LET’S TAKE A RIDE…

This is a fantastic ride with the beautiful Forest of Bowland forming a spectacular backdrop for a trip over the Trough of Bowland. By conquering this climb you will be following in the footsteps of Tour of Britain riders as this iconic limb is a regular feature when the race visits the North West

SCORTON CAFÉ STOP VIA WHITEWELL AND THE TROUGH OF BOWLAND

Route: 26.81miles / 43.14km
Elevation: 523.95m / 1719ft
Difficulty: 3.5 / 5
connect.garmin.com/modern/course/62860215

This ride starts at Ribble Cycle’s brand new Clitheroe showroom at Barrow Brook Village off the A59. From the showroom head to the roundabout and take the right exit onto Hey Road, then first right into Oak Lea Gardens. See the path at the end? Take it and turn left onto Whalley Road. Continue until you reach the mini roundabout signposted for Whalley Railway Station.

Turn right to pass the station and follow the B5246 as it gently ascends out of Whalley. Continue all the way to its junction with the B6243 where you turn right. Follow the road until you reach a sharp right bend with a signpost indicating a turn for the Trough to the left.

Turn left onto a quiet country lane follow it to the end where it merges and bear left for a climb of easy to moderate intensity all the way to Cow Ark. Continue past Browsholme Hall and shortly thereafter the road veers left and you summit the climb to be met by a signpost indicating that Whitewell lies off to your right.

Turn right for a short sharp climb before the road eases off and you descend gently into Whitewell. Upon entering the village, the road forks, take the right fork and follow the road as it criss-crosses the River Hodder on its way towards Dunsop Bridge.

Upon entering Dunsop, you will encounter a large house with a signposted left turn. Turn left here and enjoy the views as the road undulates up towards the Trough. Soon enough you will see the pass that cleaves the fells in two and the climb begins in earnest.

Look for the S-bend ahead where it’s at its steepest and get in a nice low gear. The cattle grid ahead signifies the end of the climb and the hard work is done.

On a clear day you will be treated to some wonderful views of the Lakes. Continue until you reach a lane veering off to the left with a signpost that indicates that Scorton is a mere six-and-a-half miles ahead. Follow this road all the way into Scorton for a well-deserved coffee and cake.

ribblecycles.co.uk

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