The Crook of Lune near Lancaster is the start point for several walks and cycle routes but this 15 mile circuit from Denny Beck car park a mile nearer to Lancaster is one of my favorites in the area. The route is suitable for families, being almost completely devoid of hills or difficulties and in fact you would probably need to go to Holland to find a flatter bike ride. The main joy though is in the variety of scenery you ride through including the leafy riverbank of the Lune, a sea front ride from Morecambe to Hest Bank and a rural canalside stretch on the return journey.
Leave the car park and head towards Lancaster with views of the River Lune on the right through the trees. After passing under the M6 you will ride under another high bridge - this is the Lune Aqueduct and it carries the Lancaster Canal high above the river. Our return is over this aqueduct on the towpath. Soon afterwards Lancaster is reached and we pass a skate park before heading under a small subway, after which a left turn by the road - well signposted - takes us to the Milennium Bridge - a modern structure taking the traffic free walk and cycle way over the river. On the far side follow the track to Morecame about three and a half miles distant.
A good job has been made of the cycle path through Lancaster as you don't have to go on the busy roads at all. In fact the only road section on this ride is about 200 metres from Morecambe railway station - which we pass - and the prom. Morecambe's best feature is the stone jetty which protrudes a quarter of a mile out to sea with views across Morecambe Bay to the mountains of the Lake District. You can get refreshments here too.
Follow the prom northwards with the sea on your left to Hest Bank where the route crosses the busy A6 and climbs the route's only hill of any note on the opposite pavement - you are spared riding on the road again - until blue signs direct you through a small housing estate to the Lancaster Canal where the towpath is followed in a southerly direction along National Cycle Network route 6 (turn right).
The sea views have been replaced by a pleasant rural setting and a variety of birds can be spotted in the reed beds on the opposite bank. The towpath is wide enough to ride safely on without the risk of ending up in the water though it may be a good idea to stop whilst carrying out any birdwatching activities. Presently you will arrive at the aforementioned aqueduct which is fascinating to cross and gives views far along the river below.
Immediately after reaching its far side a path with steps leads down to rejoin the Lune Valley cycle path below The steps are not unduly steep but number over 90 and are the only awkward section of this route. They are avoidable by joining the road a little further on though we managed them OK with my wife helping our 2 year old son down while I carried our bikes one at a time.
Turn right on the cycle path at the bottom and you will soon be back at the car park. Setting out from the Crook of Lune which is a busier car park adds 2 and a bit miles to the circuit it being further from Lancaster but there are toilets there and Woody's burger bar which offers good value meals. The council produce excellent maps for walking and cycling in the area and they can be obtained here free of charge.
This ride is suitable to do with the kids being almost entirely traffic free and having the added advantage of visiting the seaside! Canal bank concerns can be alleviated by returning the same way from Morecambe.
Essentials >>> 15 miles circular route >>> traffic free cycle paths >>> almost completely flat >>>
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