20th May 2023 ride to Yewbarrow (Page four)

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Copyright 2004 to 2023 D. Simeon Orme

Yellow Iris flowering at side of Lancaster Canal near Tewitfield.

Copyright 2004 to 2023 D. Simeon Orme

Copyright 2004 to 2023 D. Simeon Orme

Canada Geese on the Lancaster Canal near Borwick.

Copyright 2004 to 2023 D. Simeon Orme

Horse on the skyline near Borwick

Copyright 2004 to 2023 D. Simeon Orme

A tree in field at the side of Capernway Road.

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Ride report by Simeon Orme Has I was about to enjoy my sausage bun at the Leighton Cafe at the RSPB Visitor Centre where cyclist’s enjoy ten percent discount when you turn up on bike, when Roy turns up, who was last out on ride with me on 13th March 2022 ride to Masongill and Tow Scar Road, so sort of change the plans for day ride so that suit both of us. So after finishing sausage bun and chatting to Roy, we headed off to enjoy the day adventure, yes we both on gravel bikes, so we were a little a bit slower than those of you on road bikes who kept passing us through the day. So our route from one honey pots of the Arnside and Silverdale Area Outstanding Natural Beauty which is National Park in the UK. First took us along Red Bridge Road which soon turn into Ford Road, there was climbing to do through Waterslack, then there was mile fairly easy pedaling with some delightful views of Gait Barrow National Nature Reserve to enjoy before we were soon turning on to Cold Well Lane which we follow out of North Lancashire into Cumbria which now been split up into two Councils. The one for South Lakeland now called Westmorland and Furness Council which if you look on their home page they got funding of 1.6 million for cycling and walking in Kendal and Barrow. We were soon turning on Storth Road where there nice view looking across the fields to Hazelslack before the climb up through Dick Slack Wood and you do notice how quite the traffic noise get when you hear the birds around you. We were soon heading through Storth and then Sandside before section on Park Road which got us across the River Bela. We then turn on to Marsh Road which is sort of cyclist’s motorway where the other real traffic problem is other cyclists trying to over take you and have not figure out why those you who pedal road bikes feel need have the back light on your flashing in daytime, at this time of year we all wearing bright colour clothing for reason to be seen on the road. After quite lanes of Milnthorpe Marsh we turn on to that section of the A6 around Levens Hall which always seem to busy with motor traffic before turning on to quite Sampool Lane which we followed down to High Sampool where turn on to tarmac bridleway which followed towards Sampool Bridge. You get some good views of Whitbarrow Scar which seem dominate the landscape and gives you clue that you heading into one England National Parks which alot folk don’t always see in motor car, we soon crossing over the A590 its one those ‘A’ roads that motorist still think they are on the motorway for some reason! After crossing over A590, we headed out of Sampool Bridge along cycle path along side the A590 where another cyclist told Roy to put his helmet back on, I have never wore helmet and when last look at highway code its down personal choice if wear one or not! Personally I feel wearing one promotes overconfidence in the rider to take more risks and if the motorist see you wearing one they will drive a bit closer to you. The only reasons you should wear one when you riding mountain bike in the mountains or riding at high speed on road bike or riding bike in road race. If still feel need to wear helmet book session with your therapist before putting one on. We were soon heading towards Raven’s Lodge where we followed the bridleway over to Mill Side where we stop for lunch at bench. After lunch break we followed the lane up to Beck Head which soon turn into delightful bridleway but we soon back on the tarmac again following the lane up small valley to Witherslack Hall which dominate this valley. We were soon leaving the tarmac again to follow the bridleway from Lawson House over Yewbarrow and down into Witherslack. Its one those tracks if hit it at right time of year its delight to ride and if keep your eyes open you might see some botanical delights, has you can see from photos that I did! We only on the tarmac for few minutes before following the bridleway through Latterbarrow Nature Reserve, yes its another bridleway worth doing and leave it at that! We soon back on the tarmac again and followed the old ‘A590’ back to Sampool Bridge and then Old Road into Levens, then refueling stop at Levens Kitchen at Levens Hall. Then it was case of following dots on the maps which most cyclists know who live in North Lancashire sort of go on auto pilot when we get to home stage of the ride. We said our goodbyes in Cinderbarrow has Roy had park his car in lay by near the RSPB visitor centre. After following Cinderbarrow Lane out of Cinderbarrow, I turn on to the towpath on Lancaster Canal which followed to Capernwray with eat up near Borwick. Yes I spend some time doing some botanical photography and got home around five minutes to Seven.