The dull February morning turned out to be bright and sunny within an hour of our arriving at West Vale to meet everyone for the ride today.
Ralph arrived by train via Sowerby Bridge Station, Sol’s nine-year grandson Archie and his dad turned up from West Bretton. Sol, Geoff and Keith and Roger arrived.
Rob managed to get there after five weeks absence from the saddle.
Leaving West Vale via the lovely Clay House Park.
Through the grounds to the entrance to North Dean woods. Here we divided into three groups. Two decided to go via the canal as far as Copley. Six took the high road and four took the low road and who ended up at Copley first? The ones going via the canal.!!!
Once we had regrouped the trail was up North Dean Road through the woods. The road has recently been resurfaced as part of the Copley Bridge Replacement. Part of the 2015 flood. Then up the bridleway (Scholes Lane) to Norland. A saunter through the village and along Shaw Lane with some of the nicest panoramic view around the local countryside, onto Barkisland. Up through to Krumlin village and views over the second valley, which takes in the Scammonden Dam.
By Chance a surprise family reunion here for Sol and the boys. Archie and his dad belonging to one daughter, and Sol's other daughter walking with her children.
Following the Sustrans 'Route 68' through the tunnel under the M62 motorway, we then cycled the recently completed track around the Reservoir itself. Up Sledge Gate Lane, passing a sign stating '1165 ft. Above Sea Level'. Dropping onto Crimea Lane, a bridleway past the Pole Moor Twin Masts, and along to the Bolster Moor Farm Shop for lunch.
After a convivial lunch, we climbed back over Pole Moor and began the descent.
We had found a new bridleway,( Broomhill Road) which led us around the top of the hill to Sowood. A short stretch of road to Stainland. Turning right onto a bridleway with a steep descent, coming out via the old Deer Farm, Carr Hall Castle. From here it was a stiff walk up the very rough, track through big stones, broken bricks, water and mud.
Once at the top, a nice bit of flat, Jagger Green Dean. Then a sweeping descent to the Rock Hotel. Across the road into Rawroyds, which passes the home of Orange Bikes. This is another bridleway which was tame enough for us to chat as we go. Down the hill and onto the West Vale Viaduct that leads us neatly to the Zebra Crossing above the entrance to Clay house.
I would like to congratulate Archie for his Stirling Leadership.
Thank you, everyone, who joined us, for making it a really good ride.
Irene and John Hitchen.
Irene's photos can be viewed on Flickr here:
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