A Joint Ride with the Lancashire and Yorkshire Mucky Lane Groups from Bolton by Bowland,

14 April 2016 

As Neville and I had offered to lead a joint ride with the Lancashire Group to help Cary we decided that the 'Lancashire Life' village of  Bolton by Bowland would be a good starting point, especially as we were able to persuade the cafe owner to open early for us. We were happily supping our tea and coffee when Rob gave us a pleasant surprise by arriving before 10am! 

There had been heavy rain the previous day and even the roads were still quite wet so much of the morning was on tarmac. Thirteen of us set off on the road to Wigglesworth where we took the gated road to Long Gill. Unusually many of the gates were open on this occasion. On a bright morning we were treated to great views of Ingleborough and Penyghent. Further along, by Hesley Hall, we we took the stone based track that gives some enjoyable off road riding including a good descent. After stopping to admire an old pack horse bridge it was down the minor road to Settle for lunch, carefully passing some horses en route.

Some of us patronised Poppies cafe where we were well looked after although lunch wasn't exactly the best preparation for the next stage of our ride - up the steep hill on the Airton road! We turned off on Langber Lane which is delightful riding initially. However it deteriorates into a largely unrideable swamp later. This was worse than on our previous visit. More mud followed which provoked the comment 'I can see why you're called Mucky Lane Riders'! The response was that this isn't the real Mucky Lane. 

On reaching a better surface we waited for a farmer moving his sheep, complete with two lazy ones and a new lamb in the trailer. He was very friendly and thanked us for our patience. Then back along the lanes to Bolton by Bowland with a lovely descent to finish a good day out, about 30 miles with more than 800 metres of ascent. We had been very lucky with the weather, there had been rain around us in the afternoon.

Thanks to everyone for your company, hope to see you all again soon. 

Jane Gill 

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