The team of Ralph, David and Ros will be running a series of roller ski coaching sessions to kick off the skiing season. Starting at 10 am at the Manchester Cyclesway, Chorlton, South Manchester, each session will last about 2 hours. Refreshments will be provided, though you might like to bring your own water and chocolate or energy bars etc. Come to as many or as few of these sessions as you like.
The sessions will cater for skiers of all levels, including aspirant racers. Beginners with no previous experience will be particularly welcome. All the necessary gear can be provided for those who need it: just let us know your shoe size, as well as approximate weight and height, when you contact us to let us know you would like to come.
The aim of the coaching programme is to be as flexible as possible and to cater for the needs of those who attend. The first session will therefore be a back to basics skills session for all and thereafter, depending on the wishes of those who attend and the progress made, we will either continue with concentrated skills work for a couple of sessions or get some miles under our belts, with coaching tips provided on the move. In short, it’s up to you what you’d like to do!
Ideally, by the end of the programme, all beginners would be of a level able to take part in the rollertouring programme starting in spring or for a cross-country skiing holiday on snow, and those with some previous experience should be ready for anything, loppet racing, touring on snow or tarmac.
Even those who don’t want any actual coaching are very welcome to join us on the coaching dates for a run-out along the track.
Click here to see a map of the meeting point
The first tour of the season starts at Tatton Park. In order to avoid excessive weight loss, the tour will be followed by a visit to the café in Knutsford. As an added incentive to come to Tatton we plan to tke the direct route up the mountain which Ros assures me lurk near the Knutsford entrance. Please contact me well in advance if you want to hire kit, so that I can liaise with KitMeisters Ralph and Ros.
This is the ascent of the Knutsford face of the Tattonhorn. As we gain height, and move up into the ‘death zone’, breathing may become a problem. I have arranged for a supply of oxygen to assist with the final push to the summit. I tried to lay on Sherpas, but the Park Authorities don’t allow traffic until 11. When we reach the peak, expect to gaze down over the panorama of the vast Cheshire Plains over which roam herds of red deer and sheep.
Location GR SJ 752 791, OS Sheet 118
The park is open to traffic at 11:00am in the winter. We will start at the earlier time of 9 am. in order to be clear before there is much interference from vehicles.
Tatton park is well signposted on the approaches to Knutsford. However, the signposts lead to the main vehicle entrance. The above grid reference is for the alternative entrance to the park in Knutsford itself, where it is possible to park on the road outside.
This is an out and return route, 8km in total.
The surface is a tarmac drive through National Trust property. Which wends through open parkland with lakes, deer and sheep.
There are cattle grids at the entrances to the park and one, halfway along the road. All have side paths.
Tatton Hall has a teashop and toilets, but these will probably be closed until later in the day. Before then we will probably be feasting in one of the many teashops in Knutsford.
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Route and distance: from Chorlton-cum-Hardy (South Manchester) to Debdale Park (East Manchester), round trip c. 12 miles. It is also possible to shorten this to only 4 miles (Chorlton to Fallowfield and back).
Duration: c. 3-4 hours.
Meet at: Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Corkland Road at 10 am.
Description: an excellent track which is wide, smooth and quiet, perfect for practicing either classic or skating. The route is mostly along a disused railway line but has enough gentle ups and downs to keep our interest and goes through the back of some surprisingly pleasant suburban landscape.
Facilities: toilets, picnic area and pub in Debdale, lots of cafés in Chorlton.
Directions: EITHER: From the south or east on M56, then as if going in to Manchester on A5103. At the large crossroads at Southern Cemetery where the road becomes dual carriageway, carry on to next lights at the other end of Southern Cemetery (the big white Siemens building is on your right on the far side of the road). Take left here down Nell Lane, to the next crossroads (Southern Pub on your right here). Go straight across the lights and just after the right bend in the road after the school, take the next left down Sandy Lane (up on a speed ramp here). Take the first proper right (not the cul de sacs) ie after about 100 yds down Dawlish Road. Follow Dawlish Road down to the bottom, turn either right or left into Corkland Road and park up where you can find a space. The actual cycle route is signposted by a blue sign at the top of Sidbury Road which is directly opposite the bottom of Dawlish Road. Go down this road, to the little ginnel and down the ramp.
OR: From the north or west on M60 to junction 7 and 8, then follow A56 as if going to Stretford. Follow road right round weird junction, then down past Stretford Mall and get into right filter lane at the next big lights (funny pink Egyptian-looking cinema just ahead on your right here). Turn right here and follow down towards Chorlton on Edge Lane for about a mile. Where the road forks at the lights, take the right fork down High Lane. At the next lights, where the road crosses Barlow Moor Road (Manchester Microwave on your left here), go straight across (watch out for chicane) down Sandy Lane (with lots of speed bumps here). Follow Sandy Lane down to fourth left, Dawlish Road, then as above.
Click here to see a map of the meeting point
Route and distance: from Chorlton-cum-Hardy (South Manchester) to Debdale Park (East Manchester), round trip c. 12 miles. It is also possible to shorten this to only 4 miles (Chorlton to Fallowfield and back).
Duration: c. 3-4 hours.
Meet at: Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Corkland Road at 10 am.
Description: an excellent track which is wide, smooth and quiet, perfect for practicing either classic or skating. The route is mostly along a disused railway line but has enough gentle ups and downs to keep our interest and goes through the back of some surprisingly pleasant suburban landscape.
Facilities: toilets, picnic area and pub in Debdale, lots of cafés in Chorlton.
Directions: EITHER: From the south or east on M56, then as if going in to Manchester on A5103. At the large crossroads at Southern Cemetery where the road becomes dual carriageway, carry on to next lights at the other end of Southern Cemetery (the big white Siemens building is on your right on the far side of the road). Take left here down Nell Lane, to the next crossroads (Southern Pub on your right here). Go straight across the lights and just after the right bend in the road after the school, take the next left down Sandy Lane (up on a speed ramp here). Take the first proper right (not the cul de sacs) ie after about 100 yds down Dawlish Road. Follow Dawlish Road down to the bottom, turn either right or left into Corkland Road and park up where you can find a space. The actual cycle route is signposted by a blue sign at the top of Sidbury Road which is directly opposite the bottom of Dawlish Road. Go down this road, to the little ginnel and down the ramp.
OR: From the north or west on M60 to junction 7 and 8, then follow A56 as if going to Stretford. Follow road right round weird junction, then down past Stretford Mall and get into right filter lane at the next big lights (funny pink Egyptian-looking cinema just ahead on your right here). Turn right here and follow down towards Chorlton on Edge Lane for about a mile. Where the road forks at the lights, take the right fork down High Lane. At the next lights, where the road crosses Barlow Moor Road (Manchester Microwave on your left here), go straight across (watch out for chicane) down Sandy Lane (with lots of speed bumps here). Follow Sandy Lane down to fourth left, Dawlish Road, then as above.
Click here to see a map of the meeting point
Route and distance: from Halton car park to Morecambe seafront; round trip c. 10 miles. It is possible to extend this route to Old Heysham village: allow another 4 miles for this.
Duration: c. 4 hours or 5 hours if continuing to Old Heysham.
Meet at: Halton car park, near Caton (Lancaster).
Description: a very pleasant riverside route up past our old rollerski stamping ground of Salt Ayre Sports Centre, using a quiet, well-maintained cycle track with few ups and downs, thus allowing for excellent skating practice in particular. The route on to Old Heysham is along the promenade and though less well-maintained is very picturesque by the sea.
Facilities: toilets, café and supermarket on seafront at Morecambe and/or great pub with lovely beer garden at Old Heysham.
Directions: start from M6 junction 34; take A683 direction Kirkby Lonsdale; after barely 400 yards, take the first sharp left turn down very narrow, steep lane (Denny Beck Lane), follow this c. 200 yards down to the bottom and just before a narrow bridge turn right into the carpark of the disused Halton station.
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Roller skiing - introductory sessions for beginners and improvers
Meeting place: Salt Ayre Sports Centre, Lancaster (Grid ref: OS sheet 97, 460625). To access the cycle track, drive past the sports centre to the car park at the rear.
Roller ski equipment can be provided on request – please get in touch in advance.
Route and distance: out by train to Colwyn Bay then back along the seafront to Prestatyn; c. 13 miles. If wind speed and direction are adverse, the route may be done in the reverse direction; skiing out to Colwyn Bay then taking the train back.
Duration: c. 5 hours.
Meet at: seafront car park. Prestatyn (OS sheet 116. 068841, marked as Hotel).
Description: This scenic off-road route along the North Wales coast is spectacular: the route follows a wide, well-maintained cycle track all the way with several gentle ups and downs for interest, plus plenty of opportunities to practise different techniques, articularly skating and even marathon skating. With the prevailing wind behind us, it’s a breeze...
Facilities: Café at the halfway point, plus ice cream stops in Rhyl etc as necessary.
Directions: Take M56 direction North Wales then on to A55 as far as St Asaph. Turn off onto the A525 to Rhuddlan and then take the A547 to Prestatyn. Follow signs to Prestatyn railway station, pass the station and continue towards the coast. Follow road as it bends right and goes parallel to the coast for about a kilometre. Just past the big seafront hotel on your left is the carpark on the left (just before the road bends back to the right). Cost c. £2.00 for parking.
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For some years, the Yorkshire Dales Cross Country Ski Club has been exploring the Yorkshire Wolds in East Yorkshire on roller skis. We have now extended our horizon to include the similar countryside south of the River Humber. Therefore we have planned a series of day tours on the quiet lanes and rolling countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, which anyone may join for one, two or three days.
These tours will take place on public roads and will cover some distance over routes, which include some up and down. Regrettably therefore they are not suitable for beginners. Having said that, anyone wishing to cycle will be more than welcome.
Equipment: Participants should wear the appropriate clothing: cycle helmets, knee and elbow pads, high visibility clothing. Due to the nature of the terrain, slow rollers are more suitable than fast ones.
Accommodation: We shall be based in the charming, old-fashioned market town of Louth. Information about accommodation can be obtained from the tourist office, but they will not book accommodation for you.
Louth Tourist Information Centre
New Market Hall
Cornmarket
Louth LN11 9PY
Tel/Fax 01507 609289
email: louthinfo@e-lindsey.gov.uk www.poachercountry.co.uk
There is a Youth Hostel at Woody’s Top, but this is self-catering only and is two miles from the nearest village. Since there is motor racing at nearby Cadwell Park most weekends, early booking is strongly recommended.
Maps: Land ranger 1:50 000 Number 113 Grimsby Land ranger 1;50 000 Number 122 Skegness and Horncastle.
Parking: There are several car parks within Louth if you can decipher the labyrinthine one-way system. In the countryside, most roads have wide grass verges with enough space for parking.
Meeting points:
Saturday 2nd May, 10.00am At the cross roads on the A153, five miles from Louth, seven miles from Horncastle, adjacent to Cadwell Park racing circuit. Look out for the weather instruments. Map 122 OR 285804 A linear route from near Horncastle, taking in the villages of Fulletby, Somersby and Tetford, back to the original meeting place.
Sunday 3rd May, 10.00am. At the cross roads, just outside the village of Tathwell, three miles south of Louth between the A153 and A16. Map 122 GR 322834 A circular route from Tathwell onto the high Wolds and returning via Hallington and Raithby.
Monday 4th May, 10.00am. Drive west from Louth on the A631. After 3 miles, turn right towards North Elkington and Binbrook. Meet at the fork, about one and a quarter miles from the main road. Map 113 GR279907. A circular route from North Elkington via Hatcliffe, East Ravendale and Wold Newton
Distances can vary according to time available, weather, the abilities and inclinations of the group.
Refreshment: Facilities are few and far between. Skiers are advised to bring their own lunch and plenty to drink.
If you intend coming along for one day or the whole weekend, we would
appreciate it if you could let us know in advance. We look forward to seeing
you.
Want to enjoy probably the best tarmac track in England/Wales?? Then join me on the Connah's Quay to Chester tour planned for Saturday 17th May. This route is relatively flat and is therefore great for practicing your technique especially skating.
Route and distance: start at the Connah's Quay car park GR 299 698, OS Sheet 117. For those without transport or supporters of the Green Party there is a connecting cycle link from Shotton Station (Chester - N Wales line or Bidston - Wrexham line).
The route is about 24 km (15 miles) return journey. Cyclists and roller bladers are also welcome. Cyclists will probably find the roller skiers a bit slow, so will have to go up and down a bit to get a full work-out. There is the option to return by train for those who do not fancy the full tour. The tour is a bit far for anyone without previous roller skiing experience
Duration: c. 6 hours.
Meet at: Connahs Quay car park at 10 am.
Description: The plan is to go out on the old railway line, which has been converted into a well-surfaced cycle track, and to return by the new cycle track which has been constructed on the North bank of the Dee.
Facilities: Hatties Tea Shop, Rufus Court, is recommended for lunch. It will be found just off Northgate Street, which is a short walk along the walls from the cycle tracks. Take nibbles and drinks for on the tour and have appropriate clothing should the weather be less than kind.
Directions: GR 299 698, OS Sheet 117. From the A550 follow signs to Flint. Shortly after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dee turn left and follow signs to Connah's Quay. After passing the church on the right as you enter Connah's Quay, take the third street on the left, Dock Road. Follow the winding road to the car park just under the barrier. The car park is not clearly signposted and is accessed through an industrial estate.
Click here to see a map of the meeting point
Contact organiser: Sue Bambridge, MCCSC. If you wish to hire roller skis, please let me know at least a week in advance the details of your shoe size and height.
(OS Map / grid. ref 1:50000 Sheet 56 / NN403102.)
Duration: All day. Can be shortened by taking the ferry back to Stronachlachar.
Meet at the Stronachlachar pier at 9:30am - From Aberfoyle take the B829 west for 9 miles. There is free parking at the pier.
Description:
Option A: - CIRCUMNAVIGATION - Follow the road from the pier past rhododenron bushes to a gate. Turn right onto the water board road and ski for 21km, initially west to Glengyle, then east along the north shore of the loch to Trossachs Pier (cafe, toilets, ice cream). Continue past pier for 1km then turn right along a water board access road, At the sluices, put on walking footwear and climb to the Bealach nam Bo. Once through the notch, carefully navigate down to the end of the landrover track at Glasahoile This becomes a skiable surfaced road at Royal Cottage, and rejoins the Stronachlachar road 1km south of the pier.
Option B: - SKI 'N' CRUISE – Roller ski to Trossachs Pier then take the cruise steamship "SS Sir Walter Scott" back to Stronachlachar. Sailing times can be found at http://www.lochkatrine.com/timetable.html or by phoning 01877 332000.
The terrain is 21km of scenic water board road, mostly gently undulating, but there is a long steep hill on north side of loch, unsafe to ski down. Take care at blind corners - although the road is closed to public vehicles, there can be lots of cyclists and walkers on a good summer's day. Except around Trossachs, the road has a rough central ridge and is best suited to classic skiing. Not suitable for beginners. There is a small cafe at the Stronachlachar pier. At the Trossachs pier there is a shop, restaurant and the boat ticket office . In 2009 the single boat trip from Trossachs to Stronachlachar cost eight pounds.
Taxis are available between Aberfoyle and Trossachs pier; the distance between isn't all that far.
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The old railway line running between Clackmannan, Clackmannanshire and Dunfermline, Fife that has been tarmaced and converted for use as a cycle path.
The route takes about 4hrs plus refreshment time. It is an ideal skate outing to shake out the legs after the circuit of Loch Katrine.
The surface is great and it is wide enough for single skating or side by side classic. Mostly dead flat, with a gentle climb in the middle (railway grade) that can be ski-ied up and down. At one point the route goes through a cutting for about 100m and leaves gather on the surface. The remainder of the route is clean.
We will meet at Slack at 11:30 am. There is a small car park here immediately at the side of the track. We will ski to Dunfermline and take refreshments at a pub on the outskirts of the town before skiing back. Parking is free.
Click here to see a map of the meeting point
The fifth consecutive year for this popular tour on the north western fringes of the Lake District.
Route and distance: The distance is 11 miles each way, but it is possible to complete most of the return journey by train. It begins at Camerton just west of Cockermouth and follows disused railway lines to the port of Workington and then a final section below coastal cliffs to Whitehaven Harbour. The Lake District mountains (and on a good day, the Isle of Man) are often in view.
Meet at: 10am in the village of Camerton (Grid ref: OS sheet 89, 038309). There is sufficient on-street parking and the cycle track is two minutes’ uphill walk away.
Description: While most of the route is on off-road and well-surfaced cycle paths through farmland and woods, there are some minor roads, one or two downhills which require walking, and a section through Workington town centre. The track is more suited to classic rather than skating technique (particularly for beginners and less experienced skiers). Cyclists are welcome.
Facilities: Refreshments are available in Workington and Whitehaven, but not in Camerton.
There is sufficient on-street parking and the cycle track is two minutes’ uphill walk away.
Directions: Camerton Village, West Cumbria. GR 038 309 OS Sheet 89.
Click here to see a map of the meeting point
This route was discovered during autumn 2006. It begins south west of the village of Escrick, and heads north into York City Centre by following a disused railway path and then the banks of the River Ouse.
For this tour, Lakeland Cross Country Ski Club can confidently claim:
You will travel faster than the speed of light The exercise will not just make you feel younger, but completing it will actually make you younger*
Why? Because the route follows a sculptured scale model of the universe from the outer reaches of the solar system to the Sun and beyond.
The total distance is six miles each way, making a pleasant day out with adequate time for lunch in the city centre. The vast majority is off road on a well-surfaced tarmac path, with the occasional downhill section. Caution will need to be exercised on the approach to York as there may be a large numbers of pedestrians. The track is equally suited to classic and skating technique. Cyclists are welcome to join the tour.
Meeting place: Meet at 10am in the car park 150 yards to the west of Escrick Grange Farm - on the Escrick to Stillingfleet road (Grid ref: OS sheet 105, 618419). Escrick is reached by taking the A19 York to Selby road. If you still can't find it, the car park's in the outer orbit of Uranus.
Refreshments: Available in York with limited trackside refreshments at Bishopthorpe.
For further details, contact: Michael or Helen Smith on 015395 64742 or email mh.smith@ktd.broadband.com.
Roller ski equipment can be provided on request – please get in touch in advance.
Click here to see a map of the meeting point
*see Einstein's theory of relativity.
Duration: c. 4 hours.
Meet at: 10 am in Draycote Country Park (£1 in the car park). Parking can be tight so you may need to park on the grass.
Description: the surface is excellent with mostly flat or undulating terrain and just a couple of mostly straightforward downhills. Good for both skating and classic techniques with plenty of scope for impromptu training along the way. Slow cars, cycles, walkers and runners also use the route (dogs not allowed around the reservoir but in the Country Park adjacent). It is possible to pop back to the cars at the lunch stop and change gear etc.
Facilities: toilets at the start and portaloos along the course, with a new visitor centre and excellent café at the start/finish.
Directions: from Manchester heading south M6 to M1 and then M45. At end of M45 take roundabout turning signposted Dunchurch and the right at lights in the village – then about 2 miles on the right. Draycote Country Park is approximately 3 miles from the M45.
Click here to see a map of the meeting point
By the side of the tidal River Ouse. Ideal for skating.
Blacktoft, by the river Ouse, East of Goole, E.Yorkshire. GR SE 842 243, OS Sheet 106.
Minor roads, straight, flat and quiet.
Public roads, traffic is generally light. Can be muddy in autumn.
Parking in many places. Small parking space by river at Faxfleet. Pubs in Blacktoft and Laxton. Shops in Gilberdyke. Toilets at garden centre in Gilberdyke.
Mainly flat agricultural land. Attractive scenery by river; reedbeds and mudflats. Meet at the Garden Centre car park, Gilberdyke at 10.00am and bring some refreshments. Cyclists welcome.
Click here to see a map of the meeting point. This is the car park of the garden centre and we move on to Faxfleet where we start to ski.
Borrowing freely from the format developed by London Region Nordic Ski Club, this is an opportunity for roller skiers to clock up as many laps as possible of the one-mile-long cycle circuit at Salt Ayre, Lancaster, in one hour.
The endurance event is open to advanced and intermediate roller skiers as well as relative novices, with the opportunity to dip in and out during the course of the hour.
Prizes and refreshments will be available.
Between 11am and 1pm, there will be some informal tuition and roller ski-based games. The endurance event begins on the stroke of 1pm and will be run as a free technique race. Volunteers to assist with lap counting are welcomed.
Please note: cycle helmets and gloves are required for this event.
Meeting place: Salt Ayre Sports Centre, Lancaster (Grid ref: OS sheet 97, 460625). To access the cycle track, drive past the sports centre to the car park at the rear.
Click here to see a map of the meeting point.
Roller ski equipment can be provided on request – please get in touch in advance.
The tour is based on the picturesque village of South Dalton, near Beverley. South Dalton lies between Middleton and Beverley in E Yorkshire - GR SE 967 454, OS Sheet 106. Parking is on the grass verge, opposite the church, where we will meet at 10am.
The tour takes place over minor roads that have good surface, wide grass verges and gently undulating hills. The traffic in the area is light. The day's outing consists of two loops out from the cars, so if you wish you can split the tour between classic and free technique.
Good refreshments can be had at the pubs in South Dalton or Middleton.
Accommodation is available in Beverley - YHA Beverley Friars, Tel 0870 770 5696 or Beverley Tourist Information, Tel 01482 867 430.
The scenery is mainly agricultural. The road through the park surrounding Dalton Hall is particularly attractive. The area is ideal for cyclists.
The tour starts on the outskirts of Pocklington and starts at 09:45.
The day's outing consists a return ski to Kilburn. The tour takes place over minor roads that have good surface, wide grass verges and gently undulating hills although the hill at the start is steepish and therefore the same, but now last hill is best walked down. The traffic in the area is light.
Good refreshments can be had at the pub in Kilburn.
The scenery is mainly agricultural. The area is ideal for cyclists.
GR SE 099 735, OS Sheet 99.
Usual to start at Lofthouse.
The return trip is 14km.
Good surface, minor road.
Cattle grid 1km from reservoir. Road rises steeply between there and the reservoir, so suitable to ski up but take great care on the way down. The road can get busy with tourists, depending on the time of the year. Sometimes mud/gravel in places on road.
Car park in lay-by at start near to the start of the waterboard road and at the reservoir. Toilets at the reservoir car park. An excellent cafe at How Stean Gorge at the village of Stean, 1km from the start.
Waterboard road between Lofthouse and Scar House reservoir in Nidderdale in North Yorkshire. A gradual incline, excellent for a steady workout. Spectacular scenery. Traffic free skiing on the reservoir dam, good for tuition.
A circular tour through the rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds. Starting and finishing at Middleton on the Wolds, on the A614, the route passes through the villages of North Dalton, Huggate and Warter.
Skate or classic rollers can be used but fast rollers are not recommended. Bring a packed lunch.
On entering Middleton, drive past the mini roundabout and turn right in front of the Robin Hood pub.
Park in the pub car park.
Start 10.00am.
A new roller ski tour, just south of the Humber Bridge. Lunch in Barton upon Humber.
Spen Valley Greenway viaduct. Exit M62 at J26 (Bradford) - do not go on to M606 - follow signs to Cleckheaton; take A638 to Cleckheaton; at 1st set of lights, turn right; after 1/4 mile, you go under a viaduct. Park up as soon as possible after the viaduct - the Spen Valley Greenway is a disused railway track, part of which is this viaduct.
22km, round trip. Duration c. 3.5 hrs.
From the viaduct head left, over the motorway, past the golf course, through the tunnel to the point where the tarmac runs out. Return to the viaduct. Continue straight on through woods, past steel sheep and other odd structures, over a steep little bridge then down to the point where a steel barrier blocks the route. Return to the viaduct.
Good tarmac surface. Gravel falls from the steep banking on the right in a couple of places on the northern part of the route. One point on the southern part has a tree root bump. Further south new housing is being constructed and the unreinstated surface may be loose stone in places.
Cyclists, dogs and their residues are the major problem. There is one short steepish hill about 1km from the Southern turn around point.
Pub en route and Tesco supermarket near the start.
The scenery is typical of countryside around Northern textile towns (i.e. mills and housing mixed with woodland and open countryside).
The location of the tour(s) is yet to be finalised.
Some possibilities are
Route and distance: out and back from Hulme End to Waterhouses along the length of the Manifold Cycle Route, c. 17 miles in total (though it is possible to do a shorter distance if wished).
Duration: c. 6 hours.
Meet at: Hulme End car park at the north end of the Manifold Cycle Route.
Description: this lovely route uses the disused railway line that follows the Manifold River along the valley bottom, passing wonderful scenery of caves, gorges and meadows. It is mostly off-road with just a couple of very short passages on road and going through one short tunnel. The going is mostly flat, and is good terrain for classic or skating.
Facilities: toilets at Hulme End carpark, and café facilities at Wetton Mill and Lee Farm Tea Gardens.
Directions: heading south-east out of Leek on the A523, take the B5053 to Warslow and Hulme End. Alternatively, if coming from Buxton, take the A515 south-east towards Ashbourne and then the B5054 to Hartington and Hulme End.
New for 2009, this is a tour on a quiet road on the west side of Thirlemere taking in autumnal colours in the heart of the Lake District
The route begins at the southern end of Thirlmere and follows a minor and quiet road north along the west bank of the reservoir to the dam.
The out-and-back distance is about 10 miles, allowing for the route to be easily completed in daylight. All of the route is on road, but very quiet and with moderate gradients which won't present any challenges to relatively new skiers
Meeting place: Meet at 11am at Wythburn car park (parking fee) (Grid ref: OS sheet 90, 321130).
Refreshments: Please note that there are no places selling refreshments along the route - packed lunch advisable.
Click here to see a map of the meeting point.
Roller ski equipment can be provided on request – please get in touch in advance.