The Pendle Witch Trial

Description

208km cycling event starting from Lancaster. Controls at Holcombe Brook Coop, Haworth Coop and Lancaster., plus 3 information controls.

Challenging anticlockwise route from Scotforth near Lancaster with the return leg passing through Pendle Witch country, joining riders on the companion event to return for a chilli supper finish.

A very challenging route not for the faint hearted. There are lots of climbs, cracking descents, lovely countryside and brilliant views (available on clear days at least!). Adjusted a tad since it's first edition, the route now offers 4 AAA instead of just 3.5! South from Scotforth (Lancaster) now avoiding Preston and busy A roads you get small quiet lanes with extra climbing.

Avoiding Longridge, cross the River Ribble near Ribchester, skirt Blackburn and work around Anglezarke reservoirs to climb Winter Hill onto the West Pennine moor to Holcombe Brook. From there is long valley stretch punctuated with a climb of Sharneyford before arriving at Hebden Bridge. While not a control, this is more than halfway so perhaps a good place for cake sampling before the next ascent? A long climb then up Pecket Well to Haworth where, if not done already, fill bottles and bellies because it's a 73km rollercoaster to the end through rugged, remote but beautiful moorland.

Heading northwest (perhaps into the setting Sun?) this return leg traverses Pendle Witch country. Wycoller valley, where some of the accused lived; Blacko, a possible site of the Malkin Tower meeting; a crossing of Pendle Hill; into the Forest of Bowland with a climb up the Trough are just some of the highlights.

Controls are commercial or info and eBrevet is available too. Scotforth is easy to get to, being just 2.5km from Lancaster which is situated on the West Coast Mainline and adjacent to the M6 motorway. There are a number of budget hotels in the area. Free on street parking is available at the start as well as toast, tea and coffee.

Event Date and Location

Date:

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 Add Event to my Personal Calendar

Distance:

200 km (208 km) in 14h34

Time:

08:00 to finish by 22:34

Starting from:

Lancaster

Fee:

£16.00

Closing Date:

Enter soon as entries may close early if event is full

Entries close at:

30 riders

Online Entry Enter by Post Add as Maybe Extend Calendar Event Remove from my Events

NON-MEMBERS are welcome but need to register first. This is free - we ask you to do this so we can verify your contact details. You only need to register once and can then enter multiple events or in future convert to paid membership.

PARENTAL CONSENT is required for entrants under 18 years of age. This can be declared by the parent/guardian making an online entry on behalf of the under 18 rider. Otherwise, although an entry can be made online, the parent/guardian should complete and sign the parental consent form available here. More information about event entry terms related to under 18 year olds is here.