The summer holiday came to an end, as it all too inevitably does, but for my first two days back, the boys were still at home, and therefore not requiring lifts, so I decided to cycle to and from work.
Both mornings were overcast and surprisingly chilly, which probably suited me, as I was cycling to work and didn’t want to arrive all sweaty and red-faced. But both days brightened up, and the afternoons were very pleasant.
On the first afternoon, I cycled along the cycle-way, which shadows the Lune, as far as the former railway station at Halton. Well, across the river from Halton. Then crossed Denny Beck Bridge, which was built with parts of the old Greyhound Bridge, a railway bridge which had crossed the Lune in Lancaster. Denny Beck Bridge was built by the railway company as a toll bridge so that passengers could cross the Lune from Halton to get to the station.
From Halton, it was a steep climb up to Four Lane Ends, where I turned on to Kellet Lane. I knew that the higher ground there would give me good views, although it was quite hazy, and I kept putting off taking a photo, on the basis that the view would probably be better ‘just around the corner’ etc, so that I didn’t actually snap a picture until I’d lost most of the height, was through the village of Nether Kellet, and cycling down Back Lane towards Carnforth.
On the second day I opted for a longer route home, starting by cycling on the cycle-path between Lancaster and Morecambe, then following the prom and the coast road to Hest Bank were I could rejoin my morning route on the canal towpath.
In all, a rather splendid way to start and finish the day. I’m looking forward to doing it again some time, but as a replacement for driving it’s not very practical, what with the dark mornings and afternoons in the winter, and especially considering that I spent at least three hours travelling each day. Still, will definitely do it again sometimes when the weather improves.
Beating The Bounds 
Do you have to charge the battery while you’re at work or does one charge see you there and back. I’ve thought about cycling to work but the bit down the stairs into the hall might be a challenge! 🤣
Seriously I did consider cycling to my Bristol office from the other side of the Severn which involves cycling over the bridge. A good route but I never quite got round to it.
Cycling over the bridge would be an experience! I charged the battery at work – both days were ‘training days’ for me, so I was mostly in the staffroom and I charged the battery in there. Cycling to work on days when I am teaching would be far less practical. I may yet try it in the summer though?
Thanks for highlighting these routes, I’m taking notes!
Was on the Glasson, Morecambe and Canal cycleways last week, you are lucky to have such an extensive network off-road from Lancaster. I wonder if having a University has influenced the planners?
Looking at the sustrans maps of off-road routes, I think it’s mainly opportunistic – where canal towpaths or old railway lines can be converted. But there are purpose built cycleways connecting Lancaster and Morecambe, so somebody had some foresight there. The University is quite a way out of town, so I’m not sure how much influence that would have. Interesting question – I wonder who would know? I haven’t cycled down to Glasson yet and am looking forward to doing that bit of the Morecambe Bay Cycleway when the weather brightens up a bit.
I’m not sure about cycling to work but how wonderful to finish the day with the cycle home.
Well, yes, you’ve hit the nail on the head there – that’s the fun bit. I could catch the train in and cycle back, something I may try in the summer.