Witton Park Wanderers

Please note the new start time and meeting place due to the collapse of the towpath nearer to Accrington. We’ll start at Norden High School and join the Leeds Liverpool canal missing the section of collapsed towpath. Although the route is around 13 miles in total, the varied scenery of the Greenway and the canal make this a more-than pleasurable and achievable distance. Along the way we’ll take in expansive views across rolling countryside towards the local hills of Hambledon and Pendle, we’ll enjoy the luxurious gardens that back onto the canal and capture our hearts and imaginations and for those of you with a history leaning there’s plenty to look at and discuss as we near the impressive mills of Blackburn. Finally the locks and wildlife of the canal are ever-changing so even if you’ve ridden the route before there’s always more to see. At Witton Park we’ll stop at the café for whatever refreshments you fancy along with a chance to get to know each other better before heading back to the start/finish. The route is mainly on traffic free cycle paths or alongside the canal. There is one very short stretch along a residential street - you won't notice you're there it's so quiet and the whole ride is ideal for a social though challenging excursion. You'll need a hybrid or mountain bike as some parts of the towpath can be a bit rugged and please check the weather beforehand - waterproofs and/or warmer clothes are essential at this time of year. Other good items are a spare inner tube, bike lock, cycling gloves and a helmet (if you don't have a helmet please still come along, if you decide you enjoy cycling you may think about investing in one for the future). You’ll also need some money for the café. This is a challenging, traffic-free route and, as such, it is good for confident/fit children – remember we’ll be cycling for the best part of three hours so please keep this in mind when booking a child place. All under 16s must be with a parent and all under 18s must wear a helmet. If you want to know more about the route please don't hesitate to get in touch via [email protected] or by joining our Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/breeze.network.accrington Don’t forget…. Breeze  are on a mission to spread the word about their rides, and need your help. If you introduce one friend who goes on to take part in a Breeze ride, you’ll receive a Breeze water bottle, introduce a second friend, you’ll be the proud owner of one of their swish Breeze Buffs, and introduce a third friend and Breeze will send you £15 of Love2Shop vouchers. Read the article on the homepage for more information.