The Cottonopolis 400

This route follows a very broad circuit of the wider Manchester(ish) area, hence its title. Many highlights include: crossing Bowland via The Cross of Greet, passing Ribblehead Viaduct, visiting Castle Bolton, passing Jervaulx Abbey, cycling through Studley Royal Deer Park, passing Brimham Rocks, climbing Greenhow Hill from Pateley Bridge, passing Barden Tower and Skipton Castle, crossing over Scammonden Dam, passing Ladybower Reservoir and Peveril Castle, a climb of Winnats Pass and, last but not least, a crossing of Warburton Toll Bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal (toll free to cyclists!). This is a ride is for experienced Randonneurs and has significant climbing, lots of distance, limited sleep options, remote and exposed sections plus night/twighlight riding. If you are unsure you are ready for this level of audacity then please ask before entering. I will be happy to discuss route highlights/hazards and offer suggestions for potential refreshment stops. You should plan for an adequate period of sleep on completion if driving home. DON'T DRIVE SLEEP DEPRIVED. The route nominally begins at Middlebrook shopping park at Horwich near Bolton but can be started at any control or anywhere along the route and even ridden in reverse using GPS or EBrevet. Please be aware though, while most of the route is along lovely quiet roads, the section thru Cheshire and back to Horwich is best done when traffic is light as these roads can get very congested at rush hour.