circular via Guide, Arran Lammack, Mellor & Samlesbury circular RIDES LEVEL RIDES INTERMEDIATE RIDE NO. 6 7 8 9 10 11 . Finally, but by but by . Finally, can’t enjoy the enjoy can’t , bright clothing and high viz , there’s absolutely no reason why why no reason absolutely , there’s I want to stay on my bike and stay safe. and stay bike on my stay to I want e!ort . BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK cycling "tness and experience cycling sit up as tall as you can and be seen sit up as tall as you pleasant scenery . Use lights, bright ones. Use rather than the busier main roads. This does sometimes put an than the busier main roads. rather be seen INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES er as safely as it’s possible to be while out on possible to as it’s o"er as safely has to county of Lancashire Lanes and local rides Lancashire favourite with one of my Starting our roads. all within a 7-mile radius. riding, of o" road ending up with a superb taste it’s ever been. The idea when you’re riding on the road for me is a simple one; road riding on the been. The idea when you’re ever it’s to I want the bars, leave with drop on a bike $c, sit up tall. If you’re in tra when you’re the country lanes, to drops at all you happening around of what’s aware very far the most important, keep users when possible. Sticking actions of other road anticipate times and try to is – it philosophy My me safe when riding. kept has largely with the above – right or wrong who’s matter doesn’t as the whole health as well pleasure can bring immense Riding on the road our some of the !nest areas to you bene!ts that come with it. These rides take anyone with just a little bit of anyone rides in this section. used possible I’ve and where as much as I can, down the use of roads kept I’ve quiet roads it worth mileage is not only the extra view on the ride. In my mile or two extra rewarded often very but also you’re the busier roads from away you in keeping with much more from knowledge a little of my riding let me just share road to new If you’re !le the pro In general, our country and beyond. all over of riding roads years than users now road common sight to is a much more on the road of cyclists Moving up to intermediate level rides, you’d be very surprised just how easy easy surprised just how be very you’d rides, level intermediate up to Moving in live we the fact that in Lancashire from get away can’t these rides can be. We riding the con!dence from gained Having area. seen as a hilly generally what’s bit of beginner rides and with a little

Now you’ve completed the Beginners routes you’re more more you’re the Beginners routes completed you’ve Now of the challenging routes on the more to take than ready Rides. Intermediate Level TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: 6

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES PAGE INTERMEDIATE LEVELRIDES INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES RIDE WITTON PARK, CHERRY TREE 6 WITTON PARK, CHERRY TREE TO TOP LOCK The ﬁnal route in the family friendly section is 6 Within 250m the lane takes a sharp left TO TOP LOCK a cracking ride that gives a real taste of what’s and becomes Marsh Lane. Continue on this 6 lane until you meet the B5256 (Sandy Lane). to come in the next section. Turn right and continue until you meet the Starting from Witton Park there’s a gentle main A675 road (Riley Green Switch Rd). Suitable for: ALL ABILITIES / Mix of cycle paths & some quiet roads start along a lengthy section of the Leeds & Liverpool canal. Our route then takes us out to 7 Turning right, we have approx. 400m of

R Wheelton before leaving the canal to savour main road to ride along before we come to the RIDE RIDE iver the delights of some top quality quiet country ﬁrst right turn with the Royal Oak pub on your 6 lanes and returning via Riley Green and the left hand side. 6 WITTON PARK, CHERRY TREETO TOP LOCK WITTON PARK, CHERRY TREE TO TOP LOCK Leeds & Liverpool canal towpath. 1 8 Turn right onto Bolton Road (A675) and Coup Pleasington Witton Green Cemetery Country Park 1 Starting from the cycle centre at Witton continue for 400m before you come to a path on Hoghton e n Park head towards the Athletics stadium and the left leading down to the canal towpath. Bottoms Darw Pleasington er 2 Gregson Riv main car park near the park entrance and exit Lane 9 Take the path down onto the canal and l the park turning right on the main road. Cross oo Pleasington rp then head east all the way back to the start e Golf Club iv at the safe controlled crossing point and pass L point using from this point a reverse of your Feniscowles s & ed the former paper mill on the left. Take the Hoghton 8 Le outward route shared cycle/pedestrian path signed Ewood 7 Riley 2 Green & Lower Darwen, pass between the factory on 9 your left and open playing ﬁelds on the right.

l a n 2 At the end of the path is a row of terraced a C l oo houses. Turn left and follow the signs for the rp Brindle e iv L Leeds & Liverpool canal. Once you reach the & s d Tockholes ee towpath, turn right and follow the canal for L Withnell Fold Abbey Village approx. 6.5 miles until you reach Top Lock. 5 6 Reservoir 3 Legs all warmed up now you will be ready Abbey Village to leave the ﬂat land behind and begin a 4.5- Lower mile quiet lane and scenery extravaganza. Turn 4 Higher Rakes Brook Roddlesworth Reservoir Earnsdale right off the canal and descend down a steep Wheelton Reservoir Upper Reservoir Highland Roddlesworth short descent onto Lower Copthurst Lane and Golf Course Reservoir Withnell cross a delightful little bridge with the River Lostock ﬂowing beneath you. To the left and Brinscall Roddlesworth 3 Wheelton right are some idyllic cottages nestled in the Whittle-le-Woods dip. 4 At the T-Junction, turn right onto Denham Lane and a short little climb. 5 In one mile take a right turn onto Breworth Facilities en-route: Café at Witton Park Pavillion / Toilets at Witton Park Fold Lane.

PAGE PAGE 8 9 RIDE PAGE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES 7 LANCASHIRE LANES FROM WITTON PARK 11 Following this lane now for approx. 2.2 for approx. this lane now Following of the series of lanes you the end At Descend down the lane and cross over on Leaving the paper mill behind carry the end turn right onto Gib Lane At At the bottom of the hill you reach the bottom of the hill you At the bend round to the left onto Take

7 8 9 5 6 10 11 Higher Commons Lane. Within 300m take a take Higher Commons Lane. Within 300m right turn onto Commons Lane. enjoy some of the most beautiful miles you can St Leonards quiet lanes around. Passing the 2.2 At way. Church & Primary School on the and Bezza mile mark you come to a left turn on along Lane directly in front of you. Continue Lane for the Lane/ Dean Lane and Potter Bezza 2.5 miles and enjoy riding along a series next and trafﬁc of unrivalled lanes. With very little out over the River Ribble, this is one of views the high points of this route. Cross emerge onto the A59 at Samlesbury. here directly opposite is a lane taking you up Lane right on Vicarage to the junction. Turn and go under the A59 as you head up the hill the cross roads Bridge. At towards Roach on your right hand side Hall Tavern with New Road. onto Roach ahead continue straight the bridge spanning the River Darwen. A pause here is a must to see the impressive weir across the River Darwen, spectacular when the river is in spate. This area was the Bridge paper mills, sight of the former Roach a shadow of its former glory but still one of a wealth of history importance with local surrounding the area. and bear left for 1 mile Road riding up Roach Road. still on Roach following this road until reaching its end at the Boars Head. the main A59 and cross straight over onto over cross straight the main A59 and with the Bay Horse Inn on Osbaldeston Lane is this lane. Extreme care your left as you enter crossing this road. required here in LANCASHIRE LANES FROM WITTON PARK You now need to cross onto the main now You lights just after the left at the trafﬁc Turn From the Witton cycle centre we leave From the Witton cycle Wheel signs turn Weavers Following

7 3 4 1 2 We start this section with a classic ride around start section with a classic ride around this We lanes. some stunning Lancashire than that is seldom more route On a circular be starting point you’ll your 5 miles from of beauty surrounding wealth at the amazed our town. and in villages of Pleasington, Mellor Taking tough little a few are Balderstones there on with views climbs but each one is rewarded South Ribble and beyond. out over a clear day way down until you reach the Knowles Arms, Road. Pleckgate and head down and over the carriageway lights at Brownhill the trafﬁc bridge. At railway to the left fork signed take Roundabout this point we leave the Weavers Clitheroe. At & Wheel and head towards Ramsgreave Wilpshire station following signs for Spur G. Rising Sun pub and begin the second climb of will ride on this road for approx. the route. You 2 miles, (not all climbing!), before turning right This is a steep descent and onto Abbott Brow. is needed here. care on the Weavers Wheel and go out towards on the Weavers the end of Old Hall Lane At Pleasington Priory. Wheel and turn right staying on the Weavers tough climb to Billinge your way over the make lights, passing the Clog & Billycock trafﬁc right. on your restaurant along Preston New left at the lights and cycle for half a mile before turning right onto Road this all the way around and Beardwood. Follow As the road levels turn right onto Quebec Road. a left turn onto St. and bends to the right take a left here take the end of At Lawrence Avenue. then immediate right onto the quiet trunk road the all this follow A6119, the to parallel running Golf Club Wilpshire 4 Brownhill Wilpshire 3 Park Ewood Blackburn Park Salesbury Corporation Lammack 16 Golf Club Blackburn 2

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10 7 RIDE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES LANCASHIRE LANES FROM WITTON PARK PAGE RIDE PAGE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES 8 WEAVERS WHEEL 13 Photo: Michael Glancy Potter 0m BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK Altitude difference between the start & ﬁnish: /

18m 93m 362m Lowest altitude: / Altitude at end:

Ascend: Ascend: 229m 93m /

LANCASHIRE LANES FROM WITTON PARK 362m 0

Leave the canal on to Speedwell Street on Leave the canal After approx. 500m you reach the canal 500m you reach the canal After approx. Turn right on this main road (signposted Turn This will take you all the way up to Sandy you all the This will take Crossing the road turn right (there is a Crossing the road

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16 15 14 13 12 Descent: Descent: Altitude at start: Highest altitude: miles. you This takes heading towards Witton Park. briefly on to the A674 and back to the cycle centre. pub – there is a path on both sides should you pub – there is a path on both sides prefer. the path bridge and a path on your left. Take for 3.5 follow the canal and down to the canal Lane where we turn left and head out to the Lane where we turn left and head Green. main A675 at Riley short distance A674 Blackburn) and follow for a Oak Royal taking the first right just before the along here take a left onto Private Road. Follow Follow a left onto Private Road. along here take the way to the end then take this quaint lane all fork onto Hill a left and almost immediate right House Lane. path to cycle along should you prefer), and along should you path to cycle 200m on to Station Road. then the first left TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT:

12 7 RIDE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES LANCASHIRE LANES FROM WITTON PARK PAGE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES RIDE WEAVERS WHEEL 8 WEAVERS WHEEL As part of the development of the wider cycling 4 The route leaves the towpath along network across East Lancashire funding the shared cycle and footway linking New 8 Wellington Street to Aqueduct Road via the has been secured to create and fully sign Suitable for: Depending on ability you can ride as much or as little as you are comfortable a network of cycle routes forming a wheel rear of the bowling greens. Turn right onto with – multiple start points / Mix of cycle paths & some quieter roads around Blackburn, with several spokes into Aqueduct Road. the town centre and spurs out to neighbouring 5 At Aqueduct Road the route continues off towns. road along a shared path and crosses the A666 RIDE Mellor Brook Brownhill Affectionately known as the Weavers Wheel, at the Thwaites’ Theatre to pick up the River a tribute to the industrial heritage of the Darwen Parkway behind Ewood Cycles (former 8 Mellor 19 18 WEAVERS WHEEL ed borough, the network has knitted together Aqueduct Inn). Le a number existing paths and quiet roads to Whitebirk 6 The River Darwen Parkway which offers 20 Industrial Estate enable cyclists the opportunity to explore our Rishton fantastic views of the borough and Ewood Park Lammack Reservoir beautiful landscape. 17 exits via Millbrook Street at Lower Darwen For the more adventurous cyclist the Wheel onto Fore Street (left turn). can be used as a springboard to take you Blackburn 7 The route continues eastwards, passes 21 Golf Club further afield to numerous locations, all using Corporation 16 Higher Croft Road and turns left at Rakes Park recognised cycle routes. 15 Bridge to join another section of the River 23 22 The Wheel itself takes you around some of the Darwen Parkway. This short section of Parkway Blackburn 14 finest areas that Blackburn has to offer, with is used to by-pass the steep section of Stopes 13 safe signed routes out into Darwen. Seldom Brow. 12 more than a mile or two away from the main 8 It re-joins Stopes Brow using the access roads, you’ll be surprised at how much there 1 road to St. James’ School, turning left to Pleasington Witton is on offer away from traffic. Please be advised Cemetery Country Park progress towards the traffic signal junction at H that the Wheel is still being constructed as part rwe n Blackamoor. r Da 5 of a funding package secured until 2018/19. Pleasington ive 2 Shadsworth R 4 Industrial Estate 6 11 9 The route then continues along Fishmoor 1 From the Witton Park Cycling Centre ol 10 o Reservoir Blackamoor Road to the Guide signalised Pleasington rp Ewood (pavilions) the route runs westwards using Golf Club ve Guide 3 Li Park junction and uses the existing shared & Reservoir Feniscowles ds National Cycle Network 6 (NCN6) crosses the ee 9 footway and toucan crossing facility to cross L 8 Guide River Darwen at the car park and runs up to 7 Haslingden Road. This section of the route Tower Road. up to Guide cross-roads is possibly the most 2 At Tower Road the route continues challenging for cyclists. This is an extremely Belthorn onto the cycle way linking through onto The busy road and there is insufficient pavement Crescent at Cherry Tree, Blackburn. The route width to create a shared cycle/ pedestrian turns right onto Preston Old Road for a short path. on-road section before turning left onto Cherry 10 From this crossing point the route uses Tree Lane. the existing shared cycle way through Lions Facilities en-route: Café at Witton Park Pavillion / Toilets at Witton Park 3 At Cherry tree lane the route enters onto Drive and Dutton’s Way to enter the Arran Trail Café at The Range Whitebirk with Toilets the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath and runs at the lower section of Dutton Way. in an easterly direction (left) towards Ewood.

PAGE PAGE 14 TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK 15 INTERMEDIATE LEVELRIDES INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES 8 WEAVERS WHEEL

11 Turning off Dutton’s Way immediately 18 The route then crosses the A666 Whalley after the left bend, the route runs along the New Road at the signalised junction onto a Arran Trail in a northerly direction to the end of shared footway alongside Ramsgreave Drive. the Trail at the landscaped area between Staffa 19 The route crosses Pleckgate Road and Crescent and Bank Lane (Knuzden Brook). continues along the Service Road, crossing 12 Turning left onto Bank Lane and passing Lammack Road until it reaches the junction RIDE the junction of Fecitt Brow the route turns right with Whinney Lane. RIDE to access a lovely little wooded section linking 20 The route turns left onto Whinney Lane Bank lane to St. Ives Road. 8 8 and immediately right onto St. Lawrence WEAVERS WHEEL WEAVERS WHEEL 13 The route turns left onto St. Ives Road Avenue and continues by turning right onto and then immediately right to follow the path Quebec Road and left onto Beardwood to join linking through to Accrington Road. Preston New Road. 14 The route crosses Accrington Road 21 Turning left onto Preston New Road the at Peronne Crescent using a safe crossing route continues to the Revidge Road signalised and runs along Peronne Crescent and junction and turns right onto Billinge End Road then Maricourt Avenue to the junction with (care should be taken at this busy junction). Whitebirk Road. 22 At this point riders on the Wheel will be 15 Turning right onto Whitebirk Road the presented with two choices of how to return route runs on road down towards the Red to Witton Country Park. The easier route will Lion Roundabout. Following the signs cross follow Buncer Lane (left turn) and sign cyclists Whitebirk Road and then Red Lion roundabout into Witton Park next to Witton Park High via the central reservation and head onto the School (picking up the NCN route 6). Canal Towpath via Davies Road. 23 If you are feeling ﬁt the longer more 16 Turn right at the canal and follow the challenging route (known as Riddehough Loop) towpath until you reach Trident Park. Turn left runs along Billinge End Road, Woodcock Hill off the tow path at this point and then make a Road, Long Lane and Sandy lane, turning left left turn onto Trident Way towards Whitebirk onto Old Hall Lane and re-joining NCN Route 6 Drive. onto Tower Road and through Witton Park to the Witton Park Cycling hub. 17 The route then crosses Whitebirk Drive and follows the shared footway / cycle way towards Brownhill Roundabout via the Philips Road, Whalley Old Road, Emerald Avenue, Roe Lee Park, Brownhill Drive and Cornelian Street junctions.

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Descent: 138m / Ascend: 138m Photo: Alan Niemeyer PAGE Altitude at start: 93m / Altitude at end: 93m / Altitude difference between the start & ﬁnish: 0m PAGE 16 Highest altitude: 231m / Lowest altitude: 85m TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK 17 RIDE PAGE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES 9 WITTON PARK TO HOGHTON & PRIVATE ROAD 19 0m At the T-junction, turn left then almost turn left then the T-junction, At left onto Sandy Lane and continue Turn Road Green Switch right onto Riley Turn Just after you pass the tower you pass Just after you pass

4 5 6 3 fields. House immediate right at a fork taking Hill this for a mile steadily climbing Lane. Follow T-junction. amid farm land to bring you to the until you reach the main A675. route. and you’re now back on your outward the Green on exactly this through Riley Follow out on. same route as you came the Boars Head pub on your right. Immediately the Boars Head pub Road, a left turn onto Station after here there’s Road. another left onto Private after 200m take little this beautiful lane that sees very Follow over the rolling and enjoy the views traffic Altitude difference between the start & finish: /

88m 93m 95m Lowest altitude: / Altitude at end:

142m 93m Ascend: Ascend: /

WITTON PARK TO HOGHTON & PRIVATE ROAD 95m 0

From the Witton cycle centre we leave From the Witton cycle here and turn right as you exit care Taking

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N TIO A 9 ELEV 1 2 Descent: Descent: Altitude at start: Highest altitude: This is a superb little ride around some little ride around This is a superb lanes. delightful country out and cycling main road Just 2.5 miles of is top quality quiet lanes. inbound but the rest put along the main road Don’t let the ride ridden with off what is a gem of a route, you out to route is a popular cycle this road care and other areas. Preston Brinscall, listed at Grade II. The house and garden are II. The listed at Grade open to the public at advertised times, and are administered by a charitable trust. on the Weavers Wheel and go out towards on the Weavers right we join Tower Turning Pleasington Priory. period before making a left for a short Road the end of Old Hall turn onto Old Hall Lane. At Wheel Lane turn left and leave the Weavers all the way up behind, following Victoria Road to the main A674 junction. this main road Follow Road. onto Preston New now for 2.6 miles. On the way you’ll pass the on your left, the impressive Hoghton Tower current manor house dates back to the mid its name from the De Hoghton 1500’s and takes owners from at least the 12th historical family, I, as is The house is listed at Grade Century. the Great Barn in its grounds, which is dated 1692. Also in the grounds are two structures Park Corporation Golf Club Blackburn Tockholes

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RIDE 9 INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES WITTON PARK TO HOGHTON & PRIVATE ROAD PAGE RIDE PAGE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES 10 EWOOD CIRCULAR 21 After a little while riding along Lions Drive After a little while riding along Lions a right turn through a gate, again Take Going around a playground at the bottom As you emerge from here, cross the road this around and then turn right Follow points to navigate the safe crossing Use Follow the cycle route at the main Guide route the cycle Follow

6 7 8 9 5 10 11 Haslingden Road for a short distance to arrive Haslingden Road at the main entrance. As this descends turn right onto Duttons Way. a low stone and bends to the left you will see on the wall on your right with open ﬁelds opposite side. Wheel, and following signs for the Weavers you which takes Trail ride along the Arran Brook. Knuzden to down descent gentle a along that is just a short A fabulous section of track distance from a housing estate but will give the feeling you’re in the middle of nowhere. left on a main road and you turn of the track right and follow 200m. Turn go for approx. Wheel section along this short the Weavers Brook still little gem of a path with Knuzden trickling down on your right hand side. and do a left then right in quick succession taking onto another section of off road track you between industrial units and then across open playing ﬁelds. Cross the main Accrington at the safe crossing point onto Peronne Road Crescent. you down to This takes onto Maricourt Avenue. right here and head down Turn Whitebirk Road. to the roundabout. and head through Lion Roundabout across Red an opening in the trees directly in front of you. a right you will soon take Arriving on Davies Rd towpath. and head down towards the canal roundabout heading towards the main Royal towards the main Royal roundabout heading roundabout next the At Blackburn Hospital. us right onto Lions Drive. our route is taking you wishing to access the hospital those For along track along the cycle simply continue EWOOD CIRCULAR At the top of the path turn right towards the top At Starting from behind Ewood Cycles take take Starting from behind Ewood Cycles you come out onto of the track the end At Just after the bridge continue to follow

10 4 1 2 3 This is a great little circular ride that can ride that can circular little This is a great in full or used in parteither be ridden to areas and employment schools many access on or just off the route. located along some of the best you This ride takes and upon reaching Wheel bits of the Weavers start climbing and you Road Pleckgate at Pleasington via Billinge arrive eventually for your been rewarded having End Road efforts with stunning views. pub. Take the track at the far end of the car at the far end of the car the track Take pub. park and begin the second section of the taking you up to Blackamoor. Darwen Parkway your time Although it’s a stiff little climb take paradise. and enjoy this nature trail CofE primary school St James Stopes Brow. left on and church are on your left. Turn your way now through Stopes Brow and make with Blackamoor and onto Guide–taking care stretch of road. busy along this the trafﬁc the track leaving the cycle shop behind you. shop leaving the cycle the track the section of This is the Darwen Parkway you over to Lower Wheel, and takes Weavers over the Darwen on a path that gives views also a fantastic wildlife this is Pennines, West the area as your time and savour take corridor, it’s truly a beautiful part of the route. Millbrook Street, continue a short distance left onto the road and to the main road. Turn Bridge, an continue along passing under Rakes impressive structure dating back to 1847. a left turn Wheel and take signs for Weavers park opposite the Hindle Arms into a car

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12 Descend carefully down to the canal towpath to the right and follow this route until you reach the BMW garage on your left and an exit off the canal towpath. Take this exit and go left on Trident Way to the trafﬁc lights. 13 Turn right on the A6119 and follow the RIDE Weavers Wheel all the way now until you RIDE reach the Knowles Arms pub at the bottom of 10 10 Pleckgate Road. EWOOD CIRCULAR EWOOD CIRCULAR 14 Turn left and begin the start of a few little climbs up Pleckgate and over Revidge, with Corporation Park on your left. Continue at the lights at Billinge taking you over the Clog & Billycock road to Pleasington and out onto the A674. 15 Turn left and then right at the roundabout onto Livesey Branch Road. Follow this now all the way back to Ewood and the start of your route.

240 180 N

TIO 120 A 60 ELEV 0 Descent: 194m / Ascend: 194m Altitude at start: 106m / Altitude at end: 106m / Altitude difference between the start & ﬁnish: 0m Highest altitude: 231m / Lowest altitude: 86m

PAGE Photo: Andy Gray PAGE 22 TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK 23 INTERMEDIATE LEVELRIDES INTERMEDIATE LEVEL RIDES RIDE LAMMACK, MELLOR & 11 LAMMACK, MELLOR & SAMLESBURY CIRCULAR This is only a short route but has quite a few 7 At the mini roundabout turn left onto SAMLESBURY CIRCULAR stiff little climbs which give great vantage Branch Road and continue for just short of ½ 11 mile. Turn right onto Intack lane and follow to points for taking in the fabulous Lancashire countryside. the end coming out onto the A677. Suitable for: INTERMEDIATE RIDERS / Mix of cycle paths & some main road riding On the ride over Mellor you’re rewarded with 8 You’re crossing this road and taking the Copster views towards Preston and beyond and the slightly rougher Park Road section, this is Green RIDE Langho Ribble Valley. In addition to this, there are suitable for most bikes but the road bike users RIDE quiet lanes that you’d probably never explore may want to miss this section and stick on the 11 in a car. A677 down past Samlesbury Hall. For those 11 LAMMACK, MELLOR & SAMLESBURY CIRCULAR LAMMACK, MELLOR & SAMLESBURY CIRCULAR staying on the route simply follow Park Road Soak up the views and tranquillity these lanes Salesbury all the way around until you come out opposite have to offer. Samlesbury Hall on the A677. Wilpshire Wilpshire 1 Starting on Lammack Road outside Golf Club 9 Turn left here and in approx.150m left Lammack Primary School, head towards the Balderstone again onto Nabs Head Lane. Follow this all the Parsonage traffic lights. Turn right into the service road way until you pass the Nabs Head pub. Just Osbaldeston that runs parallel with the main A6119 we after here turn left onto Further Lane. This 3 follow signs for the Weavers Wheel all the way 5 now takes you all the way back to the A677 Mellor down to the Knowles Arms pub and then cross Brook Brownhill emerging near the Stanley House. Samlesbury 6 4 onto the main road still heading in the same Aerodrome 7 2 Mellor 11 direction. 10 Turn right and then first left onto Mire Ash Brow and up into Mellor for the third time. 2 At the main roundabout take the left turn 8 1 As the road bends to the left turn right onto following signs for Clitheroe and heading 9 10 Whitecroft Lane and follow to the T-junction. Lammack towards Ramsgreave & Wilpshire station following Spur G signage. 11 Turn right and head away from Mellor Nab’s before taking the first right turn onto Whinney Head 3 At the traffic lights turn left onto Blackburn Lane. Another steep descent here takes you Golf Club Ramsgreave Road and begin the ascent up and Samlesbury Corporation back to the A6119. Cross this and turning left Bottoms Park over Mellor. Once you’ve passed the Spread pick up the service road taking you back to Eagle and continued for approx. 300m you’ll Lammack road, turn right here to arrive back pass some open playing fields on your left. Just R at your starting point. iver Blackburn after the start of these fields is a right turn onto Primrose Hill. 4 Follow this down and turn left on Saccary Pleasington Witton Lane. Continue on Saccary Lane then Showley Cemetery Country Park Road to the junction with the main A59. Café stops: No stops for this route Turn left on this busy main road and ride for approximately ½ mile before taking a left turn 240 onto Abbots Brow.

180 5 Turn left and start the short but steep N climb back up into Mellor again.

TIO 120 A 6 At the junction turn right and go through 60 the village. After you pass the Millstone on ELEV your left the road begins to descend, gently 0 at ﬁrst but ending with a very steep descent, Descent: 230m / Ascend: 230m extreme care is needed at the bottom. PAGE Altitude at start: 178m / Altitude at end: 178m / Altitude difference between the start & ﬁnish: 0m PAGE 24 Highest altitude: 221m / Lowest altitude: 77m TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK 25 CYCLING ON & OFF THE Weavers Wheel by KEVIN RIDDEHOUGH

VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK Photo: Adam Symonds ADVANCED RIDES CYCLING ON & OFF THE Weavers Wheel

by KEVIN RIDDEHOUGH

A series of cycle routes starting and finishing in Blackburn with Darwen INTRODUCTION

As I started to put these routes together I didn’t realise just how difﬁcult it would prove to be.

It wasn’t the actual act of mapping the routes and taking the reader through So, along with my wife Victoria, we’ve enjoyed over the last several years turn by turn routes, that was the easy part. What has proved to be a really encouraging new or returning riders. In particular, we try and encourage tough task has been deciding which routes to include and harder still, which families to get out and about and ride together as a family. We’ve enjoyed to leave out! some fantastic rides with our 10-year-old daughter, Summer. You’d be amazed at just how resilient younger kids can be and often will be still going strong I’ve been cycling now for many years and I’m very happy to say that for the when the adults are beginning to #ag a little. majority of those countless thousands of miles I’ve really enjoyed the riding. A ten-mile ride is possible for even the youngest riders, all we need to do is How could I or anybody else fail to enjoy the areas that surround us? In make it fun, or better still an exciting adventure. Riding on the road with Lancashire we have the enviable position of being spoilt for choice on where youngsters is a very real hazard and I wouldn’t suggest this to just anyone, but to ride on any given day. even this with the right amount of care and planning is an achievable goal for Whichever route I choose to ride the one thing that I’m sure of !nding in you. abundance is hills, and lots of them, but don’t let this put you o", the rewards In compiling these rides I set my self the challenge that each route should for your e"orts are the views that could adorn any of the !nest calendars that achieve four objectives which I feel could help encourage local people to we buy each year. With a little bit of patience and riding at a pace to suit you, consider cycling: there’s no reason why you can’t begin to enjoy hill climbing as part of your rides. 1 Through routes that are accessible to all levels, I want to encourage as many riders to experience and enjoy the beneﬁts of a simple bike ride. I couldn’t begin to compile a list of my favourite routes without mentioning a huge thanks to a few guys who have ridden regularly with me: Craig (satnav) 2 By gradually building conﬁdence on the bike I want to give riders the self- Rawcli"e, Shutts, Gilly, Dave Southward, Kev Buck & my wife Victoria. belief that they can go that little bit further next time they venture out, and The above !rst mentioned is one of the greatest inspirations to anyone maybe even think of swapping their existing journey plans one day a week to who chooses to ride a bike. His vast knowledge of not only routes but all riding to school or work. things cycling has become stu" of legends within our group. To all others 3 With clever use of local cycle paths and quiet lanes, I want to show riders mentioned, and sorry for those missed out, it really is a constant source of just what’s on offer just a very short distance out of our town centres. pleasure riding with you. I also couldn’t forgive myself if I wasn’t to give a very special thanks and a mention to somebody who’s been a great inspiration 4 In completing each section, I want to inspire riders to have a go at the routes to me. James Syson of BwD has unrivalled enthusiasm when it comes to in the next section, and in doing so work their way towards the advanced encouraging people to take up alternative travel and, for me he’s been a rides. constant guide, thanks James. We are truly blessed in the area we live in. I couldn’t think of a nicer way of When we get a new rider join us I often hang back and chat with them trying travelling around on these routes than by bike. In the warmer months, a ride to !nd out general information but mainly what they get out of cycling. The into the countryside is probably the best stress buster I can have. But don’t answer more often than not is always the same. It’s not just about the cycling, just take my word, have a ride and see for yourself. it’s also and often more importantly about the camaraderie. We’ve developed Also why not download for free the new and brilliant Cycling App for our own unique brand of welcoming new riders who join us, and its thanks Blackburn with Darwen and enjoy reading about these rides at any time. largely to the above guys and those I’ve missed out who have created this. This isn’t unique to our group though and, cycling seems to attract and nurture the social side of people.

Kevin Riddehough PAGE PAGE 2 3 THE IMPORTANCE OF DOWNLOAD OUR APP PHYSICAL ACTIVITY In February 1894 in Birmingham, a meeting was called by Tom Groom to talk about cycling and how working people could beneﬁt. All our rides are also available on our fantastic Connect East Lancashire That meeting in Birmingham 122 years ago established an early social . movement for health and the club they set up was joined by 69 more across Cycle App the country by 1897. Cycling was a way of getting around from which almost The app is FREE to download on all Apple everyone could bene!t and “it o"ered to members of a cycling club the health and Android phones and can be found and freedom of the open road in the company of others of like mind”. on the Apple store or Google Play Store Rolling forward to 2017, it’s clear that those cycling clubs embodied the by searching ‘Connect East Lancashire spirit of the !ve ways to wellbeing, more than 120 years ago, !nding ways for working men and women to connect, be active, notice, learn and give. Cycle App’. However, we live in a di"erent era and while life expectancy continues to Alternatively scan the QR codes below, increase, the burden of non-communicable disease continues to grow. visit or visit our website: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for 6% of global mortality, and fourth major risk after high blood pressure (13%), tobacco use (9%) and bwdconnect.org.uk high blood glucose (6%). Levels are growing and acting as a driver for non- communicable disease including diabetes and cancers, and for other health risk factors including increased blood pressure, blood sugar and obesity. Physical inactivity is the leading cause of the burden of 21-25% of breast and colon cancers; more than a quarter of all diabetes (27%) and almost a third of all ischaemic heart disease (30%). In the UK, physical inactivity plays a major role in the burden of disease and its impact on the Health and Social Care system and the economy, with estimated spending of £1bn on ill health due to physical inactivity. It has been estimated that signi!cant increases in walking and cycling would save £17bn for the health service in England and Wales. There is strong and consistent evidence that increasing physical activity participation will reduce future risk for all-cause mortality and non- communicable diseases including coronary heart disease and stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases and cancers, hypertension, colon cancer, breast cancer and depression. APPLE APP ANDROID APP This booklet should provide great inspiration to cyclists and non-cyclists SCAN THE CODES TO alike to try out some of the wonderful local routes. The Weavers Wheel is a DOWNLOAD OUR APP fabulous local resource and these routes which run around it and out from OR VISIT: it con!rm Blackburn as a great place to cycle however far you want to go. BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK So in the words of the world’s greatest ever cyclist “Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride” (Eddy Merckx). As Hippocrates acknowledged more than 2,400 years ago the right amount of exercise is part of a safe route to health. Public Health, BwD PAGE Ken Barnsley, PAGE 4 5 ADVANCED LEVELRIDES ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES

Up next are the Advanced Level Rides – come on you can do it!

Moving up to the more advanced level rides, you’re in for some delightful RIDE NO. RIDES DISTANCE PAGE cycling routes. All of the routes in this section use a mix of main road and quiet lanes. I keep the use of main roads down as much as I can, cycling is after all a social thing and using quiet lanes allows us to have a chat while ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES you ride. In this section the step by step instruction will take on a little less of turn by turn instructions and relies more on giving general direction of where you’re 12 Brownhill to Clapham, back via Eldroth, Tosside, Slaidburn 113km 8 heading for the next several miles. This makes route !nding and riding the & Waddington route a little more enjoyable. 13 Scorton for refreshments from Witton Park 94km 12 Some of the rides will take you o" the beaten track so you’ll need to carry some basic spares with you. There’s a café stop on each route, some of these 14 Malham Cove, Langcliffe, Settle and back from Sunnybower 99km 14 have great pedigree as a cycling café stop. It’s been extremely hard to decide not so much which routes to put in this 15 A Stonyhurst delight via Hurst Green, Chaigley & back via 49km 18 section but more as to which I leave out. I’ve been very lucky to have ridden Jeffrey Hill & Painter Wood some of the !nest lanes around Lancashire and Yorkshire hopefully I’ve Wheelton, Rivington, Belmont, back via Chapeltown chosen a good selection to share with you here. 16 59km 20 17 Pendle Hill spectacular from Whitebirk 54km 22

18 Ribblehead Classic via Clapham & Ingleton & back via 156km 24 Horton in Ribblesdale & Settle

PAGE PAGE 6 7 RIDE PAGE ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 12 BROWNHILL TO CLAPHAM & BACK 9 Turn left and follow the main road for a Turn On meeting the A65 again cross this the When you reach the main A65 take Leaving here we follow for a short while As we descend down past Clapham station to go under junction turn left the next .At this series of lanes, heading Follow Before reaching Wigglesworth you will Before reaching Rathmell the junction where the At

8 9 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 Street that will take you down to the A65. you Street that will take off the main short distance taking the ﬁrst left that are now following these lanes road. You with the A65. run parallel and follow the signs for road with care busy village Austwick. Once you reach the little west). follow signs for Clapham (heading path on your right saving you having to cycle the end pick up the road. At ride along the busy quiet lane again and continue along to Clapham for a well- deserved break. route 68 taking us over of the Roses the Way A65 to Clapham Train once again the busy Station. and on our right we pass under the railway the next take then over the River Wenning, junction on our left signed to Settle (Lawsings Brow). heading towards Eldroth. bridge the railway towards Settle. Soon you will pick up your outbound route, turn right at this junction (onto your steps via Green Lane) and retrace Paley When the A65 section and then onto Rathmell. here, do not turn Room you reach the Reading right to follow your outbound route; instead you on the more on this road to take keep direct route back to Wigglesworth. take a superb quiet lane over to Rathmell. superb quiet lane over to Rathmell. a take an and then take right at the junction Turn immediate left. onto Main a left is situated, take rooms Reading BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK BROWNHILL TO CLAPHAM & BACK As you pass the Clitheroe Golf Club you left and follow this for about 3 miles Turn (over these lanes through Sawley Follow Starting from the bottom of Pleckgate Starting from the bottom of Pleckgate bridge, Just after you go under the railway

12 3 4 5 1 2 I have started this section with a full day started a full day this section with I have the Ribble out through classic taking you and just ﬂirting with the Yorkshire Valley the majestic through returning Dales before the over and heading up and of Bowland Forest Fell. Waddington impressive lumps to climb you’ll ride with a few A lengthy on scenery of overdosing be in danger here my favourite. some of and quiet lanes that are stop can stops. You of café a choice There’s at Clapham or if you Room at the Reading a which is to Tosside to continue wanted visit or onto you recommend I strongly Café little café. also a great there’s Slaidburn where at café Another option is the popular cyclist’s friendly good and cycle all are Waddington; too. come to a junction. Cross this road heading towards an iron gate on a path. This is the old you off the section of the A59 and will keep main by-pass for a while. A lovely little section, follow this all the way crossing two main roads until you come out onto the main A59. turning left when you see the sign for Sawley. the remains of a Cistercian Abbey Passing back founded in 1148 set within the dramatic drop of Pendle. Beck and out towards the bridge), Forest Wigglesworth. Road near the Knowles Arms head out through near the Knowles Arms head out through Road Brownhill and follow Spur G signs to the main A666 continuing on through to Langho. a right turn to avoid the main roundabout. take Arms, This brings you out near the Petre centre continue now down through Whalley and out through Barrow. TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: A56 Airton Malham Colne A646 Otterburn Barnoldswick A682 A682 Nelson Burnley Gisburn Horton in Long Preston Ribblesdale A65 Settle Langcliffe Wigglesworth 14 8 7 6 15 A59 Bowland Bolton by A56 A6068 9 Sabden 5

A671 Tosside Austwick 4 Sawley 10 A680 12 11 Whalley Grindleton 16 Clitheroe 23 Harrop Fold Harrop Waddington 3 Clapham 13 le-Dale Chapel- 22 19 Rishton 24 Keasden 25 17 Ingleton 21 Newton-in-Bowland 2 Slaidburn M65 20 18 Eaves Langho Bashall Blackburn Mix of quiet lanes & some main road riding & some main road Mix of quiet lanes Bentham 1

Dunsop Bridge Ribchester A65 A677 Café at Witton Park Pavillion Park Café at Witton Park at Witton Toilets A683

BROWNHILL TO CLAPHAM & BACK VIA ELDROTH, TOSSIDE, SLAIDBURN & WADDINGTON Clapham, Tosside, Slaidburn & Waddington Clapham, Tosside, ADVANCED RIDERS ADVANCED Preston

A6 Garstang

M55 Lancaster A583

Café stops: 12 Suitable for: Suitable RIDE Facilities en-route: en-route: Facilities 8

RIDE PAGE

ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 12 BROWNHILL TO CLAPHAM & BACK ADVANCED LEVELRIDES ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 12 BROWNHILL TO CLAPHAM & BACK

15 When you reach the junction with the 22 At Whalley railway station turn right just Plough Hotel & Restaurant on your right, turn before the bridge down a lane that takes you right and follow this road. After half a mile you along the back road that passes Whalley Abbey reach the junction you passed earlier, instead on your right. The Cistercian Abbey of Stanlow, of turning left continue on this road signed in Cheshire, moved to Whalley in 1296. The Tosside and Slaidburn and visit the Café at Church was built between 1330 and 1380, but Tosside for a brew and something to eat. Enjoy the Abbot’s lodging and Infirmary were not RIDE the next 7 miles of riding on top quality cycling completed until c. 1440. After the dissolution of RIDE roads. At the top of here keep a look out not the Monastery in 1537, the property passed into 12 12 only at the stunning scenery but off slightly to private hands, and Ralph Assheton adapted BROWNHILL TO &BACK CLAPHAM BROWNHILL TO & BACK CLAPHAM the left you are given glimpses of Pendle Hill, it to make an Elizabethan Manor House. It assuring you that you’re on the road home. remained a private residence until 1923, when the Church of England acquired possession. 16 There’s a steep descent into Slaidburn The Retreat House and Conference Centre, with some sharp bends, take care at the together with the Abbey ruins, are now owned bottom. by the Diocese of Blackburn. 17 Leaving Slaidburn you’re now heading 23 At the end turn right and head out of away following the signs for Newton in Whalley passing over the River Calder. Bowland. 24 Around the bend take the 1st left turn 18 When reaching Newton-in-Bowland we almost doubling back on yourself and follow turn left onto Hallgate Hill following the signs this road up through Painter Wood, a steady for Clitheroe. This is the start of a long steep two-mile climb. climb up and over Waddington Fell. The reward after the climb is a great descent down into 25 At the top once you begin to descend Waddington, but take care when you reach slightly turn right onto York Road. Follow this the tree line as there’s some sharp bends to all the way down along Parsonage Road, at negotiate. the lights turn left and now retrace your steps Photo: Adam Symons through Brownhill to your start point. 19 Waddington is a beautiful little village and well worth a stop here even if just for a short breather. On departing Waddington take Belle Vue Lane and pass St Helen’s church on your left. This continues around passing the playing fields and park and becomes Twitter Lane taking you down to Bashall. 20 Turning left and then right, continue on for 400 a short while before making the next left turn. 300 N 21 After a couple of bends, turn right onto TIO 200 New Lane at the junction. We’re now heading to A Whalley via Mitton using Church Lane (next left 100 ELEV turn). At the end of Church Lane take a left turn onto Mitton Road, crossing the river. 0 Descent: 802m / Ascend: 802m Altitude at start: 157m / Altitude at end: 157m / Altitude difference between the start & finish: 0m Highest altitude: 358m / Lowest altitude: 43m

PAGE PAGE 10 TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK 11 ADVANCED LEVELRIDES ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES RIDE SCORTON FOR REFRESHMENTS 13 SCORTON FOR REFRESHMENTS FROM WITTON PARK This is one of our yearly favourites that oddly 7 When you pass the Corporation Arms enough I prefer to ride in the cooler weather follow the road round and take the next left 13 FROM WITTON PARK as it gives me a reason to buy the world’s best fork in the road, taking Lower Lane. broth from the Barn at Scorton. This broth is 8 After half a mile and opposite St not for the faint hearted and served with some Lawrence’s Church, turn right onto Chapel Hill Suitable for: ADVANCED RIDERS / Mix of quiet lanes & some main road riding fabulous crusty bread this is food to make this and the ﬁrst left onto Little Lane. At the end lengthy ride well worth the effort. turn left onto Kestor Lane and down to the 17 RIDE RIDE Taking you through some lovely Lancashire roundabout. villages there’s nothing major on this ride 16 9 Turn right at the roundabout and follow 13 13 that will have you struggling too much, in fact SCORTON FORREFRESHMENTS FROMWITTON PARK SCORTON FOR REFRESHMENTS FROM WITTON PARK the road passing Sainsbury’s on your right for you’ll be surprised at how many relatively ﬂat 15 14 Inglewhite, bearing left at the Alston Pub. Cow Ark sections the route has overall. 13 10 After approx. 4½ miles turn right onto Waddington 1 Starting from the Cycle Centre head out 12 Bashall Eaves Lydiate Lane. This will take you down towards of Witton Park following the Weavers Wheel, the M6. Bashall Town you’ll pass the children’s play area on your Walker Fold 11 Low Moor right and head out to the duck pond and Priory. Upon reaching the M6 keep right to run Withgill 11

10 alongside it for a short period before again

e l

b 2 Continue cycling along the Weaver’s b i R

Bilsbarrow r e keeping right onto Smithy Lane. v Stonyhurst R i Wheel taking a right onto Tower Road, the next left onto Old Hall Lane, and a right onto Sandy 12 Following the left bend, keep left where

Hurst Green Barton Lane within Pleasington. Continue on this road the road becomes Sandholme Lane. 9 Goosnargh 7 Brockhall 8 Village until reaching the main junction with the A677 ble Rib Old Langho Whittingham iver Whalley At the next junction continue straight on, R 13 Preston New Road. Ribchester and at the next main right bend take a left turn Billington

Broughton Woodplumpton Turn left onto Preston New Road and instead signposted Barnacre Church, Scorton, R 3 iv er Grimsargh Ribb l e Copster Green Langho then make a right onto Beardwood shortly and Lancaster.

Salesbury Dean Clough after, continuing along here until you reach the Reservoir Wilpshire Wilpshire 14 Continue to follow the road round, Fulwood Golf Club Balderstone 6 next T-junction where you will turn right onto Parsonage Osbaldeston Reservoir crossing the bridge over the M6.

e Tottleworth R ibbl Quebec Road. iver R Mellor Samlesbury Brook Brownhill Aerodrome anal Mellor ol C 5 rpo Turner ds & Live ee Once you cross the motorway take a Green L 15 Preston Whitebirk Rishton Ribbleton Cemetery Exit onto St Lawrence Avenue, then Industrial Estate 4 Park Lammack Rishton Samlesbury Reservoir Fishwick Hall sharp right hand bend and continue along to a Golf Club Nab’s 4 Head Whinney Lane (left turn) before crossing the e l Blackburn b b i Golf Club R

r Corporation

e Samlesbury T-Junction. v Roach i Park

R Bridge Bottoms 3 A6119 and turning right onto the service road

Ri Blackburn ver that runs parallel with the main road. 16 Turn right at this junction and follow this Riv er Darwen Higher Oswaldtwistle Walton Coup Pleasington Witton1 Green Cemetery Country Park road now all the way into Scorton, the Barn Hoghton H we n Bottoms Dar Gregson Pleasington ver Shadsworth At the main roundabout take the left turn i 5 Lane R 2 Industrial Estate Fishmoor Bamber ol café is on the left just as you enter the village o Reservoir Pleasington rp Bridge e Ewood Golf Club iv Guide L Park Reservoir Feniscowles s & following signs for Clitheroe and heading d ee with an old tractor outside. A very popular towards Ramsgreave and Wilpshire station cyclist’s stop you’ll be made very welcome following Spur G signage. here and the food is excellent. 6 Our route is now heading out into the 240 17 The return route is an exact mirror of our Ribble Valley. At the traffic lights with the inbound route, almost turn for turn. Heading 160 Wilpshire Hotel in front of you, turn left and N back to Inglewhite, Longridge, Ribchester, continue all the way now through Ribchester TIO 120 and Salisbury before picking up the Weavers A (after crossing the A59), a village steeped Wheel Spur G again at the Wilpshire Hotel. At 60 in history dating back to the Bronze age. It ELEV Brownhill, continue now along The Weavers was also known as a significant Roman site Wheel all the way back to Witton Park and our 0 being used as a Roman cavalry fort called start point. Descent: 517m / Ascend: 517m Bremetennacum, some parts of which have been exposed by excavation. Continue on now PAGE Altitude at start: 93m / Altitude at end: 93m / Altitude difference between the start & finish: 0m PAGE through to Longridge. 12 Highest altitude: 231m / Lowest altitude: 20m Facilities en-route: The Barn at Scorton 13 RIDE PAGE ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 14 MALHAM COVE, LANGCLIFFE, SETTLE AND BACK 15 Through a series of turns but always Through a series of turns but always main road right here on this busy Turn Dales Riding now into classic Yorkshire wished to stop if you There are cafés this road that will have you feeling Follow Continue along and soak up the exquisite You’re following these lanes now through following these lanes You’re

6 7 8 9 5 10 11 the Paythorne Straights for some good flat Straights the Paythorne riding. come out following Hellifield you eventually left and after 250m at the main A682. Turn to the turn right and follow this all the way the main A65. and T-Junction last house and follow for 200m. Just after the turn signed to Malham the left on your left, take & Airton. country you’ll pass through Otterburn, Airton, and Kirby Malham before arriving into Malham. here but be warned, ahead of you looms the climb up the side of Malham Cove. This is a tough climb and one that has reduced many to walking up the latter sections. If you can manage a glance off to your right as you’re in the impressive sights of climbing take Malham Cove. The large limestone feature was created by a waterfall and has an impressive limestone pavement on the top. you’re riding along the roof of the Dales, like just can bearing left at a junction, Malham Tarn be seen over to the far right. scenery that surrounds you and after nearly two miles stay left passing a junction on your right. This road continues now and descends before climbing back up to begin another descent into Langcliffe. Beware exhilarating though as the descent in the last half mile becomes very steep with some sharp bends near the bottom. to Bolton by Bowland. As you pass through to Bolton by Bowland. village you cross a bridge this delightful little now on Main St. and You’re over Skirden Beck. fork signed the left forks. Take shortly the road you onto climb here takes to Hellifield. A steady BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK MALHAM COVE, LANGCLIFFE, SETTLE AND BACK As you pass the Clitheroe Golf Club you left at this point and after approx. Turn We begin today on one of the Weavers begin today on one of the Weavers We right and continue through Whalley Turn

14 3 4 1 2 This is by far one of my favourite routes, routes, of my favourite far one This is by to ride - Ribble Valley, love I linking 3 areas Dales and the Yorkshire of Bowland Forest get much better? it can’t surely National Park; the found over as I’ve the truth of it is, Well miles I many No matter how it can. yes years, one thing I’m the areas different ride and over is the fact that our beautiful often reminded we is simply stunning wherever countryside go. times and could several ridden this route I’ve of the endless beauty such as tire never a Road, Cove at the top of offered the view that will test seriously tough challenging climb atop here Once core. to the very reserve your on top of cycling feel as though you’re you’ll the world. grace would ride that road A fabulous, full day routes. top 10 great cyclists any come to a junction. Cross this road heading towards an iron gate on a path. This is the old you off the section of the A59 and will keep main by-pass for a while. A lovely little section following this all the way crossing just keep two main roads until you come out onto the main A59. You 3 miles turn left at the sign for Sawley. will now ride past the remains of a Cistercian and set in dramatic founded in 1148 Abbey scenery. Pendle Wheel spurs. Taking Spur F from Sunnybower Wheel spurs. Taking head past the Spice Lounge towards Whalley Wood. and descend Painter heading out towards Clitheroe. TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: A56 Airton 10 8 9 Malham Colne A646 Otterburn Barnoldswick 7 A682 11 A682 Nelson 6 Burnley Gisburn Horton in Long Preston Ribblesdale A65 Settle 12 Langcliffe Wigglesworth 14 15 13 A59 Bowland Bolton by 5 A56 A6068 4 Sabden 16 A671 Tosside Austwick 17 Sawley A680 Whalley Grindleton Clitheroe 2 Harrop Fold Harrop Waddington 3 Clapham le-Dale Chapel- 21 20 Mix of quiet lanes & some main road riding & some main road Mix of quiet lanes Rishton 18 Keasden 1

/ Ingleton

Newton-in-Bowland Slaidburn M65 19 Eaves Langho Bashall Blackburn Bentham Dunsop Bridge Numerous cafés in Settle cafés in Settle Numerous Ribchester A65 A677

MALHAM COVE, LANGCLIFFE, SETTLE AND BACK FROM SUNNYBOWER Numerous Cafes in Settle Numerous ADVANCED RIDERS ADVANCED

A683

Preston

Café stops: 14 Suitable for: Suitable RIDE Facilities en-route: en-route: Facilities M6 M6

A6 A6 Garstang 14

RIDE PAGE

ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 14 MALHAM COVE, LANGCLIFFE, SETTLE AND BACK

M55

Lancaster A583 ADVANCED LEVELRIDES ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 14 MALHAM COVE, LANGCLIFFE, SETTLE AND BACK

12 Langcliffe is a quaint little village with 18 Waddington is a beautiful little village and a nice little tea room. If you haven’t already well worth a stop here even if just for a short stopped to refuel then there’s plenty of choice breather to admire the village gardens near on offer here and most are very cycle friendly. Waddington Hall. Departing Waddington take At the junction with the main road, turn left Belle Vue Lane and pass St Helen’s church on signed to Settle. Take the first left turn off here your left. This continues around and becomes onto Highway; this is the back road and the Twitter Lane taking you down to Bashall. quiet way into Settle. RIDE RIDE 19 Turning left and an immediate right, and 13 When entering Settle take a left turn onto then another left turn after a further 850m, 14 14 Castle Hill. When reaching the junction turn we’re now heading to Whalley via Mitton using MALHAM COVE, AND BACK SETTLE LANGCLIFFE, MALHAM COVE, AND BACK SETTLE LANGCLIFFE, right and keep left onto Kirkgate. After the Church Lane. At the end of Church Lane turn railway bridge take a left turn onto Band Lane left onto Mitton Road towards Whalley. before a right at the junction onto Station Road. 20 At Whalley railway station turn right just 14 Follow Station Road along to the mini before the bridge down a lane that takes you roundabout and turn left here onto Raines along the back road that passes Whalley Abbey Road. Follow this to the end to reach the A65. on your right. The Cistercian Abbey of Stanlow, Taking care to cross here this busy, fast main in Cheshire, moved to Whalley in 1296. The road you make a left then almost immediate Church was built between 1330 and 1380, but right off the A65. the Abbot’s lodging and Infirmary were not completed until c. 1440. After the dissolution of 15 Pass under the railway bridge and the Monastery in 1537, the property passed into continue along passing through Rathmell and private hands, and Ralph Assheton adapted onto Wigglesworth. At the Plough Pub turn it to make an Elizabethan Manor House. It right and then take the left fork at the next remained a private residence until 1923, when Junction signed Bolton by Bowland. the Church of England acquired possession. 16 This takes you down to Bolton by Bowland, The Retreat House and Conference Centre, turn right and continue on to Sawley. together with the Abbey ruins, are now owned by the Diocese of Blackburn. 17 Before the bridge that crosses the River Ribble take the right turn towards Grindleton 21 At the end turn right and head out of and Waddington. Follow this now all the way to Whalley passing over the River Calder. Waddington. Around the bend take the first left turn almost doubling back on yourself and follow this road up through Painter Wood, a steady two-mile climb. At the top continue over picking up the Weavers Wheel Spur F taking you back to your start point.

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TIO 250 A 125 ELEV 0 Descent: 712m / Ascend: 712m PAGE Altitude at start: 227m / Altitude at end: 227m / Altitude difference between the start & ﬁnish: 0m Photo: Michael Glancy Potter PAGE 16 Highest altitude: 445m / Lowest altitude: 43m 17 ADVANCED LEVELRIDES ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES RIDE A STONYHURST DELIGHT VIA 15 A STONYHURST DELIGHT VIA HURST GREEN, CHAIGLEY Whilst shorter than the previous rides in this 4 If you don’t want to stop or if you’re leaving section, it’s by no means less in character. the coffee shop, turn left and head up past the HURST GREEN, CHAIGLEY, This route can be ridden in full or if time is a Bayley Arms with the pub on your right. Follow 15 this road up through a tree covered lane that constraint, in sections. This really does tick all BACK VIA JEFFREY HILL & PAINTER WOOD the boxes for me as to what a ride needs. Lumpy takes a 90 degree right turn. Ahead of you now Suitable for: ADVANCED RIDERS / Mix of quiet lanes & some main road riding in parts, but it just wouldn’t be Lancashire lies the impressive Stonyhurst College. The without our little hills, ride them and enjoy the college dates back to the late 16th century. Take views from the top. your time riding down here and soak up the RIDE RIDE Bashall Town surrounding beauty. This area has inspired greats Passing through some superb Lancashire Walker Fold Clitheroe such as Arthur Conan Doyle so let it inspire you villages, you’ll be transported through time. 15 15 Low Moor as you ride around these great lanes. A STONYHURST DELIGHTVIAHURST GREEN,CHAIGLEY A STONYHURST DELIGHT VIA HURST GREEN, CHAIGLEY Withgill Ribchester is one of the ﬁnest examples of 7 Roman history with some Roman Ruins still on 5 Follow the road round and bear left in front

6 display. Whilst the route doesn’t take you right of the college. This takes you to a junction where

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r e v Stonyhurst R i Pendleton from them. Next up is Hurst Green, home to 6 Turn right at the next junction signposted Stonyhurst College. 5 Clitheroe 5 miles, and follow this round and over This is one of the finest, colleges in northern Birdy Brow, take care on the descent, this is a Barrow Hurst Green England. As you round the corner and you see the very steep descent. Turn left at the bottom onto 4 Lamb Roe college for the first, second or even 100th time, Bailey Bank and head through Chaigley. you’ll still be taken aback by the imposing beauty Brockhall 7 Turn left onto Forty Acre Lane and the first Village of the front façade of the building. This area is ibble Old Langho left. Begin the climb of one of Lancashire’s finest er R Whalley Riv also known to have been an inspiration for J.R.R. hills, Jeffrey Hill takes us up and back over to 3 Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings trilogy, it really does Ribchester 9 10 11 Ribchester. 8 Billington have an inspirational beauty about the whole area, and you’re not even half way round the 8 Turn left at the bottom onto Blackburn Road

Riv er and as you cross the River Ribble for a second Ribb route yet… l e Copster Green time, turn left at the far end of the bridge onto Langho 1 Starting from the bottom of Pleckgate Ribchester Road. Road near the Knowles Arms head out through

Salesbury Dean Clough Reservoir Brownhill and on the main A666 following Spur G 9 Follow this lane through Dinckley taking the

Wilpshire Wilpshire Golf Club 12 of the Weavers Wheel. At the second set of trafﬁc left turn at the junction onto Old Langho Road Balderstone 2 Parsonage lights the Wilpshire Hotel is facing you. before reaching Billington via Elker Lane. Osbaldeston Reservoir Great Harwood 13 Tottleworth Clayton-le-Moors 2 Turn left and follow this road all the way 10 Passing St Augustines School and reaching Mellor Samlesbury Brook Brownhill down through the lights, through Clayton le Dale the main road, turn left. Aerodrome nal Mellor 1 l Ca oo iverp eds & L and Salesbury, crossing the A59 onto Ribchester Le 11 After a short ride double back on yourself Rishton Road before crossing the River Ribble at Little by heading up Whalley Old Road by taking a right Town. Following the road round, take the ﬁrst turn. right turn onto Gallows Lane. 12 At the top continue over picking up the 300 3 Climb this lane and turn right at the top. Just Weavers Wheel Spur F taking you back to your under 1 mile, take a left onto Shire Lane, taking 225 start point. N you over to Hurst Green. A short but steep ascent

TIO 150 brings you out just before the Bayley Arms pub, 13 As you descend from the top of Sunnybower, A for those wanting an early coffee stop turn right you reach the main A6119 by-pass. Turn right 75 ELEV here and in 200m you’ll find an excellent coffee here picking up the Weavers Wheel and follow 0 shop just next to the Shireburn Arms. There are this all the way to Pleckgate Road and you’re back not a many more options for a stop on this ride. at the start point. Descent: 535m / Ascend: 534m PAGE Altitude at start: 157m / Altitude at end: 156m / Altitude difference between the start & finish: -1m PAGE 18 Highest altitude: 282m / Lowest altitude: 26m Facilities en-route: Hurst Green Coffee Shop 19 RIDERIDE PAGE ADVANCEDINTERMEDIATE LEVEL LEVEL RIDES RIDES 1516 AWHEELTON, STONYHURST RIVINGTON, DELIGHT BELMONT VIA HURST & GREEN,BACK CHAIGLEY 21 Reaching Belmont Road we turn right Road Belmont Reaching turning left heading towards You’re now we’re Green Arms Road, Following the first left left here and then take Turn reach Guide at the end of this road We Once over the M65, turn left onto A great coffee stop at the Village tea room A great coffee stop

7 8 9 6 10 11 12 Diamond Jubilee. the end At and then left onto Rivington Road. left onto turn right onto High Street and then this all the way over now Follow Egerton Road. coming out just to the main Blackburn Road road the before a right hand bend on the main A666. a mile turn Darwen and then in just under half on this care Take right onto Green Arms Road. section of main road as this is a fast section of the road. heading ﬁrst to Chapeltown before turning left and heading to Edgworth and then over the moors through Pickup Bank before picking up Road. the main Grane passing through the again onto Belthorn Road charming village of Belthorn. Continue along here stopping at the Dog Inn for coffee if you the opportunity at Rivington. didn’t take where we turn left and an immediate right to cross over the M65. through Lower and cycle Blackamoor Road heading Road Darwen and along Branch Ground. Once Football towards the Ewood Park Branch we reach Ewood, we go via Livesey Green Lane and then right at the bottom Road, of here taking us back into the Park. is recommended after which we head up Sheep is recommended climb taking us over the House Lane, a decent be seen on Winter Hill can moors to Belmont. over the moor and in front our right as we pass Tower, see Darwen Jubilee and left you can Queen Victoria’s built in 1878 to commemorate BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK The Village Tea Room Rivington at Tea The Village WHEELTON, RIVINGTON, BELMONT & BACK From the Witton Cycle Centre we leave From the Witton Cycle When reaching Wheelton, take a left at the When reaching Wheelton, take left off Tithe Barn Lane onto Higher Turn Meeting back up with the M61, turn Follow Victoria Road all the way up to Victoria Road Follow

16 1 3 4 5 2 Facilities en-route: en-route: Facilities It’s time for a sortie south of the border. time for a sortie south of the border. It’s south head out to explore we On this route look has a different This area Lancashire. or the Ribble Valley around to the routes a Dales. There’s Yorkshire into the venturing to some of the moors you bleak, rugged look but this in itself offers a different pass over, rides in this section. beauty to the previous Wheelton, Rivington, passing through We’re the main over crossing and Belmont before via Edgworth, to return to Bolton road Darwen but one route A lumpy Belthorn and Guide. for its for years cyclists attracted that’s and south the Pennines over ﬁne views a worthy days, Manchester on clear towards ride. for a good day’s route on the Weavers Wheel and go out towards on the Weavers When leaving Witton Park Pleasington Priory. Road. park onto Tower turn right after the car the left onto Old Hall Lane. At the next Take end of Old Hall Lane turn left and leave the Wheel behind. Weavers junction onto own Lane, then a right, immediate left, and immediate right onto Chapel Lane Heapy. towards and beyond House Lane. After one mile turn right through Lane towards the gate onto Heapy Fold left at the end onto Turn Reservoir. Anglezarke Back Lane and then right onto Nick Halton’s Lane. and then left again onto Road left onto New Horrobin Lane over to Rivington. the main A674 junction (Preston Old Road). the main A674 junction (Preston Old Road). Green to right and head out through Riley Turn Sandy Lane turning left here. TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: Edgworth 0m Jumbles 9 Country Park Jumbles Reservoir Wayoh Reservoir Chapeltown 10 Oswaldtwistle Bank Pickup Head Turton Whittlestone Golf Club Cross Entwistle Reservoir Bromley Hoddlesden 11 Belthorn Guide Egerton 12 Guide Shadsworth Reservoir Delph Industrial Estate Reservoir 8 Fishmoor Reservoir Dingle H Reservoir Darwen Springs Reservoir Park Ewood Blackburn Reservoir Sunnyhurst Hey Belmont Tower Darwen Belmont Reservoir Reservoir Earnsdale Altitude difference between the start & ﬁnish: Tockholes

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RIDE 20

ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES WHEELTON, RIVINGTON, BELMONT & BACK PAGE 16 RIDERIDE PAGE ADVANCEDINTERMEDIATE LEVEL LEVEL RIDES RIDES 1517 APENDLE STONYHURST HILL SPECTACULAR DELIGHT VIA FROM HURST WHITEBIRK GREEN, CHAIGLEY 23 Take care on the steep descent from here here from descent steep the on care Take Take a left and almost immediate right. On and left go House, Clarion leaving On Road Pendle onto left turn crossroad a At A59 main the cross cycleway the Following Once through Whalley, take a right turn on on turn right a take Whalley, through Once

3 4 5 6 7 2 Hill, following in the footsteps of the Pro cyclists cyclists Pro the of footsteps the in following Hill, the over climb you as Britain of Tour 2015 the in Nick of Pendle. starts road the As Sabden. to down head you as turn left a take Sabden of out again climb to very but short the begin and Road Padiham onto and left a take crossroads the At climb. steep over toyou’re now following a series of roads in Pendle. Newchurch Witches the is turn right this take you as left the well really is this time you’ve if shop, Galore the worth a look around here. Once you’ve taken your on mile ¾ about is House Clarion turn, right out eye an keep so missed easily quite it’s left; as you descend down here. (Please note Clarion a and coffee tea, just food serve not does House a pack up!). small selection of biscuits so take left Turn junction. the to hill the down continue next the at right turning Barley into ride and of out climb steady the begin now and Junction on Hill Pendle of shadow constant the in Barley your left. in Arriving Downham. to way the all continue and bridge river little the cross you before Downham that lane quiet delightful a follow and left turn once left Keep Worston. to through you takes through Worston. back into Whalley. and follow the safe cycleway continuing Wood Painter up back head here From Weavers the of F Spur following and on straight to Wheel Weavers the up picking before Wheel us back to our starting point. take Wiswell Lane, at the top of here cross the busy Wiswell Lane, at right Turning Pendleton. towards head and A671 we Wiswell before just Road Pendleton onto within the turning right continue on to Pendleton turning and T-Junction a reaching before village Pendle of ascent the begin you point this At right. BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK Clarion House, Newchurch in Pendle Clarion House, Newchurch PENDLE HILL SPECTACULAR FROM WHITEBIRK The ride starts from near the Rocket Centre Centre Rocket the near from starts ride The

17 1 Facilities en-route: en-route: Facilities and have done so for years, from far and wide. far and wide. from done so for years, and have thing here the hardest autumn day, On a cold stop; it’s coffee the wonderful isn’t reaching behind. It fire the roaring actually leaving cyclists in so many has a special place really heart, and mine too. and Barley head back through we here From the latter is quite possibly one of Downham, villages in Lancashire. the best kept I could never forgive myself if I compiled a myself if I compiled forgive never I could of didn’t include a circuit that list of routes A shorter ride but huge in character Pendle. tradition is steeped in history, this whole area authors a countless has given that and folklore deal of inspiration. great the reproduced In addition to this, artists have and sketches in numerous scenery dramatic does hold a special kind of paintings. It really link with due to the say some would magic, just a it’s but for me, witches and black magic, has. that the area special magnetic draw Sabden, Pendleton, The ride passes through reaching before in Pendle and Newchurch The Clarion the truly unique Clarion House. making co- built to be a non-profit House was to be used in money excess with any operative no This was of socialism. the word spreading planned in the It was or coincidence. accident it as a model of take hope that others would society as a whole ought to be organised. how people - and witness how come Visitors could their to devote prepared lots of people - were for no personal to the Clarion movement lives would that they gain, other than the knowledge than when they a better place the world leave come, cyclists it. Open on Sundays entered at Whitebirk. Turn right at the junction onto at Whitebirk. Turn Whitebirk Drive, and then the second right onto this on Continue 1km. after Road Old Whalley right Turn Road. Whalley reaching until road here. TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: Brierfield Burnley Rough Lee Rough 5 0m Fence 4 Barley Newchurch-in-Pendle 6 Twiston Sabden Fold Higham Hill Pendle Padiham Hapton Downham Sabden Huncoat Altham Simonstone Chatburn 7 3 Worston Pendleton Altitude difference between the start & finish: Altham West

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Bashall Town 1 PENDLE HILL SPECTACULAR Withgill FROM WHITEBIRK Ascend: Ascend: Whitebirk Village 339m Old Langho

93m Brockhall Industrial Estate ADVANCED RIDERS ADVANCED Reservoir Parsonage /

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Copster Salesbury Altitude at start: Highest altitude: Descent: Descent: 17 Suitable for: Suitable RIDE Lammack Walker Fold Walker Blackburn 22 RIDE PAGE

ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 17 PENDLE HILL SPECTACULAR FROM WHITEBIRK ADVANCED LEVELRIDES ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES RIDE RIBBLEHEAD CLASSIC VIA 18 RIBBLEHEAD CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM & INGLETON & BACK I’ve saved the best for last, and even this 4 Turn left and follow this for about 3 miles wasn’t an easy choice but this route is special turning left when you see the sign for Sawley. 18 CLAPHAM & INGLETON & BACK for me in so very many ways. I’ve spent so Passing the remains of a Cistercian Abbey VIA HORTON IN RIBBLESDALE & SETTLE many hours out in this area that in the end I founded in 1148 and set in dramatic Pendle had to opt for this one. scenery. Suitable for: ADVANCED RIDERS / Mix of quiet lanes & some main road riding The full credit for this route though must go to 5 You are following these lanes now through A6 Craig Rawcliffe (satnav), he really does have Bolton by Bowland and out Wigglesworth RIDE Chapel- RIDE le-Dale 12 some of the finest routes you could ever wish where here you take a superb quiet lane over to 11 A65 to ride along, and this truly is straight out of Rathmell by taking a right and immediate left at 18 M6 18 10 the top drawer. the junction. RIBBLEHEAD CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM &INGLETONRIBBLEHEAD CLASSICVIACLAPHAM &BACK RIBBLEHEAD CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM & INGLETONRIBBLEHEAD CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM & BACK Ingleton Horton in Ribblesdale There are simply too many places of beauty to 6 Turning left at the Rathmell Reading rooms 9 13 Bentham Clapham Austwick list out each one. It is therefore just easier to and head out to the A65. A683 8 say that on this ride some of the steep climbs Keasden 7 Turn left at the A65 and follow the main won’t be the only thing to take your breath Langcliffe road for a short distance taking the first left off 14Settle Malham away. This ride has scenery in abundance at 7 the main road. You are now following these lanes Lancaster every turn, coupled with some quiet lanes that 6 that run parallel with the A65 running down on A65 Airton seldom see cars on them. your right and gradually coming back to meet Long Preston Otterburn Wigglesworth you. Tosside 15 If I had to choose just one ride to stand out above every other, I wouldn’t hesitate choosing 8 Cross this fast busy road with care and A682 this one. Slaidburn 16 follow the signs for Austwick. Once you reach the 17 Dunsop Bridge Newton-in-Bowland Bolton by 1 Starting from the cycle centre head out little village follow signs for Clapham. A beautiful Harrop Fold Gisburn A56 Bowland of Witton Park following the Weavers Wheel, little village and at almost 40 miles in makes 5 Sawley A59 Barnoldswick you’ll pass the children’s play area on your right a perfect refuel stop. While cycling between Garstang Grindleton and head out to the duck pond and Priory. This Austwick and Clapham there is a moment where Bashall 18Waddington 4 A682 A6 Eaves Clitheroe route continues by following the Weavers Wheel the route re-joins the A65 briefly. This can be M6 19 Colne taking you over Billinge and through Lammack avoided by using the available cycle path and areas. As you reach Brownhill, follow Spur G of keeping right to Clapham. 3 Sabden Nelson

20 Whalley the Weavers Wheel. Ribchester 21 9 Leaving Clapham you are now following NcN M55 Langho A671 2 Our route is now heading out into the route 68 over to Ingleton. Quite a lumpy road but A6068 Burnley 2 A680 Ribble Valley towards Langho. Just after you one that gives you superb views over the whole A583 22 Preston A677 23 Rishton go under the railway bridge, take a right turn area. If you’ve saved the coffee stop until you Blackburn A646 to avoid the main roundabout for the A59. This reach here, good choice and I can’t recommend 24 A56 1 brings you out near the Petre Arms pub to highly enough Bernie’s Café on Main St. A great M65 continue down through Whalley and Barrow. age old cyclists stop off. Leaving Clapham, head towards Ingleton Falls. 3 As you pass the Clitheroe Golf Club you come to a junction. Cross this road heading Facilities en-route: Cafés in Clapham, Ingleton and Tosside towards an iron gate on a path. This is the old section of the A59 and will keep you off the main by-pass for a while. A lovely little section just keep following this all the way crossing two main roads until you come out onto the main A59.

PAGE PAGE 24 TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK 25 ADVANCED LEVELRIDES ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 18 RIBBLEHEAD CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM & INGLETON & BACK

10 Reaching Ingleton turn right through the 14 Heading out of Settle on the B6480 take 19 Turning left and then right at the end of 22 At the junction of Pleckgate Road turn left car park, right onto Bank Top and then cross the the right turn after Barclays bank signed to this lane followed by the next left turn, we’re and start the climb up and over Revidge down to bridge over River Dee taking an immediate right the Railway Station. Follow Station Road along now heading to Whalley via Mitton using Church Billinge. onto Oddies Lane. This climbs now quite sharply to the mini roundabout and turn left here onto Lane. At the end of Church Lane turn left onto up for a while before we the lane bears right and Raines Road. Follow this to the end to reach the B6246 to Whalley. 23 Turn left onto Preston New Road, then right begins to level off. As you ride along here you’re the A65. Taking care to cross here this busy, at the next roundabout. 20 At Whalley railway station turn right just running parallel with the main road taking you fast main road you make a left then almost before the bridge down a lane that takes you 24 Turn right at Witton Park High School and from Ingleton to Ribblehead, and all on your immediate right off the A65. RIDE along the back road that passes Whalley Abbey return to the cycle centre at Witton Park where RIDE right is Ingleborough with the impressive White 15 Once you are beyond the railway on your right. The Cistercian Abbey of Stanlow, you started. Scar Caves that go underneath the mountain, a 18 18 bridge continue through Rathmell and onto in Cheshire, moved to Whalley in 1296. The RIBBLEHEAD CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM &INGLETONRIBBLEHEAD CLASSICVIACLAPHAM &BACK RIBBLEHEAD CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM & INGLETONRIBBLEHEAD CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM & BACK first class cycling lane. Wigglesworth. When you reach the junction with Church was built between 1330 and 1380, but 11 This lane comes out at Chapel-le-Dale the Plough Hotel & Restaurant on your right, the Abbot’s lodging and Infirmary were not where you turn left and follow the road down turn right and follow this road. After half a mile completed until c. 1440. After the dissolution of to Ribblehead. Before long the impressive you arrive back at the junction you came in on, the Monastery in 1537, the property passed into Ribblehead viaduct comes into view. A viaduct instead of turning left carry on right signed private hands, and Ralph Assheton adapted it to with a history attached that has tales of shanty Tosside and Slaidburn and make sure you visit make an Elizabethan Manor House. It remained towns and tragedy. The end result though is the café a Tosside for a brew and something a private residence until 1923, when the Church a viaduct that over the years has become an to eat. Enjoy the next 7 miles of riding on top of England acquired possession. The Retreat iconic view to anybody visiting this area of the quality cycling roads. At the top of here keep a House and Conference Centre, together with the Dales. It’s been photographed in all weathers look out not only at the stunning scenery but off Abbey ruins, are now owned by the Diocese of and most recently provided probably the most slightly to the left the glimpses of Pendle Hill, Blackburn. dramatic scene for the Flying Scotsman as assuring you that you’re on the road home. 21 At the end turn right and head out of she passed over the viaduct after a lengthy 16 There’s a steep descent into Slaidburn so Whalley passing over the River Calder. Around restoration project. please take care on this section as there are the bend take the first left turn almost doubling 12 Do not just ride under this piece of some sharp bends. back on yourself and follow this road up through Yorkshire Dales history; take a minute to marvel Painter Wood, a steady two-mile climb. At the 17 Leaving Slaidburn you’re now heading at a tremendous feat of engineering dating back top once you begin to descend slightly turn right towards Newton in Bowland. Reaching here we to the late 1800’s. Once you’ve passed under onto York Road. Follow this all the way down turn left and follow the signs for Clitheroe. This the viaduct take the first right and head down along Parsonage Road, at the lights turn left and is the start of a long steep climb up and over to Horton-in-Ribblesdale. As you ride down this now retrace your steps through Brownhill. Waddington Fell. The reward after the climb is road you have the Settle to Carlisle railway line a great descent down into Waddington, but take following you on your left. When you pass under care when you reach the tree line as there’s the railway bridge, there’s a fantastic little café some sharp bends to negotiate. on your left. 18 Waddington is a beautiful little village and 13 Once through Horton-in-Ribblesdale take well worth a stop here even if just for a short the right turn to Helwith Bridge and then within 400 breather. Departing Waddington take Belle Vue a short distance turn left taking route 68 down Lane and pass St Helen’s church on your left. 300 to Settle passing Stainforth Force down on the N This continues around and becomes Twitter left. At the end of this lane, turn left to Settle. TIO 200 Lane taking you down to Bashall. A 100 ELEV 0 Descent: 1164m / Ascend: 1164m Altitude at start: 93m / Altitude at end: 93m / Altitude difference between the start & finish: 0m Highest altitude: 358m / Lowest altitude: 43m PAGE PAGE 26 TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK 27 CYCLING ON & OFF THE Weavers Wheel by KEVIN RIDDEHOUGH

VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK Photo: Adam Symons