Mam Tor … the descent into Edale Valley

Here’s something that I began in 2015 and have been developing ever since …

I have finally had to concede that “weekends” are a thing of the past, with a large number of us having to work on Saturday or Sunday. It has been frustratingly difficult to produce group events for a time when everyone is available, this has been the main factor in my deciding to move away from leading in favour of writing. The other (age-old) problem for us leaders is constantly worrying (I assure you it is a worry!) about our fickle weather!

So, rather than missing out, this is my solution. If successful I will extend to include a programme of regional walks (I have already done this for Whitby) …

Here are a series of self-led cycle rides. Although originally designed as practice sessions for those going on our cycling holidays … to replicate distance, climbing and terrain .. they can be enjoyed by anyone. They are all my own work (except the Preston Wheel) … I will gladly provide you with full information and relevant digital mapping (it will cost ya a pint!).

This is not just designed as a great way of keeping fit … it will test your bike and kit, and also hone your map reading skills!  

The beauty of doing it this way is that you can ‘cherry pick’ your own date; to suit the weather, conditions and your diary. Some of you have done some of them before, I urge you to try them again … it will give you an invaluable experience at navigating on your own.

I hope you enjoy them(?) … VA  

 

L = Local (ie starts and finishes in Prestwich) / C = Transport (car or van required to get you and your bike to start) / T = Train (from Manchester Victoria)

Estimated times are calculated on distance, ascent & descent and terrain

CH = CYCLE HIRE IS AVAILABLE 

  These routes are motorised-scooter friendly, in full or part.

NOTE – This project has generated a lot of interest (particularly with ‘born-again’ cyclists) … surprising me somewhat, as I do not profess to be an expert in the field of cycling. I do reckon though, judging by the enjoyment (and appreciation) people seem to get by following my routes, that I do have something to offer(?). The key to people of an ‘older generation’, who have not ridden for many a year, is CONFIDENCE. With this in mind, I have put the routes in the sequence they should be attempted … taking into account not only statistics but terrain, navigation and friendliness to cyclists (namely traffic!). The other great modern invention is the e-bike … the opportunities for everyone have suddenly become endless.

EASY

6 – MEDIA CITY & CASTLEFIELD (Manchester Urban) M2M ~ 21.1 miles / 663 feet ascent / est. 3.39 hours.mins + br. – L

1 – PRESTON WHEEL (Lancashire) C2C ~ 20.9 miles / 863 feet ascent / est. 3.42 hours.mins + breaks – C CH  

4 – LANCASTER CITY, MORECAMBE TOWN & HEYSHAM VILLAGE (Lancashire) B2B ~ 21.4 miles / 900 feet ascent / estimated 3.43 hours.mins + breaks – C

5 – DERWENT VALLEY (Derbyshire)  NoR ~ 22.1 miles / 1999 feet ascent / estimated 4.11 hours.mins + breaks – C CH

– DERWENT VALLEY ALTERNATIVE (1A) (INTRODUCTION) SHORTER LOOP = 10.5m / 1100’^    

2 – CHESTER CIRCULAR (Cheshire) ~ 24.9 miles / 466 feet ascent / 4:15 hours:mins + breaks C

3 – SALE WATER PARK & DUNHAM MASSEY (Cheshire) ~ 25.4 miles / 370 feet ascent / est 4.39 hours.mins + breaks – C CH

MODERATE

4 – BAKEWELL & MONSAL TRAIL (Derbyshire) ~ 25.2 miles / 2263 feet ascent / estimated 4.23 hours.mins + br. – T

5 – TISSINGTON TRAIL & MANIFOLD TRAIL (Derbys & Staffs) B2B ~ 30.2 miles / 3061 ft ascent / est 4.31 h.m + breaks – C CH

10 – FOREST OF BOWLAND WEST (Lancashire) M2M ~ 31.6 miles / 3200 feet ascent / estimated time 4.44 hours.mins – C 

6 – BELMONT & JUMBLES (Lancashire) C2C ~ 33..5 miles / 2579 feet ascent / estimated 4.51 hours.mins + breaks – L 

1 – HUDDERSFIELD NARROW CANAL (Yorkshire & Grt M/cr) C2C ~ 29.1 miles / 1898 ft ascent / est 5.09 h.m + breaks – T 

7 – MORECAMBE BAY & LUNE VALLEY (Lancashire) M2M ~ 33.8 miles / 2381 ft ascent / est 5.15 hours.mins + breaks – C

8 – CRAVEN ROUND (Yorkshire) ~ 25.7 miles / 1725 feet ascent / estimated 5.26 hours:mins + breaks – C

3 – HAIGH HALL & ANGLEZARKE (Lancashire) B2B ~ 25.7 miles / 1725 ft ascent / estimated 5.26 hours.mins + breaks – C

2 – DELAMERE FOREST (Cheshire)  NoR ~ 31.6 miles / 1556 feet ascent / estimated 5.28 hours.mins + breaks – C

9 – ROCHDALE CANAL (Yorks & Grt M/cr) NoR ~ 34.3 miles / 1337 feet ascent / estimated 6.05 hours.mins + br. – T

11 – PENNINE BRIDLEWAY & CARSINGTON WATER (Derbyshire) ~ 32.4 miles / 3045 feet ascent / estimated 4.47 hours.mins – C

NEW DALBY FOREST & VALE OF PICKERING (Yorkshire) ~ awaiting reccee

STRENUOUS

1 – PEAK DISTRICT LOOP (Derbyshire) M2M ~ 32.5 miles / 4700 feet ascent / estimated 5.23 hours.mins + breaks – C

2 – SOUTH PENNINES & HEBDEN BRIDGE (Yorks / Grt M/cr)  B2B ~ 37 miles / 3600 feet ascent / est 5.53 hours.mins + br. – T

3 – FOREST OF BOWLAND NORTH (Lancashire) C2C ~ 39.5 miles / 5000 feet ascent / estimated 6.07 hours.mins + breaks – C

4 – BLACKPOOL TO PRESTWICH (Lancashire) NoR ~ 53.5 miles / 3500 feet ascent /estimated 9.07 hours.mins + breaks – T 

NEW NORTH YORK MOORS ROUND (Yorkshire) ~ awaiting reccee

HOSTEL STAYOVERS (LAKE DISTRICT)

1 – Coniston Lake Round (Coniston YHA) ~ 15.35 miles / 1366 feet ascent / est 2.38 hours.mins + br. – C

2 – Thirlmere Lake, Rydal Water & Grasmere Lake Rd (Grasmere YHA) NoR ~ 26.77 m / 3002 ft a / est. 4.04 h.m + br. – C  

5 – Loweswater, Crummock Water & Buttermere (Buttermere YHA) ~ 17.35 m / 1675 ft ascent / est. 4.06 h.m + br. – C

4 – Derwent & Bassenthwaite Lakes Round (Keswick YHA) B2B ~ 27.55 m / 2789 ft ascent / est 4.21 h.m + br. – C

6 – Ullswater Lake Round (Patterdale YHA) M2M ~ 23.52 miles / 2710 feet ascent / estimated 4.47 hours.mins + breaks – C

3 – Windermere Lake Round (Hawkshead YHA) C2C ~ 34.48 miles / 2851 feet ascent / estimated 5.33 hours.mins + br. – C  

TIME CALCULATION: Although subjective, I have based the timings on: terrain, ascent & descent, traffic (eg. in an urban environment) and enjoyment factor! … I will leave length and frequency of breaks / stops to you(?). 

… and ‘still on the drawing board’ ..

DALBY FOREST & VALE OF PICKERING (Yorkshire) Moderate

FOOT OF PENDLE HILL CIRCULAR (Lancashire) Strenuous

HAMBLETON ROUND (Yorkshire) Moderate or Strenuous(?)

HARROGATE ROUND (Yorkshire) Moderate or Strenuous(?)

HIGH PEAK TRAIL & HEART OF WHITE PEAK (Derbys.) Strenuous

LIVERPOOL LOOPLINE (Merseyside) Easy or Moderate(?)

MATLOCK BATH & RIVER DERWENT (Derbys.) Moderate or Strenuous(?)

RICHMONDSHIRE ROUND (Yorkshire) Moderate or Strenuous(?)

RYEDALE ROUND (Yorkshire) Moderate or Strenuous(?)

SELBY ROUND (Yorkshire) Moderate or Strenuous(?)

YORK ROUND (Yorkshire) Easy

and here’s a long distance one to consider …

TRANS-PENNINE TRAIL ~ Hornsea to Southport ~ 215 miles of mainly traffic-free, well-surfaced and level trails(???)

Foxxy Tip …

Transport for Greater Manchester have produced an incredible range of detailed cycle network maps … one each for the ten boroughs that make up the metropolitan county. They are available FREE to download or obtain in paper format from your local ‘Travelshop’.

www.tfgm.com/cycling

Foxxy Tip …

Along with the e-bike, the other great technological advance in recent years has been the advent of navigational aids. In days gone by, we relied on reading paper maps whilst simultaneously riding … a real skill!

You will all have your own preferences and probably know more on the subject than me, but I do want to mention what I use and what a complete gamechanger it is:

Using a dedicated smartphone

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