19th July 2012 - Walna Scar

5 riders met up near Broughton forest off hummer lane, Joel, Neil, Jamie, George and CT; with a bit of a dark cloud over the tops we set off. The usual route down into the forest, which was a little overgrown hence some bramble attacks resulted in leg scratches, plus tree roots and mud made for a testing first section, then up and over a small wooded section and finally onto the forest track for the climb up, up, up, steady away is the only way. Through gate and over bridge over stream, no good if over 700mm wide handlebars;( at the plateau we tried the left hand side, still some bog but some ride-able sections, pause at the old ruined stone huts and watch a sheep scrambling over the slate piles with a vulture circling above, (OK some sort of hawk). A quick jelly-baby and onward up into the mist, you forget but there is a short sharp section just to get to the gravel bit of the Walna Scar road, then once on the main track just select first gear and climb for the next 12 minutes or so, at least that was the plan, there is a extra steep section about 2/3rds up and also the top corner is tricky, i.e. I didn't clean it, this time. Re-group at the top, no scenic views this time just cold fog, so waterproofs on and head downhill. Although the descent has been 'worked on' it is still a good one and testing as the speed comes fast and there are no berms to ride, enjoy:) re-group at the bridge and then at the pond, take a later bridleway to the road, slippy in places due to the damp but interesting. A quick road ride back to the cars.
No pics as my phone camera failed to save them again, so here is one from the weekend..  :)
Next ride maybe a re-run of Ribblehead. (photos courtesy of Steep hill. tv)

Great Britain at Le Tour de France, come on....!