Blackpool to Barrow-in-Furness - Road Cycling Weekend
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A two day road cycle trip on The Bay Cycle Way from the golden sands of Blackpool to Barrow-in-Furness, near the Lake District.
We'll take in glorious views of the Lakes as we cycle around the coastline of the UK's largest tidal estuary, Morecambe Bay. It is famous for quicksands, seabird wildlife, potted shrimps and boasts some of the best sunsets in the world.
Friday evening: We'll congregate in Blackpool from late afternoon onwards until late evening. Please don't feel in a rush to arrive if you're travelling from further afield. But if you do make it on time, at around 7.30 pm we'll sort out an evening meal at a restuarant, and perhaps some drinks in Blackpool's bars after ... but not too many to spoil our cycling legs!
Saturday:
Starting from Blackpool, we'll head north through Poulton-le-Fylde and along the coastal road towards the historic city of Lancaster. Here we take a superb off-road cycle path towards Morecambe promenade (enjoying panoramic views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District). The final stretch of route on day 1 follows the Lancaster Canal tow-path towards our overnight stay in Arnside on the coast.
Approx. 55 miles
Sunday:
We will curve around Morecambe Bay using the National Cycle Network (route 700) towards Milnthope passing through Cartmel (the home of sticky toffee pudding), Grange over Sands, and Ulverston whilst enjoying beautiful country lanes and coastal paths. Our end destination is Walney Island's two nature reserves, where we will hopefully spot some grey seals!
Approx. 55 miles
Accomodation
Friday night:
The Woodley Hotel, 2-3 Lansdowne Place, Blackpool, Lancashire
2 x 4-bedded rooms, 2 x twin rooms
Breakfast included
Saturday Night:
Arnside Independent Hostel, Oakfield Lodge, Redhills Road, Arnside, Cumbria
2 x 6 bedded rooms.
Breakfast NOT included
What to bring
Your will need a road bike or light weight hybrid. Mountain bikes are not suitable.
Apart from your road bike remember the following:.
- Puncture repair kit (or better still a spare inner tube) and tyre levers. Also any special tools that your bike needs.
- Food - bring small snacks such as biscuits, energy bars or gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit is great too
- A cycling bottle attached to your bike and plenty of water
- Eye protection - impact from a bee, grit or even a fly at speed is extremely unpleasant, sunglasses may do if not made of glass and not too shaded.
- Clothing: choose suitable clothes and footwear for the weather forecast and time of year. You will be exercising so lightweight layered clothing is best. Shorts are best even in rain, as they allow free movement of your legs. Better still you may wish to consider buying some a lycra cycling bib for maximum confort and sweat reduction.
- Footwear - If you have a proper road bike, it's worth exploring clip in pedals, cleats for maximum power (http://guides.wiggle.co.uk/cycling-pedals-and-cleats-buying-guide-0)
- Cyclist's Helmet - Outdoorlads policy asks you to wear a helmet.
- Bag - Not essential, but if the weather is likely to be changeable or you wish to carry supplies and clothing, a small ruck sack or pannier bags attached to your bike could be very useful. We don't want you getting cold or wet.
- Sun cream - you just never know with the UK weather!
Food & drink
The cost of this trip includes accomodation in Blackpool and Arnside (breakfast is only included in Blackpool, NOT at Arnside). In Arnside there will be shops and coffee places to buy breakfast.
We will be passing through a number of towns and villages, so there will be opportunities to either buy food for lunch or eat in pubs / cafes along the way, however it would also be a good idea to carry a small amount of food with you in case of unforseen delays.