Thanks Alan , been a few times to the CAF the problem we have is getting a route past Manchester either go to the left or the right . Could use the ring road then head for Rawtenstall and Burnley to get to the A682 and A65. with 12 in tow thats not going to be easy on a Friday afternoon:lol: 4D

don;t you get us lost fordie
if we end up in cornwall or scotland you'll be in trouble!!:devil:

Glyn you no me, we never get lost, misplaced maybe but never lost. Now if we were going to Norfolk thats another matter:lol: but then you would'nt need me coss you can do it on your own :lol: 4D

Fordie and co, I'm right by jct 12 on the M65 if youre coming from Rawtenstall or even the M6. Can be your tour guide from here onwards up to the Lakes. A65 is boring and very heavily policed at the moment (even at night!) 2 police Imprezas chasing people 7 days a week. Better A682 to Long Preston then Settle up to Ribblehead. From Ribblehead you can either go across to Ingleton and do the last bit up the A65 or go to Hawes which is a stonking road. From Hawes either to Sedburgh - Kendal or go up to Kirby Stephen - tebay - Shap.

I am taking plenty of time off work for anyone on any of the 3 days that wants to come up to the lakes via some great roads. I love the lakes and cant wait for RTL but the best riding is mostly East of the M6.

Drop us a line if you want to meet up.

Martin

Also traffic not that bad a problem on a Friday afternoon. If youre coming this way the only problem you will have is just after you leave the M65 and get onto the A682 as Barrowford is congested at the best of times. Still only takes 5 or 10 minutes from end of M65 to Blacko where the good road starts. I know a nice little alternate route which misses out Long Preston and takes you right into Settle. From Settle onwards will be quiet up there.

Martin ,thanks for the reply. Im sure that you will be aware its going to be for some of us a 270 mile ride even if we go the shortest route from down here in the South to the lakes. As much as we would like to "hit " some of the good roads its whether the direct route North across your way is the way to go . Il have a look and see what the differance is 4D

I would not suggest the C&F personally, better for some variety would be head up towards derby/matlock/buxton way then take long hill down to whaley bridge, from there you can head through kettleshulme and into macc then over to knutsford and M6 or take silk road, cut over onto a34 then a quick nip round the M60 M61 to preston, not the most scenic part of the trip, but gets the manchester slog out of the way.

I have tried a few routes huddersfield side and always got lost so cant help if you want to go east of Mancland.

Thanks Lily, getting round Manchester is the pits we don't want to venture to far East because of time although it maybe more fun . The M6 is the most direct but :(
Martins route is sounding more interesting . Ill have to put it to the troops ;)

Fordie

my suggestion is to get you across country and round manchester using interesting roads where possible then motorway to get the bulk of the manchester congestion sorted.

If you chose either the m6 or the m61 you can hop onto the M65 as per Martin's suggestion so should break the journey up.

If you are heading from MK way to M60 with stops and detours is prob about 3 hours, then 40 mins up to Martin who can take you the fun way into the lakes

Thanks Lilly I think I can see a Plan forming. 4D

[Edited on 10-5-2006 by Fordie]