Gisburn Forest in North Lancashire on the edge of the Forest of Bowland contains 2 mountain bike trails; the red graded 17km outing known as "The 8" which I rode recently, and the easier 9.5km blue graded Bottoms Beck Trail which makes up the lower loop of the figure of eight shape that gives the red trail its name. Today saw me back at Gisburn with my 12 year old son, Josh who han't been on the bike for a couple of months so giving a good reason to try the blue trail.
We rode out of the car park at Cocklett Hill - where both trails start - along the link path to turn left on the trail proper. A wide forest path led easily downhill between the trees - both trails co-existing for a short distance - before the red arrows branch off on singletrack up into the woods to the right. That first short red section has no difficulties if you fancy it but we kept to the blue route which followed a wide track then a woodland path past where the trails met up again and along a short road section beside the Stocks Reservoir.
Back into the forest on the right and we now climbed steadilyon a surface that became rough for a while into an open valley where once again the routes parted company. Just as you approach what looks like a big climb, the blue arrows point right along a nearly level path known as the Old Railway. If you're doing "The 8" it's straight on up the hill - there's more to come too!
The Old Railway section is a very pleasant pathway suitable for family rides and it meanders through woodland before meeting the other trail coming down from the left. Here there is another opportunity to try a short technical section over a small bridge. It's nothing too scary unless you go on the black grade boardwalks - boards and wooden bridges with a few obstacles parallel to the gravel forest road. The choice is yours!
This time though we stayed on the forest road and overtook 3 other bikes going up the hill - the biggest climb on the Bottoms Beck Route - before stopping for water at the junction just past the farmhouse where the trail forks again. Left here for the more challenging (but fun!) half of "The 8" and straight on for home.
Now - do I look like someone who knows where he's going, because when I'm out walking in the hills, I almost always get asked for directions. Here this good tradition was kept up by a guy who rode up to us while we drank from our water bottles. Seems he'd ridden into the forest on a side road and didn't know where he'd come in so as a consequence didn't know the way out either. This gave me visions of cyclists riding round and round the trails unable to find their way out of the forest - well I suppose it can look kind of similar!
The directions - blue and red arrows for the bike trails and coloured marks on posts for the walks - are easy to follow but they do direct you around from and to the trailhead or start point which in this case was Cocklett Hill which isn't ideal if that's not where you want to go. For those entering by unmarked forest roads, themarker posts are usually numbered and a free map from the internet shows the location of these. We saw this guy again where our route turned right off the forest road and his carried on along it. I think he found his way out!
The arrows - now both blue and red - soon directed us off the wide trail and back onto singletrack which here was a proper mountain bike trail with steep winding turns, big bumps andshort but steep climbs and descents. This section ended with some boards which were fairly wide but the water underneath remained a good incentive not to fall off and then we emerged back onto the forest road.
A short ascent as a light rain began to fall led to a faster downhill before we branched left along a meadow path that led back into the woods on a smoother surface than the previous singletrack before the highlight of the route. The finish is a smooth constructed trail with banking on the turns enabling a fast fun descent to round off the day. The track then bears left straight onto the link path towards the car park, ensuring that the navigationally challenged don't end up going round again.
Pete Buckley October 2010
Essentials >>> How Far? 9.5km/6 miles >>> What's it like? Forest Roads and some singletrack (blue grade MTB trail) >>> Start and finish at Cocklet Hill car park, Gisburn Forest
Follow this link for the Gisburn Red Trail
Showing posts with label lancashire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lancashire. Show all posts
Monday, 1 November 2010
Friday, 24 September 2010
Mountain Biking in Gisburn Forest
Gisburn Forest near Slaidburn in the Forest of Bowland contains miles of forest trails that can be used by walkers and cyclists but of the most interest to people on 2 wheels are the 2 specially constructed mountain bike trails, "The 8" and "Bottoms Beck". The first of these, known as the 8 because it makes up a figure of eight circuit is 18km in length and graded red (difficult) while Bottoms Beck is a blue graded (moderate) route of 9.5km that effectively follows the lower loop of the eight while missing out the technical sections and the biggest hills. The blue route is suitable for newcomers to the sport - such the author - but the red route was too tempting and while it is simply awesome in places it is graded "difficult" for a reason as I found out.
Setting out from the Cocklet Hill car park (free) - the bike trails all start here while the walks mainly start from the car park by Stocks Reservoir - I rode through the forest on a cool September morning following the directions for both routes. Directions here are easy with the red route - The 8 - marked with red arrows on the posts and the blue route - Bottoms Beck - marked with blue ones. For most of the first section they follow the same route. The actual routes start after a short ride from Cocklet Hill and begin with a left turn as they are one way. An easy dirt track led over undulating terrain until the first red arrow branched off to the right. The route became a narrow single track and climbed over a moderate hill but posed no difficulty and I was soon back on the wide trail which after emerging briefly on the road to cross the causeway by the Stocks Reservoir, began ascending a valley that had partially been cleared of trees. Where the blue arrows turn right to continue following the course of the valley, the stony track steepens ahead up the slopes leading to the forest above.
Some way up this hill my red markers sent me off up a rough narrow trail that climbed into the forest on the right side of the wide track. This section is called "Home Baked" and was built by local volunteers. It winds uphill while conveniently placed rocks conspire to unseat an unattentive rider and I recall one spot where the trail passes between trees spaced so that handlebars will - just - go through the gap! It's loads of fun but I met my limit on the descent through the woods on the far side. As I was enjoying the concentration of avoiding trees and rocks and the cool green shade of the forest after a hot climb, the path steepened ahead down rocky steps. Brakes on and feet down I bottled hurtling headlong down this and walked my bike down most of it before setting off again.
There are a few difficult moments on this route but this one I felt was the hardest that is unavoidabe. Soon I had emerged back on the blue path which seemed as wide as a motorway after my excursion into the trees and I followed this for a short way until a red marker appeared ahead at a junction where the main trail turns right. This next narrow section is not so hilly as the last one and follows a short way from the main track.
The technical features are boards and little bridges over streams with a fearsome looking narrow boardwalk marked as a "black" route. The black (severe) sections of the route are marked with skulls which somehow are not the most inviting of signs. The black sections are optional and needless to say I avoided them - along with a couple of the other features that I figured would see me in the water! This section though is short and fun. A short section of wide forest road (stones) led past a farm and up a steady ascent to the left. The right fork here is the way home - signposted - if you've had enough. The track climbed up to marvellous views and after curving to the left at the top of the climb red markers again sent me back onto the singletrack. This part is called Sheep Hill and begins with a ride over bare rocks with a choice of routes.
The track which was very rough in places with more large stones headed steadily towards Whelpstone Crag - the route's highest point. This section passed through some remote feeling terrain while the peak of Whelpstone Crag grew steadily closer as I negotiated sections of boardwalk, sudden steep rises and stones that made me think that a full suspension mountain bike would perhaps be a good idea. There was more excitement as I inadvertently strayed onto a black section below the crag itself. This was rougher than the hardest part of the climb on Salter Fell I'd done a few weeeks ago so I rapidly found the red route again which I knew that while not so easy, would be rideable - well mostly!
Beyond the crag I avoided the black grade descent - which I just knew would be scary and involve me falling off - and followed the main route down the Hully Gully section. This was the most enjoyable part so far and I was able to gather some speed while remaining confident of staying on the bike. The singletrack is banked at the turns and made for an awesome descent. Thankfully this wasn't too rough.
The route led down into a valley clearing where - after riding through a small river - there was a short climb followed by a descent of easier terrain with the option to choose to ride on the narrow or wider path in several places. This led back down to the forest road past the farm which marks the middle of the "8". Here I took the right fork this time and the blue and red arrows coincided to follow the same route.
The going was now easier on forest road and sections of blue grade singletrack. There was an enjoyable fast descent - again with banked paths - but any technical features here were easier and avoidable and I contemplated whether I could do the blue route - Bottoms Beck - with Daniel in his seat on my bike. Possibly with care on the descent and a short boardwalk. Could be bumpy though!
Pete Buckley September 2010
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
A Rough Ride in Bowland
There are several easy rides to be posted here but this is not one of them. A 31 mile tour of the wildest parts of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a third of the route off road and 2 high passes makes for a fantastic day out but make no mistake - it's a tough one!
From the free car park behind Slaidburn village hall, I rode through the small village centre - I'd stayed at the
Youth Hostel here so the stone built houses and tiny village square were familiar - and turned right alongside the pub soon leaving the village behind. A short way up this lane there is a sign on the left for Pain Hill Farm - I wondered whether this was a sign of things to come but if this was Pain Hill it was fairly short and relatively painless to ride up. The route turns right up a lane called woodhouse lane and follows it around past several farm entrances drawing steadily higher towards the vast swell of the high moorlands ahead.
The end of the tarmac is marked by a gate and beyond this I turned sharp right along a gently rising track of broken concrete. I was happily riding under a false sense of security blissfully unaware of what lay ahead.
The track gradually swung back around to the left and lost the concrete surface becoming a rough and stony track that climbed across the heather moors. Ahead lay a vast swathe of lonely open hills into which the way led unerringly while across the valley to my right I spotted a deserted stone hut and an ancient sheepfold. The presence of the building simply accentuated the isolation.
My route now descended towards a river which was crossed by a single stone span which was adorned with a sign declaring it a weak bridge. These words do not encourage one to linger mid-stream and I was soon on the far side riding up the hardest section so far as the track rapidly veered towards mountaineering territory. This in fact turned out to be the toughest part of the whole route with large rocks and a loose surface conspiring to unseat any unwary rider on a gradient that must have been 20%. The grassy edge of the path here proved to offer the best chances of remaining on my bike.
The track soon became more rideable and after passing an old stone farmhouse on the left I stopped for some lunch at an obvious and comfortable rock by the path. Beyond this rock the track does become rough again for a while with large stones but it never quite reaches the bike wrecking level of the bit after the bridge and I was soon on the (relatively)level ground that marks the top of the Bowland Fells - a high moorland plataeu in places 500m above sea level but which still looks nothing like a forest on account of the lack of trees. The name of the Forest of Bowland comes from deer forest which was basically a hunting reserve in days gone by. Ahead lay the rough top of Ward's Stone - the highest point of the region and I had a sense of crossing the summit of Salter Fell and heading down the other side though there was no clear pass and the descent doesn't really start properly until after the gate is reached.
After the gate views opened out more the further I went with the wilderness-like landscape to the West forming a wide and deep valley through the hills leading towards the West Lancashire plains. The track this side is called Hornby Road and runs more or less north westwards through the hills though there is little chance of getting lost as long as you ignore the few tracks branching off.
Soon a beautiful vista began to widen ahead with the green lowlands rising steadily up to the Penninesin the East and the Yorkshire 3 Peaks dominating the view; Whernside the highest, Ingleborough with its familiar flat top and Pen y Ghent around to the right. Ahead lay the fields and woodlands of the Lune Valley backed by the jagged skyline of the Lake District mountains far off in the haze. It was towards these distant views that I rode - a long effortless freewheel that more than made up for the hardships endured in getting up here.
This section involved one or two rough parts but soon I was on a wide swathe of grass like a fairway on a golf course that led swiftly down between slopes of heather. The fairway comparison may be an exaggeration but there were no rocks or big bumps to negotiate and it was simply a case of relaxing in the saddle and enjoying the big skies and far off views.
Presently after a minor rough section I was suddenly back in civilisation - a gate led to a tarmac road and there was a farmhouse in front - High Salter it's called. Here a fast descent and a steep but short climb led me to a right turn leading steeply down through woodland to the old stonebuilt village of Wray.
The return route after turning right at the first junction in Wray leads along a pleasant quiet road that follows the valley floor towards Lower Bentham. After crossing the River Hindburn turn right - this is the main road direction anyway - and climb up again passing the farm of Four Score Acres on the left. The name is clearly visible. A mile or so after here turn right up the hill and follow the signs to Slaidburn rather than go to Lower Bentham which would be further to ride. If you do miss the turn and end up there, just folow for Slaidburn anyway.
On this road I met no traffic but had cause to stop and get my camera out in a hurry when I spotted a tiny roe deer stood stock still in the field by the road. Needless to say the deer ran off before I could take its photo. I soon came to a crossroads and followed the right turn to Slaidburn which led over the infamous Cross O' Greets Pass which at 468 metres or over 1500 feet is one of the major challenges on such bike races as the Tour of Britain.
The climb to the summit is gradual with the steepest section at the end though if you had gone via Lower Bentham the start would have been long and steep - this way it was more gradual. The views improve with altitude and the summit - unlike Salter fell - is a clear ridge leading back to the southern side of the Bowland Fells. The last bit was tough though near the end of the day and it was a relief to be speeding like the wind down the far side.
There is however a sting in the tail to this route - after the descent from Cross O' Greets, you cross a river and enter woods where the road abruptly climbs up again. This last hill is steep but not too long and once you are up it is downhill virtually all the way to Slaidburn to complete the circuit of the Forest of Bowland 31 miles later to end a hard but enjoyable and varied ride.
The off road sections are my favourite but a mountain bike is recommended for these - my hybrid fared OK but a road bike would struggle. There are hills throughout - not just the two main passes so if you see riding up hills as a challenge you'll love this but if you only like cycling on the flat - don't do it!
Pete Buckley July 2010
Essentials >>> How far is it? 31 miles/50km >>> What's it like? Hilly with some very rough parts - a third off road >>> Start and finish in Slaidburn village
From the free car park behind Slaidburn village hall, I rode through the small village centre - I'd stayed at the
The end of the tarmac is marked by a gate and beyond this I turned sharp right along a gently rising track of broken concrete. I was happily riding under a false sense of security blissfully unaware of what lay ahead.
The track gradually swung back around to the left and lost the concrete surface becoming a rough and stony track that climbed across the heather moors. Ahead lay a vast swathe of lonely open hills into which the way led unerringly while across the valley to my right I spotted a deserted stone hut and an ancient sheepfold. The presence of the building simply accentuated the isolation.
My route now descended towards a river which was crossed by a single stone span which was adorned with a sign declaring it a weak bridge. These words do not encourage one to linger mid-stream and I was soon on the far side riding up the hardest section so far as the track rapidly veered towards mountaineering territory. This in fact turned out to be the toughest part of the whole route with large rocks and a loose surface conspiring to unseat any unwary rider on a gradient that must have been 20%. The grassy edge of the path here proved to offer the best chances of remaining on my bike.
The track soon became more rideable and after passing an old stone farmhouse on the left I stopped for some lunch at an obvious and comfortable rock by the path. Beyond this rock the track does become rough again for a while with large stones but it never quite reaches the bike wrecking level of the bit after the bridge and I was soon on the (relatively)level ground that marks the top of the Bowland Fells - a high moorland plataeu in places 500m above sea level but which still looks nothing like a forest on account of the lack of trees. The name of the Forest of Bowland comes from deer forest which was basically a hunting reserve in days gone by. Ahead lay the rough top of Ward's Stone - the highest point of the region and I had a sense of crossing the summit of Salter Fell and heading down the other side though there was no clear pass and the descent doesn't really start properly until after the gate is reached.
After the gate views opened out more the further I went with the wilderness-like landscape to the West forming a wide and deep valley through the hills leading towards the West Lancashire plains. The track this side is called Hornby Road and runs more or less north westwards through the hills though there is little chance of getting lost as long as you ignore the few tracks branching off.
Soon a beautiful vista began to widen ahead with the green lowlands rising steadily up to the Penninesin the East and the Yorkshire 3 Peaks dominating the view; Whernside the highest, Ingleborough with its familiar flat top and Pen y Ghent around to the right. Ahead lay the fields and woodlands of the Lune Valley backed by the jagged skyline of the Lake District mountains far off in the haze. It was towards these distant views that I rode - a long effortless freewheel that more than made up for the hardships endured in getting up here.
This section involved one or two rough parts but soon I was on a wide swathe of grass like a fairway on a golf course that led swiftly down between slopes of heather. The fairway comparison may be an exaggeration but there were no rocks or big bumps to negotiate and it was simply a case of relaxing in the saddle and enjoying the big skies and far off views.
Presently after a minor rough section I was suddenly back in civilisation - a gate led to a tarmac road and there was a farmhouse in front - High Salter it's called. Here a fast descent and a steep but short climb led me to a right turn leading steeply down through woodland to the old stonebuilt village of Wray.
The return route after turning right at the first junction in Wray leads along a pleasant quiet road that follows the valley floor towards Lower Bentham. After crossing the River Hindburn turn right - this is the main road direction anyway - and climb up again passing the farm of Four Score Acres on the left. The name is clearly visible. A mile or so after here turn right up the hill and follow the signs to Slaidburn rather than go to Lower Bentham which would be further to ride. If you do miss the turn and end up there, just folow for Slaidburn anyway.
On this road I met no traffic but had cause to stop and get my camera out in a hurry when I spotted a tiny roe deer stood stock still in the field by the road. Needless to say the deer ran off before I could take its photo. I soon came to a crossroads and followed the right turn to Slaidburn which led over the infamous Cross O' Greets Pass which at 468 metres or over 1500 feet is one of the major challenges on such bike races as the Tour of Britain.
The climb to the summit is gradual with the steepest section at the end though if you had gone via Lower Bentham the start would have been long and steep - this way it was more gradual. The views improve with altitude and the summit - unlike Salter fell - is a clear ridge leading back to the southern side of the Bowland Fells. The last bit was tough though near the end of the day and it was a relief to be speeding like the wind down the far side.
There is however a sting in the tail to this route - after the descent from Cross O' Greets, you cross a river and enter woods where the road abruptly climbs up again. This last hill is steep but not too long and once you are up it is downhill virtually all the way to Slaidburn to complete the circuit of the Forest of Bowland 31 miles later to end a hard but enjoyable and varied ride.
The off road sections are my favourite but a mountain bike is recommended for these - my hybrid fared OK but a road bike would struggle. There are hills throughout - not just the two main passes so if you see riding up hills as a challenge you'll love this but if you only like cycling on the flat - don't do it!
Pete Buckley July 2010
Essentials >>> How far is it? 31 miles/50km >>> What's it like? Hilly with some very rough parts - a third off road >>> Start and finish in Slaidburn village
Friday, 9 July 2010
The Easiest 15 Miles in England (probably)
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 >>>
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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