Stage 7: Glossop to Clitheroe

Climbing to Clitheroe

Distance: 59.94 miles

Climb: 7,064 feet      



Today's the day we attempt the most climbing - 6,000 feet of it! And the forecast is for another +28-degree scorcher🌞😎😎

You know it's going to be "lumpy" when Kamoot warns that, at some point, "You may need to push your bike."
 
Bypassing Manchester, we go west and cross from the Derbyshire Peak District along the Ribble Valley, briefly into Cheshire, then Yorkshire and Happy Valley country, finishing in Lancashire.

Fun Fact: Clitheroe Castle is the town's most notable attraction, and is said to be one of the smallest Norman keeps in Great Britain.

Post-ride Debrief

People of our vintage may remember two films: Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence starring David Bowie and A Man Called Horse starring Richard Harris. In both, men are tortured by being left out in the searing sun to suffer. Our ride today was a tribute to these movies😅😅.

As our LEJOG route master, Paul has done a fantastic job. Today’s route was no exception, knocking our socks off with stunning landscapes from the off. 

Richard did wonder whether he had deeply insulted or offended him as the route progressed. Hopefully, +7000 feet of climbing has settled this score! We've now climbed more than the height of Mount Everest.

Leaving behind the incredibly helpful staff at the Norfolk Arms we were soon enveloped by hills and reservoirs as Derbyshire revealed the splendour of the Peaks.

Eschewing what looked like a sheep trail that Komoot was directing us down, we took the road up to Holme Moss summit. An almost alpine climb ensued up to over 1700 feet. Paul’s climbing legs kicked in, whilst for Richard gravity kicked in. What a climb, what a view!

A very rapid descent led us to Holmfirth where Ian had a splendid tarte tatin awaiting us. Coupled with Yorkshire tea and ice cream it made for a wonderful elevenses.

Bidding farewell to Ian we undertook yet another long climb out of Holmfirth, causing locals to remark on our endeavours (stupidity). Refusing to re-enact any of the many cycling-based set pieces from Last of the Summer Wine, we kept the pedals moving.

By now we were struggling for superlatives to describe the scenic wonders. The benefit of Paul getting to the top ahead of Richard made some wonderful photo opportunities – even very long exposures.

Crossing the M62 we experienced a mad 15 minutes involving tunnels, falls, chain offs and most excitingly a misguided juggernaut having to reverse half a mile guided by two tired cyclists.

With ‘God’s own country’ continuing to impress, we pressed on towards Hebden Bridge. At this point a word for local worthies across our route. Have you not heard of funiculars, hydraulic lifts, or other such hill-conquering technology?

Arriving in Happy Valley’s Hebden Bridge we paused for double espressos and sugary drinks. Not much sign of the crazed murderville of the acclaimed tv series, although the ensuing climb could have caused a fatality. 

Heptenstall is a fine little village, but the retention of cobblestones on a very steep slope reminded us of the old Hovis advert with the New World Symphony playing in the background (Google it).

So on to our rest day accommodation at Sue’s in Clitheroe, with only the Nick of Pendle standing between us and showers, hydration and nourishment. Sometime later we were able to cruise into Clitheroe to be greeted by Day 7 “over it” welcomes from the support crew.

Rest and maintenance day tomorrow.

If you are able, please sponsor our ride in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care. Click through to our JustGiving page.







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