The Pendle Witch Trial

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.