As usual on this ride we had our early cuppa in the Café Tor within Musbury Fabrics, we were greeted today by the new proprietor and served by the usual friendly staff: this is surely a brilliant place to start a ride from.

Our route was almost entirely on NCN6 to Ramsbottom; through Snig Hole and down into the Irwell Valley. Here we were not the only invaders, the Environment Agency were busy with machinery on the bed of the River Ogden which joins the Irwell at, believe it or not, Irwell Vale. This work is to help alleviate flooding in times of heavy rain; the whole area was inundated in last year’s Boxing Day downpours.

Proceeding down the valley along the permanent way of the erstwhile Ramsbottom to Accrington Railway it was obvious that there were even more invaders, yes, it was the dreaded Himalayan Balsam; it was everywhere, is there no stopping it?

Arriving at the Cultured Bean in Ramsbottom we were surprised to find there were no other patrons dining. Not renowned for its speedy service we thought we would not have long to wait today: wrong! It was just as sluggish as ever, but again as usual, it was worth waiting for.  Meanwhile over at the railway station there were steam trains in abundance, folks dressed in 1940’s costume, and a troupe or two of evacuees. Yes Ramsbottom is quite a lively place.

Our return journey took us over the refurbished Lumb Viaduct to the top of Iron Lane; this section of NCN6 is still not finished, but work is progressing.

We arrived back at Helmshore in good time and in good cycling weather too. Thankyou all for your company.

You may view the photographs I took here on our Flickr account.

Safe cycling, Brian.