History Tours: Three Model Villages

This ride is the first of the history tours: Three Model Villages; Bank Top, Eagley and Barrow Bridge. These sites built by benevolent mill owners mark the transition from a rural cottage economy to that of a factory economy, during the start of the industrial revolution. Then after the first two villages we will have a coffee /snack break in Eagley at the Nest on Eagley sports ground. Because each of the villages lie within fairly close proximity of each other we have included an extra loop over through Longworth Clough and onto Belmont before returning via Belmont Rd (cycle lane) up and over Scout Rd and down to Barrow Bridge Via Longshaw ford Rd.
The route is mainly along quiet roads linked by some busier routes. There are some hills and some rougher tracks but also lots of whizzo downhills we all love. The rural scenery along the way is spectacular and we will certainly stop and enjoy. Elevation: 1300 ft. Average speed: 8-9 miles per hour.