We met outside the Spen Valley Sports Centre on a dull and damp morning. Those travelling from Lancashire experienced thick fog on the M62. Leaving promptly at 10am we followed the Spen Vallley Greenway towards Bradford. At Wyke Lane we left this for a muddy farm track before climbing up to Scholes village. Wellands Lane took us down into Cleckheaton to pick up the Greenway to the Milepost Cafe for a pre-arranged coffee break.
Carrying along the Greenway to its end we picked up the River Calder and Canal Tow Path to Healey Bottoms. A short muddy section then an easy climb up into Ossett where we picked up the Ossett and Dewsbury Greenway at Runtlings Junction, descending through Earlsheaton Tunnel to a lunch break at the Leggers’ Inn, so called because they used to “leg” the canal boats through the tunnel, at Savile Town Marina,.
After Pie, Peas and Chips and some lubrication we followed the cycle path alongside the River Calder. Twelve Months ago we would not have been able to ride this section as it was completely under water after the disastrous Boxing Day floods.
The Calder Valley Greenway then took us to Dewsbury Country Park where muddy tracks took us to the Ponderosa Activity Centre and Heckmondwike. The Spen Valley Ringway then took us back to our start point.
Twenty-plus miles and the sun tried to shine at times!
An enjoyable ride in good company.
Sol Lomas
More photos can be viewed by clicking the link below:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/16953536@N02/sets/72157675152194224
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