Let’s Take A Ride…
CLITHEROE LOOP VIA SLAIDBURN AND LONGRIDGE FELL
This route is quite challenging in terms of gradients, but cyclists will be rewarded with some breath-taking views
Route: 31.88miles / 51.3km
Elevation: 3101ft / 945m
Difficulty: 4 / 5
To view the route go to: www.strava.com/routes/2886234587821417704
Earlier this year Matt Gibson from Ribble Cycles’ Weldtite team collected his new Ultra SL R from the Clitheroe showroom which he debuted at the Tour of Britain. He first tested it out on the Lancashire roads and climbs of the Forest of Bowland and this route follows some of those roads.
Head north out of Clitheroe on the A671 towards Chatburn. As you enter the village, take the left turn signposted for Grindleton by the Spar shop. Head over the River Ribble and upon reaching the T-junction at the end, turn right. It’s out of the saddle for a short climb up Grindleton Brow into Grindleton, then as the road descends out, follow it to the junction at the end.
Turn left, staying on Sawley Road, follow it for approximately 3km before taking the left turn for Holden at the Copy Nook Free House. The road begins to climb for the next 2km, follow the signs for Slaidburn until you drop into the village. Top tip – the Riverbank tearoom offers a great café stop! Head up through the village and out along the road for Lancaster. The next 10km will take you through Newton, Dunsop Bridge and Whitewell.
Continue out of Whitewell for a distance of approximately 5.6km until you reach a T-junction. Take the right turn, followed by the first left. Continue past Carr Side Equestrian to the end of the road, turn left up Rock Brow, then first right for Jeffrey Hill. It’s time to engage a low gear and push hard for gradients topping out at up to 20 per cent.
Your efforts are rewarded with some fantastic views when you reach the summit. As you drop down the other side you will reach a crossroads on which sits the now closed New Drop Inn, take the left turn onto Old Clitheroe Road and follow this road all the way down Birdy Brow. At the bottom take a right and follow the signs back into Clitheroe for a well-earned recovery stop.
