The weather was lovely on Saturday and I was on my fortnightly commitment-free Saturday, so I sat down and tried to map a ride I could take instead of my autopilot Hollingworth Lake loop. I chose a 27 mile run along the canal to Hebden Bridge then back over Blackstone Edge, a route that would involve a 4 mile steep(ish) climb and a big descent designed to lay the ghost of not hitting 30mph yet. I opted to leave the slicks on from last week’s Blackpool run, because (a) on roads they’d be nice and fast, and (b) I couldn’t be bothered fettling in such nice weather.
As it happens, I totally ignored the climb and took the soft option!
Cracking Canalside Capers
I headed northeast along the Rochdale Canal, until a signpost showed a diversion off for National Cycle Network Route 66, which led me up a steep little hill through the woods just outside Todmorden. As it happens, this landed me by the railway station so I dropped down back into the town centre from there and couldn’t find the canalside without turning back a couple of hundred yards.
So, I took the road from Tod to Hebden Bridge, only a little bit lost 😉 The undulations were a nice short workout, and unbeknownst to me, I hit 29.2 mph on the second descent. Bloody 29.2 mph! 🙁 If I’d have known, I’d have booted it a little more just to hit the fabled 30 mph. Meh. Never mind.
At the park in Hebden Bridge, I looked at my watch and decided it was time for a drink, a rest, an ice cream and a turn back homewards.
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- Getting My Kicks On Route 66.
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- “The Highest Broad Lock in England”
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- The Highest Point on the UK Canal Network.
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- The Fat Boy Resting. And My Bike 😉
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- Meeting Point Rest Stop, Littleborough.
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- Saturday’s Route. Click to Enlarge.
Meeting Point Rest Stop, Littleborough
I have to recommend this little place to you. I think two ladies have put together a cracking little rest stop here. It’s basically a portakabin by the road & canalside, with a bunch of picnic tables outside. It’s a very welcoming little place and I believe you should support it if you’re ever in the area. I really hope they do well. I had my second ice cream of the day there. I didn’t need one, but I couldn’t cycle past without stopping to say hello and ask their opening times. I’ll take Number One Son there in future, for sure.
It’s right here. You should go. Tell ’em Phill sent you 🙂
The route’s on MapMyRide too, if you click the linky.
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