RSF - The Off Road Cycling Club

A classic NPSP route first shown to me by John Kemp.  

A good long steady haul up the exceptionally picturesque Wessenden Valley Reservoir System which is surprisingly do-able, the steepest parts being at the start and the end as you reach Wessenden Head and the crossings of two "cloughs" which present a great challenge on both the down and up sides.

On reaching the Isle of Skye Road, so named after the eponymous pub which used to stand at Wessenden Head you tear downhill towards Holmfirth then strike off right down a brilliant bridleway named Springs Road, which is partly paved with ancient setts so typical of the area then doing a u-turn down Nether Lane speeding towards Digley reservoir.  You climb back up to the Isle of Skye Road then take one more super bridleway descent, Harden Moss Road, to reach Meltham for a well deserved lunch in the Ivy cafe.

After lunch the pace is easier as you climb on tarmac to Helme then take the bridleway, Dunnock Road, round Meltham Cop before heading over Black Moor then steeply down to Slaithwaite on tarmac before picking up the Huddersfield Canal and returning to Marsden - not forgetting to stop at the Hand Made Bakery - purveyor of brews, cakes and brilliant organic bread!