Day 10: May 27

Hartford to Mellor

80 km / 800 m 

Today is a dramatic change in scenery as we pass through some of the more urban and industrial areas of England.  This is in great contrast to what lies before us on this epic cycle ride.  

Sporadic showers were in the forecast as we pulled out today, but it was dry as we left.

Our first stop was at about 3 miles; the Anderton Boat Lift.  We just took a gander and didn't bother with the more in-depth visitor centre.  It is "a giant three-storey iron edifice on the banks of the River Weaver Navigation.  It is one of the 'Seven Wonders of the Waterways'".  It lifts boats and barges 50 feet from the River Weaver Navigation to the Trent & Mersey Canal.  It was originally built in 1875 and was in use for over 100 years until it needed to be closed for restoration.  

I didn't stop for many pictures in the morning for a couple of reasons.  The roadside scenery was much like yesterday and the roads we were on were quite busy.  We started in a residential area (I'm guessing the 'burbs of Northwich), then rode through rural areas and a bit of agricultural.  This being a bank holiday, there were lots of groups of local cyclists on the roads.  Also a few horses.......

We crossed the Trans Pennine Trail.

I believe this old bridge crossed the Manchester Ship Canal.  Coming up to it there are lots of caution signs that it is a "weak bridge", but it was still being used by a lot of traffic.

Our tea break this morning was at about 15 miles, shortly after the bridge above.  About half the group came in soaking wet and the second half came in absolutely dry.  It seems there was a short downpour and in this case it paid to be slow.  I was noticing that the roads were quite wet and the puddles huge, but I was thinking it was maybe from a heavy overnight rain.  The following two pictures are taken from the same spot.  One is looking slightly right and the next is slightly left.  Sun one way and big clouds the other.  It was like that for much of the day.

We spent a huge chunk of time today riding through the outskirts of Manchester.  Not terribly fun or scenic; just busy and noisy.  These next four are taken finally starting to leave the 'burbs.  The first is Reebok Stadium, home of Bolton FC.  The stadium was completed in 1997 and has a capacity of 29,000.  It also has a hotel as part of the stadium.  

Just before lunch I saw this building in the distance.  A Mormon temple.  There are only two in all of England - one in London, and this one.  This was particularly significant for me today because my good friend Sheila, who is Mormon, had sent me a note overnight to let me know that a family member of hers had passed away.  

We had lunch at about 40 miles.  By then we were clear of the busy traffic and also into more climbing.  One upside of climbing is the improved views of the surrounding landscape.  I thought the last 10 miles were the prettiest of the day.

Hoghton Tower came into view briefly.  This fortified manor house dates from the mid-1500s.

I bet that's our destination town in the distance, up a hill.

Yes, indeed.  It looks like the same church steeple.

At some point during the day I did have my rain jacket on for about five minutes.  That turned out to be about four  minutes more than I needed to.  I got lucky......  A general comment on the roads today.  They were probably in the worst shape of any roads so far.  Lots of potholes and rough areas particularly near the curb, so it was hard to hold a line to let cars/trucks pass.  Oh well - apparently we're headed for the (non-urban) hills tomorrow.

The best part of the day was still to come.  We determined last night that Colin & Jane (from my 2023 NZ TA trip) live quite close by, so they made time in their busy schedules to pop over for a drink.  And - our guide Peter was also their guide on their LEJOG trip 10 years ago!  Thanks to them for coming by!!

Mellor:

Population:  2,400

Mellor lies in the foothills of the Pennines, and is a village in Greater Manchester.

Hotel:  The Millstone, Mellor   www.millstonemellor.co.uk

A 17th-century coaching inn set at the foot of the serene Ribble Valley. Well-known throughout the Ribble Valley area as one of the best places to stay in Lancashire, we provide an enchanting experience, whether you’re here for a week of adventure, a hearty meal, or a pint of award-winning Thwaites ale.

Ride Stats:

83.3 km

852 m (2795 feet)

The Route: