ADVANCED RIDES CYCLING ON & OFF THE Weavers Wheel

by KEVIN RIDDEHOUGH

A series of cycle routes starting and finishing in 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 flag 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 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 finding in you. abundance is hills, and lots of them, but don’t let this put you off, the rewards In compiling these rides I set my self the challenge that each route should for your efforts are the views that could adorn any of the finest 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- Rawcliffe, 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 first 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 stuff 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 find 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 benefit and “it offered 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 five ways to wellbeing, more than 120 years ago, finding ways for working men and women to connect, be active, notice, learn and give. Cycle App’. However, we live in a different 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 significant increases in walking and cycling would save £17bn for the health service in 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 confirm 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 LEVEL RIDES 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, , 113km 8 heading for the next several miles. This makes route finding 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 off 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 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 finest 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 spectacular from 54km 22

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

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

6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 10 the Way of the Roses 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 , 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. cycle path on your right saving you having to path on your right saving 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. take a superb quiet lane over to Rathmell. to Rathmell. a superb quiet lane over take an junction and then take right at the Turn left. immediate a left onto Main is situated, take rooms Reading you down to the A65. Street that will take first left off the main short distance taking the these lanes that are now following road. You with the A65. run parallel and follow the signs for road with care busy the little village Austwick. Once you reach (heading west). follow signs for Clapham BROWNHILL TO CLAPHAM & BACK Turn 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 As you pass the Golf Club you

12 4 5 1 2 3 I have started this section with a full day started with a full day this section I have Ribble the out through you classic taking Yorkshire and just flirting with the Valley the majestic through returning Dales before the up and over and heading of Bowland Forest Fell. Waddington impressive you’ll lumps to climb ride with a few A lengthy on scenery of overdosing be in danger here some of my favourite. and quiet lanes that are stop can stops. You of café a choice There’s or if you at Clapham Room at the Reading which is a to Tosside to continue wanted visit or onto you recommend I strongly Café little café. also a great there’s Slaidburn where at café cyclist’s Another option is the popular friendly good and cycle all are Waddington; too. turning left when you see the sign for Sawley. 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 Road Brownhill and follow Spur G signs to the main A666 continuing on through to . 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. come to a junction. Cross this road heading towards an iron gate on a path. This is the old the you off 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. TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK A56 Airton Malham Colne A646 Otterburn A682 A682 Nelson Horton in Long Preston Ribblesdale A65 Settle Langcliffe Wigglesworth 14 8 7 6 15 A59 Bowland by A56 A6068 9 5 A671 Tosside Austwick 4 Sawley 10 A680 12 11 Whalley 16 Clitheroe 23 Harrop Fold Harrop Waddington 3 Clapham 13 le-Dale Chapel- 22 19 24 Keasden 25 17 Ingleton 21 Newton-in-Bowland 2 Slaidburn M65 20

18 Eaves Langho Bashall

Blackburn Bentham 1 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, Mix of quiet lanes & some main road riding lanes & some main road / Mix of quiet RIDERS ADVANCED Preston M6 M6

A6

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 LEVEL RIDES ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 12 BROWNHILL TO CLAPHAM & BACK

15 When you reach the junction with the 22 At 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 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 the left you are given glimpses of Pendle Hill, it to make an Elizabethan Manor House. It BROWNHILL TO & BACK CLAPHAM 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 . 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 21 After a couple of bends, turn right onto TIO N 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 LEVEL RIDES 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 FOR REFRESHMENTS FROM WITTON PARK the road passing Sainsbury’s on your right for SCORTON FOR REFRESHMENTS FROM WITTON PARK Grindleton 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 Downham 10 After approx. 4½ miles turn right onto le bb Ri Waddington r ve Starting from the Cycle Centre head out i 1 12 R 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 Clitheroe Blacko 11 Pendle Low Moor right andHill head out to the duck pond and Priory. Upon reaching the M6 keep right to run Withgill 11

Rough Lee

10 Barley alongside it for a short period before again

e l

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

Bilsbarrow r Barrowford e keeping right onto Smithy Lane. v Newchurch-in-Pendle Stonyhurst R i Pendleton Wheel taking a right onto Tower Road, the next

left onto OldSabden Fold Hall Lane, and a right onto Sandy 12 Following the left bend, keep left where Barrow Hurst Green Fence Barton Nelson Lamb Roe SabdenLane within Pleasington. Continue on this road the road becomes Sandholme Lane. 9 Goosnargh 7 Brockhall until reaching the main junction with the A677 Village 8 Higham ble Rib Old Langho Whittingham iver Whalley At the next junction continue straight on, R 13 Preston New Road. Brierfield Ribchester and at the next main right bend take a left turn Billington

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

Salesbury Dean Clough after, continuing along here until you reach the Reservoir Wilpshire Altham Burnley 14 Continue to follow the road round, Fulwood Golf Club Balderstone 6 next T-junction where you will turn right onto Parsonage Reservoir crossing the bridge over the M6. e Tottleworth R ibbl Clayton-le-Moors QuebecHapton 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 Altham West 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 Church R

r Corporation

e Samlesbury T-Junction. v Roach i Park

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

R iver Blackburn that runs parallelDunnockshaw with the main road. 16 Turn right at this junction and follow this Riv er Darwen Higher Love Clough 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 e Ewood Bridge Golf Club iv Guide L Park Reservoir Feniscowles s & following signs for Clitheroe and heading ed Hoghton Le Guide with an old tractor outside. A very popular Riley Green Walton towards and Wilpshire station Summit l a cyclist’s stop you’ll be made very welcome n a C l oo rp Brindle e following Spur G signage. iv L & s d Tockholes e here and the food is excellent. e L Withnell Fold Reservoir Abbey 6 Our route is now heading out into the 240 Village Pickup Bank The return route is an exact mirror of our Lower 17 Higher Rakes Brook Clayton-le-Woods Roddlesworth Earnsdale Hoddlesden Wheelton Reservoir Reservoir Upper Darwen Highland ReservoirSunnyhurst Hey . At the traffic lights with the Roddlesworth Reservoir Golf Course Reservoir Leyland Withnell Darwen inbound route, almost turn for turn. Heading 160 Golf Club Tower Brinscall Roddlesworth Wilpshire Hotel in front of you, turn left and Wheelton Whittle-le-Woods back to Inglewhite, , Ribchester, Buckshaw Village Heapey continue all the way now through Ribchester TIO N 120 and Salisbury before picking up the Weavers A (after crossing the A59), a village steeped Whittlestone Head Wheel Spur G again at the Wilpshire Hotel. At White Coppice 60 H in history dating back to the Bronze age. It ELEV Brownhill, continue now along The Weavers Astley Park was also known as a significant Roman site Entwistle Wheel all the way back to Witton Park and our 0 Chorley Reservoir being used as a Roman cavalry fort called Belmont Wayoh Reservoir Reservoir Edgworth start point. Anglezarke Descent: 517m / Ascend: 517m Reservoir , some parts of which have Belmont

Yarrow Delph Chapeltown Reservoir Reservoir been exposed by excavation. Continue on now Altitude at start: 93m / Altitude at end: 93m / AltitudeChorley difference between the start & finish: 0m PAGE Charnock l Golf Course

Yarrow Valley a n PAGE Richard

Country Park Glendale Golf - a

C Upper

Duxbury Park l Springs Egerton o Rivington Turton o Reservoir Dingle p Reservoir Golf Club through to Longridge. r e Reservoir v i Jumbles L Rivington Reservoir Highest altitude: 231m Lowest altitude: 20m & / s Heath Facilities en-route: The Barn at Scorton

d Jumbles

e e Charnock 12 Coppull L Country Park 13 Lower Rivington Bromley Reservoir Cross

Adlington Grimeford Village RIDE PAGE 15 ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 14 MALHAM COVE, LANGCLIFFE, SETTLE AND BACK Follow this road that will have you feeling this road that will have you feeling Follow Continue along and soak up the exquisite There are cafés if you wished to stop There are cafés You’re following these lanes now through these lanes now through following You’re but always Through a series of turns main road right here on this busy Turn Dales Riding now into classic Yorkshire

9 5 6 7 8 10 11 like you’re riding along the roof of the Dales, you’re riding along the roof of the 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. here but be warned, ahead of you looms the 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 of in the impressive sights climbing take Malham Cove. The large limestone feature was created by a waterfall and has an impressive limestone pavement on the top. to Bolton by Bowland. As you pass through Bowland. As you pass to Bolton by a bridge little village you cross this delightful St. and now on Main Beck. You’re over Skirden the left fork signed road forks. Take shortly the you onto takes A steady climb here to . for some good flat Straights the riding. come out eventually following Hellifield you left and after 250m at the main A682. Turn all the way to the turn right and follow this and the main A65. T-Junction after the last house and follow for 200m. Just the left turn signed to Malham on your left, take & Airton. country you’ll pass through Otterburn, Airton, and Kirby Malham before arriving into Malham. MALHAM COVE, LANGCLIFFE, SETTLE AND BACK Turn left at this point and after approx. 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 As you pass the Clitheroe Golf Club you

14 4 1 2 3 This is by far one of my favourite routes, routes, one of my favourite far This is by Valley, to ride - Ribble I love linking 3 areas Dales Yorkshire and the of Bowland Forest better? get much it can’t surely National Park; the over found of it is, as I’ve the truth Well miles I many No matter how it can. yes years, the one thing I’m 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 as of the endless beauty such tire never a Road, the top of Cove at offered the view climb that will test seriously tough challenging atop here Once core. to the very reserve your of on top cycling feel as though you’re you’ll the world. grace ride that would road A fabulous, full day routes. top 10 great cyclists any 3 miles turn left at the sign for Sawley. You You 3 miles turn left at the sign for Sawley. will now ride past the remains of a Cistercian in 1148 and set in dramatic founded 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. come to a junction. Cross this road heading towards an iron gate on a path. This is the old the you off 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. TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK 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 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 Mix of quiet lanes & some main road riding lanes & some main road / Mix of quiet 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

14 MALHAM COVE, LANGCLIFFE, SETTLE AND BACK

ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES

M55

Lancaster A583 ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 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, right and keep left onto Kirkgate. After the Church Lane. At the end of Church Lane turn MALHAM COVE, AND BACK SETTLE LANGCLIFFE, 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 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.

500 375

TIO N 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 LEVEL RIDES ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES RIDE 15 A STONYHURST DELIGHT VIA HURST GREEN, CHAIGLEY

A STONYHURST DELIGHT VIA Rimington Grindleton Whilst shorter than the previous rides in this 4 If you don’t want to stop or if you’re leaving

Cow Ark 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 Downham 15 Chatburn this road up through a tree covered lane that constraint, in sections. This really does tick all

le BACK VIA JEFFREY HILL & PAINTER WOOD bb i the boxes for me as to what a ride needs. Lumpy takes a 90 degree right turn. Ahead of you now Waddington R er iv R in parts, but it just wouldn’tTwiston be Lancashire lies the impressive . The Suitable for: ADVANCED RIDERS / Mix of quietBashall lanes Eaves & some main road riding without our little hills, ride them and enjoy the college dates back to the late 16th century. Take Worston 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 Blackosuch as Arthur Conan Doyle so let it inspire you villages, you’ll bePendle transported through time. 15 15 Low Moor Hill as you ride around these great lanes.

A STONYHURST DELIGHT VIA HURST GREEN, CHAIGLEY Withgill Ribchester is one of the finest examples of A STONYHURST DELIGHT VIA HURST GREEN, CHAIGLEY 7 Roman history with some Roman Ruins stillRough Lee on 5 Follow the road round and bear left in front Barley

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

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Bilsbarrow r e Barrowford v Newchurch-in-Pendle 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,Sabden Fold colleges in northern Birdy Brow, take care on the descent, this is a Barrow Hurst Green England. As you round the corner Fenceand you see the very steep descent. Turn left at the bottom onto Barton 4 Nelson Lamb Roe Sabdencollege for the first, second or even 100th time, Bailey Bank and head through Chaigley.

Goosnargh 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 façadeHigham of the building. This area is le Ribb Old Langho left. Begin the climb of one of Lancashire’s finest ver Whalley Whittingham Ri also known to have been an inspiration for J.R.R.Brierfield 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 Broughton Turn left at the bottom onto Blackburn Road Woodplumpton area, and you’re not even half way round the 8 Simonstone Riv er and as you cross the River Ribble for a second Grimsargh Ribb route yet… l e Copster Green time, turn left at the far end of the bridge onto Langho 1 StartingPadiham 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 taking the

Wilpshire Wilpshire Altham Burnley Fulwood 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 Turn left and follow this road all the way Passing St Augustines School and reaching le Tottleworth Clayton-le-Moors 2 Hapton 10 River Ribb 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 Turner eds & L and Salesbury, crossing the A59 onto Ribchester Green Le Huncoat 11 After a short ride double back on yourself Preston Whitebirk Rishton Ribbleton Cemetery Road before crossing the River Ribble at Little Park Industrial Estate Altham West Lammack Rishton by heading up Whalley Old Road by taking a right Samlesbury Reservoir Fishwick Hall Town. Following the road round, take the first Golf Club turn. Nab’s Head right turn onto Gallows Lane. e l Blackburn b b i Golf Club Church R

r Corporation At the top continue over picking up the e Samlesbury 12 v Roach 300 i Park

R Bridge Bottoms 3 Climb this lane and turn right at the top. Just Accrington Clow Bridge Weavers Wheel Spur F taking you back to your 225 under 1 mile, take a left onto Shire Lane, taking R start point. iver Blackburn you over to Hurst Green.Dunnockshaw A short but steep ascent Rive r Darwen TIO N 150 brings you out just before the Bayley Arms pub, 13 As you descend from the top of Sunnybower, Higher A Oswaldtwistle Love Clough Walton Coup Pleasington Witton for those wanting an early coffee stop turn right you reach the main A6119 by-pass. Turn right Green 75 Cemetery Country Park ELEV Hoghton H rwe n here and in 200m you’ll find an excellent coffee here picking up the Weavers Wheel and follow Bottoms r Da Gregson Pleasington ive Shadsworth Lane R Industrial Estate 0 Fishmoor shop just next to the Shireburn Arms. There are this all the way to Pleckgate Road and you’re back Bamber ol o Reservoir Pleasington rp e Ewood Bridge Golf Club iv Guide L Park Reservoir not a many more options for a stop on this ride. at the start point. Feniscowles s & ed HoghtonDescent: 535m / Ascend: 534mLe Guide Riley AltitudeGreen at start: 157m Altitude at end: 156m Altitude difference between the start & finish: -1m Walton PAGE / / PAGE Summit Highest altitude: 282m Lowest altitude: 26m Belthorn l / Facilities en-route: Hurst Green Coffee Shop a n 18 a 19 C l oo rp Brindle e iv L & s d Tockholes ee L Withnell Fold Abbey Village Reservoir Abbey Village Pickup Bank Lower Higher Rakes Brook Clayton-le-Woods Roddlesworth Earnsdale Hoddlesden Wheelton Reservoir Reservoir Upper Darwen Highland ReservoirSunnyhurst Hey Roddlesworth Reservoir Golf Course Reservoir Leyland Withnell Darwen Golf Club Tower Brinscall Roddlesworth Wheelton Whittle-le-Woods Buckshaw Village Heapey

Whittlestone Head White H Coppice

Astley Park

Entwistle Chorley Reservoir

Belmont Wayoh Reservoir Reservoir Edgworth

Anglezarke Reservoir Belmont

Yarrow Delph Chapeltown Reservoir Reservoir Chorley

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Adlington Grimeford Village RIDERIDE PAGE 21 ADVANCEDINTERMEDIATE LEVEL LEVEL RIDES RIDES 1516 AWHEELTON, STONYHURST RIVINGTON, DELIGHT BELMONT VIA HURST & GREEN,BACK CHAIGLEY Turn left here and then take 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 Following Green Arms Road, we’re now we’re Green Arms Road, Following A great coffee stop at the Village tea room stop at the Village A great coffee we turn right Belmont Road Reaching towards turning left heading You’re

9 6 7 8 10 11 12 again onto Belthorn Road passing through the passing 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 at the bottom Green Lane and then right Road, of here taking us back into the Park. heading first to Chapeltown before turning left 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 is recommended after which we head up Sheep after which we head is recommended us over the a decent climb taking House Lane, be seen on Winter Hill can moors to Belmont. and in front we pass over the moor our right as Jubilee Tower, see Darwen can and left you Victoria’s Queen built in 1878 to commemorate Diamond Jubilee. the end At Road. and then left onto Rivington and then left onto turn right onto High Street this all the way over now Follow Egerton Road. coming out just Road to the main Blackburn on the main road the before a right hand bend A666. under half a mile turn Darwen and then in just on this care Take right onto Green Arms Road. of section of main road as this is a fast section the road. Blacko Nelson Barrowford Brierfield Burnley Rough Lee Rough Fence Clow Bridge Barley Newchurch-in-Pendle Dunnockshaw Twiston Love Clough Love Sabden Fold Higham Hill WHEELTON, RIVINGTON, BELMONT & BACK Pendle Rimington From the Witton Cycle Centre we leave From the Witton Cycle Meeting back up with the M61, turn Follow Victoria Road all the way up to Victoria Road Follow at the a left When reaching Wheelton, take left off Tithe Barn Lane onto Higher Turn Padiham Hapton

16 1 5 2 3 4 The Village Tea Room at Rivington Tea The Village en-route: Facilities It’s time for a sortie south of the border. a sortie time for of the border. south It’s south head out to explore we On this route look a different has This area Lancashire. or the Ribble Valley around to the routes a There’s Dales. the Yorkshire into venturing moors you look to some of the bleak, rugged but this in itself offers a different pass over, section. rides in this 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 Pennines and south the over fine views a worthy on clear days, Manchester 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 left onto New Road 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. 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. TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK Downham Sabden Huncoat Altham Simonstone Chatburn Worston Grindleton Pendleton

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v i R Park Ewood Blackburn Reservoir Sunnyhurst Hey Park Green Belmont Tower Copster Darwen Salesbury Belmont Reservoir Corporation Cow Ark Lammack Reservoir Earnsdale Walker Fold Walker Golf Club Blackburn Altitude difference between the start & finish: 0m Tockholes

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Bottoms Mix of quiet lanes & some main road riding lanes & some main road / Mix of quiet RIDERS ADVANCED Samlesbury / Highland Golf Course Higher Green Turner

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ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES WHEELTON, RIVINGTON, BELMONT & BACK PAGE 16

Whittingham

Preston

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Cemetery

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Buckshaw Coppull Park Ribbleton Leyland Goosnargh Richard Golf Club Clayton-le-Woods Charnock Fulwood Broughton Barton Bilsbarrow Woodplumpton RIDERIDE PAGE 23 ADVANCEDINTERMEDIATE LEVEL LEVEL RIDES RIDES 1517 APENDLE STONYHURST HILL SPECTACULAR DELIGHT VIA FROM HURST WHITEBIRK GREEN, CHAIGLEY On leaving Clarion House, go left and Road turn left onto Pendle a crossroad At cross the main A59 the cycleway Following Once through Whalley, take a right turn on a right turn take Whalley, Once through descent from here on the steep care Take right. On a left and almost immediate Take

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

17 1 Clarion House, Newchurch in Pendle Clarion House, Newchurch en-route: Facilities I could never forgive myself if I compiled a a if I compiled myself forgive never I could of circuit that didn’t include a list of routes shorter A huge in character ride but Pendle. tradition is steeped in history, area this whole authors a countless that has given and folklore of inspiration. deal great the reproduced In addition to this, artists have and sketches in numerous scenery dramatic of does hold a special kind paintings. It really due to the link with say some would magic, a just 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 House. the truly unique Clarion co- making built to be a non-profit House was to be used in money excess with any operative no socialism. This was of 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 far and wide. from so for years, done 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, too. and mine and Barley through head back we here From the latter is quite possibly one of Downham, villages in Lancashire. the best kept at Whitebirk. Turn right at the junction onto at Whitebirk. Turn Whitebirk Drive, and then the second right onto after 1km. Continue on thisRoad Old Whalley right Turn Road. road until reaching Whalley here. TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP OR MORE INFO VISIT: BWDCONNECT.ORG.UK Blacko Nelson Barrowford Brierfield Burnley Rough Lee Rough 5 Fence 4 Clow Bridge Barley Newchurch-in-Pendle 6 Dunnockshaw Twiston Love Clough Love Sabden Fold Higham Hill Pendle Rimington Padiham Hapton Downham Sabden Huncoat Altham Simonstone Chatburn 7 3 Worston Grindleton Pendleton Altitude difference between the start & finish: 0m Altham West Accrington

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Withgill FROM WHITEBIRK Guide Shadsworth Ascend: Ascend: Whitebirk Reservoir Delph Village Old Langho Industrial Estate

Brockhall Reservoir Industrial Estate Mix of quiet lanes & some main road riding lanes & some main road / Mix of quiet RIDERS ADVANCED Reservoir Parsonage / Fishmoor Reservoir Langho Dingle H Reservoir Golf Club Wilpshire Darwen Springs Reservoir Bashall Eaves Stonyhurst

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Whittingham Preston Village Cemetery Bridge Bamber Buckshaw Coppull Park Ribbleton Leyland Goosnargh Richard Golf Club Clayton-le-Woods Charnock Fulwood Broughton Barton Bilsbarrow Woodplumpton ADVANCED LEVEL RIDES 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 CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM & BACK Ingleton Horton in & INGLETONRIBBLEHEAD CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM & BACK 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 LEVEL RIDES 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 CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM & BACK first class cycling lane. & INGLETONRIBBLEHEAD CLASSIC VIA CLAPHAM & BACK 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 This continues around and becomes Twitter left. At the end of this lane, turn left to Settle. TIO N 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

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