Some Observations by a YHA warden
Posted: 21 Jul 2008, 4:49pm
Having just spent some time wardening Slaidburn YH ., Lancs ( on the CTC end to end route) can I offer some observations on LEJOG .
First of all the route from Chester to Slaidburn is not difficult cycling wise but is from a navigation point of view. the main problem is that north of Warrington the signs tend to point either west to Liverpool or east to Manchester when you want to go north. Careful route planning will save a great deal of time on this section. Also a number of people get lost around Blackburn where signage is very much designed to keep cars out of the town centre.
Slaidburn north to Carlisle, the hardest part is the first section to High Benthen over Tathem Fells . Pace yourself over this as the remainder of the day is easier.
Slaidburn the hostel is self catering but does keep a stock of food eg tins and cereal. The pub opposite ' Hark to Bounty' does excellent meals but is very busy Friday night when its a fiver a dish and wil do a full breakfast from 0800 if booked the night before. There are very good cyclist cafes in Dunsop Bridge 4 miles south ( which claims to be the centre of Britain) 0930 to 1630 and in Kirby Lonsdale which would make a good early lunch stop north .
Bikes : I was amazed given our weather as to the number riding without mudguards . Also the lack of low gears an inner cahin ring of 39 with a rear of 26 will not easily get you up hills especially if you are carrying luggage .
Riders: knee problems seem to be the most common complaint in some cases caused by a too high saddle or by lack of training. Also i would question if clipless area a good idea for the inexperienced rider
Hostel has a drying room and secure bike shed
As you are about halfway if you are taking it easy perhaps a rest day at Slaidburn would be worth considering. the village is owned by an estate and is a real time warp. Also there is great cycling around the area.
An easy ride would be to take the back road from Newton to Slaidburn it adds a couple of miles but scenically is wonderful with views of the Bowland Fells
First of all the route from Chester to Slaidburn is not difficult cycling wise but is from a navigation point of view. the main problem is that north of Warrington the signs tend to point either west to Liverpool or east to Manchester when you want to go north. Careful route planning will save a great deal of time on this section. Also a number of people get lost around Blackburn where signage is very much designed to keep cars out of the town centre.
Slaidburn north to Carlisle, the hardest part is the first section to High Benthen over Tathem Fells . Pace yourself over this as the remainder of the day is easier.
Slaidburn the hostel is self catering but does keep a stock of food eg tins and cereal. The pub opposite ' Hark to Bounty' does excellent meals but is very busy Friday night when its a fiver a dish and wil do a full breakfast from 0800 if booked the night before. There are very good cyclist cafes in Dunsop Bridge 4 miles south ( which claims to be the centre of Britain) 0930 to 1630 and in Kirby Lonsdale which would make a good early lunch stop north .
Bikes : I was amazed given our weather as to the number riding without mudguards . Also the lack of low gears an inner cahin ring of 39 with a rear of 26 will not easily get you up hills especially if you are carrying luggage .
Riders: knee problems seem to be the most common complaint in some cases caused by a too high saddle or by lack of training. Also i would question if clipless area a good idea for the inexperienced rider
Hostel has a drying room and secure bike shed
As you are about halfway if you are taking it easy perhaps a rest day at Slaidburn would be worth considering. the village is owned by an estate and is a real time warp. Also there is great cycling around the area.
An easy ride would be to take the back road from Newton to Slaidburn it adds a couple of miles but scenically is wonderful with views of the Bowland Fells