- Location
- London
Where do you need to divert off?
(I did come off just before Leeds centre for a spoons pitstop in the Leeds suburbs but didn't have to come off before then apart from a very clear bit that pretty much ran parallel)
Leeds to Liverpool canal towpath?
- Thread starter mistyoptic
- Start date
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(I did come off just before Leeds centre for a spoons pitstop in the Leeds suburbs but didn't have to come off before then apart from a very clear bit that pretty much ran parallel)
- Location
- London
Hope for you yet Paul - I trust your sports riding mates don't give you stick for it? Or does it pop off?
PaulSB
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
No, it stays on my winter/gravel bike. After taking up gravel riding I soon tired of shouting plus walkers don't react. I ping my bell from 30-40 metres away and folk step aside and usually smile. It's invaluable approaching canal bridges.
The two guys I regularly gravel ride with, we do a lot of canals/shared use paths, have since invested in bells!
I don't think I criticise what others choose to do but I do take in what is said. I don't care if folk laugh as I know this tiny investment helps me, improves cycling's image and makes people smile.
Perfect!
OP
OP
mistyoptic
Vintage
- Location
- A parallel reality
We have one of the big “Dutch” bells since a trip to Amsterdam. Usually gets a smile as well
NorthernDave
Never used Über Member
- Location
- The real Northern Powerhouse
There was a bit in Shipley where the canal goes under a low bridge where bikes are diverted off. It's actually fairly straightforward once you've worked it out, but poorly signed.
There was also a section below Kirkstall Abbey near the electrical substation where bikes were signposted to leave the towpath and if there were any signs after that I missed them. I got lost on in an industrial area and ended completing the last couple of miles on the appallingly bad Kirkstall Road cycleway.
presta
Guru
I walked Liverpool to Blackburn in 2016, but I wasn't paying much attention to the rideability of it. I rode Gargrave to Skipton in 2011, and I can vouch that it was mud at that time, as I slipped and fell off. Not in the drink, I went head first down the embankment, and ended up upside down in a rhododendron bush, with the bike on top of me.
- Location
- London
scotsbikester
Well-Known Member
What's it like beyond Gargrave - towards Foulridge?
I can confirm the section from Silsden to Leeds is rideable surface varies but no terrible bits a few puddles in wet weather.
I can see how you missed the sign there if not concentrating, it is there though.
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I had the KOM on this segment for a few years, at no point on the ride did I disturb anyone or any wildlife.
https://www.strava.com/segments/10680302
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- Location
- London
sorry don't know in detail.
The surface goes past the locks at gargrave (heading away from skipton) to the next bridge where you would have to come off, through a gate that might be tricky if carrying a lot of stuff. It then gets muddy near Bank Newton locks. then variable I think to Greenberfield, though I have only ridden part of that, A todo. You can definitely ride beyond Greenberfield a fair bit.
iluvmybike
Über Member
The bits local to me - Bit narrow and bumpy and lots of puddles on section between Botany Bay at Chorley - busy section with walkers and doggies on section between Johnsons Hillock Locks and Top Lock pub at Whittle-le-Woods. Quieter beyond there - some bumpy muddy sections nr Higher Wheelton
T4tomo
Legendary Member
yep my gravel bike and Brompton are the two bikes I have bells on. Seems only fair on mixed use offroad paths / bridleways. A "ping" means bike approaching to most walkers, a shout could be anythingNo, it stays on my winter/gravel bike. After taking up gravel riding I soon tired of shouting plus walkers don't react. I ping my bell from 30-40 metres away and folk step aside and usually smile. It's invaluable approaching canal bridges.
The two guys I regularly gravel ride with, we do a lot of canals/shared use paths, have since invested in bells!
I don't think I criticise what others choose to do but I do take in what is said. I don't care if folk laugh as I know this tiny investment helps me, improves cycling's image and makes people smile.
Perfect!
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I was NOT impressed by this shout...
Once, I was walking along the Rochdale canal towpath near Littleborough when I heard "On yer ..." being shouted by a cyclist doing about 20 mph who had suddenly appeared alongside me, followed by "... left!" when he was 10 yards past me!
I indicated my 'approval' in the usual fashion ...
PaulSB
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
Oi! That's my bit!
Approaching the first lock the canal splits. Take the left hand section, an old disused cut, follow to the car park, turn right out of car park on to road, ½ mile turn left at bridge back down to towpath.
Avoids a few locks, narrow footbridge and a busy area for dogs and walkers.
