Coldwell - Halifax Road - Ridehalgh Lane

[martint235]

A few years ago, I rode up from Welling to Nelson in Lancashire and one thing I wanted to do was ride the above route with a rough idea of carrying on to Scarborough or similar on the east coast. In the event I couldn't be bothered as I also had an FNRttC booked for one of the nights I was up north.

A few months later, I went that way in a car and thought "Thank god I didn't cycle over here, it looks an awful road" as it's quite narrow, cars go fairly quick etc.

Anyways I'm thinking of riding up again this summer and thought I'd ask for real life experience of cycling it as Coldwell has had a mention in another thread. Is it ok to ride or as scary as it looks?

 

[ColinJ]

I didn't recognise the names - I always call that 'Widdop Road'!

I love that road. There are some very steep descents and climbs on it but it is very scenic. In the summer it should be fine. It is very dodgy at the Nelson end after Widdop Reservoir in winter because the 20-25% climb back towards Widdop often does not get gritted and is in the shade so black ice builds up on it.

I have only once had a problem with a driver up there. I did a very fast descent and looked over my shoulder to find a car literally a couple of feet from my back wheel! If I'd had any kind of problem he would have driven straight over me ... Normally drivers are pretty courteous as long as you don't hold them for too long. Watch out for livestock on the road. It used to be just sheep wandering about, but there are highland cattle up there now too!

There is a cafe called Towngate Tearooms on your left as you come out of Heptonstall. They do a really nice chip butty, and great cakes. If you are not going to the cafe, you are better off bypassing the village and going down Draper Lane/Lee Wood Road - watch out for the tight RH bend as you come down into the woods.

How could you not like this ...?

A view looking up ...

The reservoir ...

Blake Dean (descend with caution!)

.

 

[martint235]

Thanks. I've always known it as the Widdop Road too but felt I should look up what it's actually called. It's the climbs that are calling me, particularly the one after you've come past Coldwell and climbed up a little bit there's a left turn, a drop and then a longish climb up to the moor.

 

[ColinJ]

Thanks. I've always known it as the Widdop Road too but felt I should look up what it's actually called. It's the climbs that are calling me, particularly the one after you've come past Coldwell and climbed up a little bit there's a left turn, a drop and then a longish climb up to the moor.

Yes - that's the one in my first couple of pictures - it's pretty tough, especially if there is a headwind coming down at you!

The twisting singletrack descent from Coldwell to the bridge where my second photo was taken should be treated with respect. It is often damp and gravel-strewn and there isn't much room for error. Try and keep enough momentum at the bottom though to get up over the cattlegrid, grab your lowest gear and grunt your way up the steep stuff!

Once you get to the summit overlooking the reservoir it is a great run down to Hebden Bridge. There are some uphill bits but it is a quick and easy ride.

 

[martint235]

Now I just have to decide which date to cycle up.

 

[growingvegetables]

Sheeeyiiiit - fond memories!

The first time I took second son (then 13) on a long distance ride.
- Silsden to Gisburn - uneventful, but fine wild camping;
- Gisburn to Hebden Bridge - ummmm, memorable.

- McDonalds breakfast in Burnley. Climbed the hills to the summit (trans - I pushed BOTH bikes). We crashed out, just cream-crackered.

And then ...............














Distant bagpipes!

On the bikes for the descent, all to a spirited piper, marching the dam for the Widdop Reservoir.

Sounds daft - but I don't want to ride that again. Just too wonderful the first time!

Practical details? Tough climbs; no problem with motors; but it's a few years ago.