Planning a 'bikecamping' trip in a week or two, and have settled on doing the Mary Townley loop. Plan thus far is to join Pennine Bridleway at some point south of MT, and do something like 50km on day one up to the loop. Day 2 is the loop, and day 3 is ride back to the start.
So - questions then!
1) MTL - clockwise or anticlockwise?
2) Good place to start to do roughly 50km up to the MTL (yes I know, look on the map!)
3) Campsite very close to MTL?
Cheers
Rich
When we did it we stopped at Hebden Bridge and had a great night out a few ales followed by a nice Thai curry.
We stayed at some converted mill place ad it couldn't have been better. they were so helpful, provided a bike wash and safe lock up inside their cellar for the bikes.
If I were to do it again, I'd do it anticlockwise (only cos we did it clockwise the first time) and stay at the same place in hebden.
We started at waterfoot but had a number of cars to help ferry stuff about.
Is clockwise the 'norm' then CHL?
I'm hoping to have a go at this in the next few weeks. There is a map online (search in google), which suggests that cyclists may prefer to complete the route counter clockwise (uphills are steeper, but downhills longer)
mrh86- I found this a while back - is this the one you mean?
[url= http://www.idonohoe.com/mary_map_580.htm ]map[/url]
To be honest, some bits of the loop are a bit underwhelming; I'd do a modified version....
For the loop itself, I'd join it at Summit just north of Littleborough, then go clockwise around to Waterfoot. Then hop on the road to just north of Clough Bottom res and rejoin the trail; this cuts out a tedious section which is more like a gate opening contest than any fun.
Follow the trail to the road junction just before Callis wood, then detour off to Hebden and stay the night there.
In the morning, head off up to Stoodley Pike, ignoring the PB, following the Pennine way south, which keeps you up high on the moors.
As for a start and finish point, I'd be looking at somewhere like Tintwistle or Glossop?
[url= http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/PennineBridleway/uploads/NE158_Mary%20Towneley%20Loop%20Update_TAGGED.pdf ]Route Map pdf[/url]
Just noticed I can't even spell Pennine. Jeez what a ****wit I am.
I'd deffo do it anti clockwise. The MTL challange event is on again this year (19th Sept) raising money for the mountain rescue. It was an excellent day out last year.
We only did it clockwise as it seemed fine that way but on reflection anti clockwise would be good too.
next time we do it we'll do it anticlockwise but only cos we've done it clockwise already.
Its well signposted if you can find one to start you off.
i have a tracklog file of it too if you have a GPS.