Route 2. This route is geared towards the more inexperienced cyclist who is up for a challenge. You will leave Longridge and meander through the quiet lanes passing through the cheesemaking village of Chipping. Still staying on the the quiet roads you follow some Roman roads to Cow Ark. Make sure you look behind you to enjoy the stunning views of Longridge Fell, Parlick and Fairsnape. Cutting along the snicket beyond Brownsholme you emerge in the historic village of Waddington for refreshments. The route then takes you towards the River Hodder and the climb towards Chaigley. Taking this steadily will allow you to enjoy the breathtaking views that greet you on every turn. Passing through Thornley you are on the home stretch back into Longridge. You will have covered 30 miles with around 2000ft of ascent.
Route 1 This route is for those more experienced cyclists who are up to taking on a challenging ride. Leaving Longridge you head out along the quiet country lanes to your first climb. Beacon Fell will be a warm up for what lies ahead. Set in the country park you will ascend Carwags Lane and enjoy some stunning views towards the coast. On a good day the hills of the Lake District can be seen. After descending you will pass through cheesemaking area of Chipping. We then pass through Whitewell, passing the famous Inn where the Queen stays when she visits her cousin the Duke of Westminster. Quietly following the upper reaches of the River Hodder we visit Dunsop Bridge, the geographical centre of the United Kingdom. Taking in a few sharp kicks and travelling through the Forest Of Bowland we pass through The beautiful village of Slaidburn with its village green and historic mourning soldier memorial. You are then presented with your first real challenge, the climb of Smalden Lane. A very quiet little used road that takes you over Harrop Fold with stunning views of the Three Peaks at the top. Swooshing down the descent, you will arrive in Grindleton and trundle on to Waddington for refreshments. Leaving Waddington we arrive in Chatburn, where you will pass Hudsons Ice cream, which is well worth a try to fuel up for what lies ahead. You then point your wheels uphill to the historic village of Downham where the 1961 film Whistle Down The Wind was set. The village hasn't changed much since then. Looking ahead we start seeing the impressive Pendle Hill. We are now on the climb of Barley Fell into Pendle Witch country. When you arrive at the Village of Barley, you won't get chance to catch you breath before you experience the 20% climb to Newchurch. Cresting the top, take time to turn around and look at the landscape from where you have come, which will further take your breath away. We now starting to skirt the upper parts of Pendle Forest along single track roads before you will see what lies ahead. The climb from Sabden of the Nick Of Pendle. The steep straight road rises impressively up and disappears into the sky. From the top you can see the entire Ribble Valley in all its beauty. Descending you will pass the dry ski slope where Dave Ryding, the Olympic skier learned his trade. A short journey from the bottom and we are back on the lanes towards Longridge. The sting in the tail comes in middle earth. In reality its the college at Stonyhurst where middle earth was born. The climb up Knowles Brow is your last challenge and albeit short takes in 500 feet of ascent and your legs will be feeling every rise. Enjoy the views from up here as its all downhill now back into Longridge. When you arrive back you will have covered 65 miles with around 6400ft of ascent.
