I'm thinking of riding this soon if the weather stays like it is. Was wondering if anyone has a map or even better a .gpx file of the route they could send me?
Bike Forum
[closed]
Mary Townley Loop
-
Posted 2 years ago #
-
it's pretty well signposted too
Posted 2 years ago # -
Thanks guys, looks like it'd be fun for me to attempt.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Oh and which way round would would recommend?
Posted 2 years ago # -
I would recommend riding it with a couple of 'others' too Trio, as some of the sections are heavily gated, particularly the section between Holme Chapel and Rawtenstall so it just keeps things ticking over a little smoother. I rode it a couple of summers ago anti-clockwise, and it felt OK. We stopped concentrating around Todmorden area and got a little lost, even though it was well-signposted, so having a print-out of the map is very handy, or else a marked up OS map.
Should be no problem for someone of your calibre though
Posted 2 years ago # -
I have a laminated/waterproof version of the route ...they send it free if you ask on the website I think.
You can borrow / have this for reference
Not fit enough to even consider yet....maybee next year
surely you will use a bike with gears for this?and in one dayPosted 2 years ago # -
keep an eye on the weather for a few days before you do it - parts of it can be horribly depressing when it's really muddy and churned up by horses
Posted 2 years ago # -
I'd say clockwise. There's a couple of proper ace descents going that way.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Gears, no I was planning on singlespeeding and riding from home. Just trying to work out how long that will be.
Heard about the gates Gavin, someone was explaining to me last week on my course that I need two days to do it and definetly should go in a group, I tried to explain that I had rode 74miles round the peaks but I don't think she understood.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Well, I guess if you are going to ride it solo (why does that surprise me!), at least you 'll get plenty of gate-opening practice - that section I mentioned feels like its got a gate every 200m at one point, just relentless, which is why I said that it is better to ride it with a few other folk (if possible), as you can 'leap-frog' them.
Anyway, its an easy ride, so don't worry about it for a second. There are no horror climbs, its well signposted, and very well-maintained (well, it was when I rode it), so its a good day out!
Posted 2 years ago # -
I wasn't worried Garvin, I'll just bring lights in case it takes me all day and night! I'm sure it can't be harder than some of my other adventures?
Posted 2 years ago # -
i am also tempted now whilst it is long at 48 miles it claims it is only 4000 ft of climbing so cant be that hard relatively.
might do it once there has been a long spell of good weatherPosted 2 years ago # -
junkyard: i just had a go plotting the route in twinkly dave's link in memory map - came out at only 43 miles but 7350ft of vertical. that's much more than your figure... should i be afraid?
which webiste do i need to request my laminated map from? might have a chance to do it over easter since i'm up north, is all, and i'm keen after HONCing last weekend.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Just trying to work out how long that will be.
Depends where home is? For the actual trail allow at least 6 to 8 hours unless you are very fit.
i am also tempted now whilst it is long at 48 miles it claims it is only 4000 ft of climbing so cant be that hard relatively.
Junkyard believe me it is very hard relatively no matter what they claim the climbing to be. It also depends a lot on where you start from if you do it clockwise from the school as the Mary Townley challenge does then the route up Rooly Moor is a really energy sapping leg cramping climb
Posted 2 years ago # -
anybody else keen for a ride on easter sunday maybe - plans still on the drawing board only atm.
or will it be solid with foot traffic on a bank holiday?
junkyard - YHM
Posted 2 years ago # -
not got message yet but the actual site claims that as the distance (believable) but i though the ascent could not be right but got exceited anyway
this pageGot it form a phone number on the site
(phone 0300 060 1842); by email - pbw.info@naturalengland.org.uk
they post it out to you ...was free when I got it not sure about now though
Posted 2 years ago # -
Do it clockwise is best, though it is fun either way but better when you are new to it. Plenty of food and water can be a good idea as there are a few gaps depending were you start from. It's a good day out though not on the list of best in the uk it's still a must do. Have fun.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Home is Bolton, trying to decide on starting in Rochdale or Waterfoot, thinking Rochdale as gets the rooley moor climb over first, that seems to be the biggest. I know I can get up it though as have done twice recently.
Wouls have been up for Easter Sunday but think I will be down in Wales for the day now.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I prefer clockwise as you get the Gorple Road as a descent, Airtime Central
Posted 2 years ago # -
I've done it twice. I'm not the fittest and managed it in about eight hours both times going clockwise.
Take plenty of fluid and high energy food.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I have done the MTL a few times now its a good day out almost all off road, we (LCC) do it as a guided ride each year in June so if anyone wants to have a go but not solo let me know. We get a ranger and a 4x4 to shadow the group and run anyone who is finding it too hard or has a mechanical or falls off etc back to the car park. We normally set off from Clowbridge adds a couple of extra miles to bring it up to 50.
Rossendale Mountain rescue did it as a challenge ride to raise funds last september I think they are doing it again this year again another opportunity to do the loop as part of a group with support.
If you do it solo or even as a small group worth considering stashing some water partway round 3l never seems quite enough.
I think I have a few maps under my desk if anyone needs one.
Posted 2 years ago # -
You'll do it in about 6-7 hours I reckon. I like the idea of riding from Bolton and then doing it and riding back. Give me a shout if you want to arrange a ride.
Posted 2 years ago # -
ooh, and if it's wet it can be a complete nightmare in places. Proper bog territory.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I'll let you know when I decide to do it samuri, I think I'll wait till there has been a few dry days - do they exist?
Posted 2 years ago # -
You'll be lucky!
It's ok doing it on SS, you will have a few pushes - notably at Summit - but that apart nowt particularly worrying. I did it in just over 5 hours on my SS but I was trying a bit! Good luck with the weather and keep an eye on the signs as other bridleway signs off the route can be confusing.
Mr S.Posted 2 years ago # -
One other option is to make a weekend of the ride and stay at the manikholes youth hostel. Use the hostel as the midway point so you will get approx 24 miles per day unless you start from bolton then it makes it even better in the milage stakes. Plus you get to go on the piss for a night at the pub which is about five mins walk down a track
Posted 2 years ago # -
I did it in just over 5 hours on my SS
I would like to see you do it in that time at the moment.
:P Posted 2 years ago # -
Like footstomper we used to make a weeekend ride of it: from Ramsbottom up to Rooley Moor to join the MTL, then depart the MTL near Hebden Bridge and head up to Haworth YHA via Stairs Lane. The next day we'd ride back and do the other half, makes a top weekend at about 35 miles each day.
Posted 2 years ago # -
But then I'd have to carry clothes or something, I think it'll be a nice challenge as a day ride!
Posted 2 years ago # -
But then I'd have to carry clothes or something
It adds to the fun. Shorts, tshirts, flip flops in backpack (or even gaffer taped to the seatpost, like Big Dave did), and you;re away.Posted 2 years ago # -
you certainly picked the right day for it!
it's amazing how pubs can eat time whenever you stop at them isn't it
Posted 2 years ago # -
Nice one Amy.
Posted 2 years ago #
Topic Closed
This topic has been closed to new replies.
