In search of the ruins of Whalley Abbey, thanks to Henry VII when he kicked out the Cistercian Brothers. The ride counts towards the PARTY award .
Ride to Whalley from Saddleworth by riding through Milnrow and Todmorden. The way to Padiham then follows the Cliviger Gorge which has the rare distinction of having the River Calder appear to flow up one side and down the other. In fact, they are two entirely different rivers with the same name; the Lancashire Calder flowing out through Todmorden to the Humber Estuary, , while the Lancashire Calder flows through Whalley to the Ribble estuary on the west coast.
Gateway into Whalley Abbey
The return is through York, but not that one; there’s another one in Lancashire. On a clear day you can catch a glimpse of Blackpool Tower. From Rishton you use the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool canal to avoid an awkward motorway junction. Then you avoid Accrington by using the former railway track to Haslingden.
The start is in Uppermill, Saddleworth. If you drive here, it’s handy for M62 junction 22 and there is free all-day parking at the car park by the leisure centre. If arriving by train, Greenfield Station has connections to Manchester and Leeds. TransPennine Trains allow a limited number of bikes on trains which they insist must be pre-booked, a policy strictly observed.