The Maythorne Cross, was thought to have originally been a Saxon boundary marker. There are two Maythorne Crosses, : one in Holmfirth by the river, near the main car-park (grid ref SE144084); the other in a copse in its original location near the hamlets of Victoria and Maythorn. The two crosses resolve an ownership dispute lasting 150 years. The cross
at Maythorn has the original base though neither are particularly original.
A recce ride two days before Sunday suggested that a route change was in order. A cafe stop after two hours looking better than three.
15 riders set off from Holmfirth Pool & Fitness Centre. The first Maythorne Cross in Holmfirth only 1/2 mile away. Everybody except Rob managed to cycle past the Cross ,located near a footbridge in the centre of Holmfirth, without stopping. No problem we could revisit on the way back (for those interested)
Out of Holmfirth, after this inauspicious start, we headed on a bridleway towards Miry Lane in Holmbridge. From Holmbridge towards New Mill and Coal Pit Lane towards Horn Hill on what turned out to be the muddiest track on the ride. At this point we had lost 4 riders due to the afforementioned mud. Two riders deciding to make their way to the cafe on tarmac.
Carefully crossing the very busy Penistone Rd. at the Toss o` Coin Pub we spun up in low gears to Gate Foot , then a short challenging off- road climb to Hirst Lane.
The riding became easier as we rode along Hirst Lane (track), Intake Lane, Dick Edge Lane towards Upper Maythorn and the second Maythorne Cross (and the most original)
After a photo opportunity at the Cross we headed past the impressive Royd Moor Wind Farm on Whitley Rd towards Windmill Coffee Shop. Arriving at 12.15 and only just managing to secure tables for everyone. Irene and John arriving just as we were about to leave. (They decided to make their own way back)
The return route picked up Royds Moor View Point and then the Thurlstone Stoop on the former Maythorne Way on High Bank Lane (track) down towards Thurlstone.
From Thurlstone, crossing the River Don at the footbridge/ford, to join the Trans Pennine Trail,(cycle route 62) to Dunford Bridge. Making a slight detour, to pass Bullhouse Hall and hamlet on the convenient bridleway passing through the farm. On towards Dunford Bridge with the River Don to our right. Up to Winscar Reservoir, climbing up to Harden Clough Reservoir on Dunford Rd. Through Low Edge Quarries on the bridleway to take photographs over Harden Clough Reservoir and Winscar Reservoir beyond. Out of the quarry joining the Holme Valley Walk going through Hades, past Elysium (farm) on Copthurst Rd. Joining Cartworth Moor Rd.
Dropping down into Holmfirth from the end of Cartworth Moor Rd. where it turns into a down hill track via Dunsley Bank Lane/Ward Bank Rd. ending at Cartworth Rd.
On Cartworth Rd. to Rotcher Road to re-visit the Maythorne Cross most missed at the start of the ride.
A 22 mile ride in good company in better than forecast weather.
Roger Griffiths
More of roger's photos can be viewed on Flickr here:
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