Hi all. Planning on a big ride on Saturday and was wondering if people can advise on the following:
- is there a preferred route from Stoodley Pike area to the Saddleworth junction on the M62? I've ridden from Stoodley Pike away from the valley across the moors on a packhorse trail before and then turned right at a couple of points (just before and after joining the culvert). Is one of those a good option to take towards Saddleworth?
- looking at the OS map, theres a loooong looking descent from Saddleworth Moor, crossing the Scammonden road and then continuing onwards towards the tunnels in Marsden. Top bit I think is cheeky, bottom section is BW. Is it worth doing? If not, are there any better options of dropping off Saddleworth Moor into Marsden?
- whats the best way to get out of Marsden and up to Scammonden again? Looks to be some footpaths but no BWs (some steep looking roads...).
Any advice appreciated!
Dave
Yes. From Stoodley Pike follow the PW all the way to the M62, it's cheeky all the way but a good wide track so fair game in my book. Stay on the PW and then turn east on the bridleway down to Marsden, it's rutted grass and mud but mostly rideable. Can't help you getting to and from Scammonden because I've always just used the PW. To get back, ride up the A62 then turn right back on the PW and retrace your route. It's quite a tough day out.
Up and over Blackstone Egde. Across M62 motorway bridge, White Hill (Marsden Moor) then...
This is a nice run into marsden http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=400320&y=412330&z=120&sv=400320,412330&st=4&ar=y&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf&dn=660&ax=400320&ay=412330&lm=0
Coming back you could come up past Castleshaw Reservoir over towards New Years Bridge and Dowry Reservoir. Then PBW over to Readycon Dean Reservoir over towards the A672 then turn left to the pub and back onto the track to Piethorne Reservoir and over to Littlebourough under the motorway bridge.
Done bits around there so not the most knowledgable of the area but a quick look at the OS around those points should help out. I'd link more maps but street map is a pain on the phone!
HTH a little
These might help...
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/83103846
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/66450210
Can download gpx's as well if you've a means of viewing them.