Exploring a new area after seeing a route from Trail-Finder in Bowland, Lancashire, starting from Chipping. The initial bridleway is on a hard surfaced private road but then becomes off road bridleway (seeing very little use) beginning with a ford over a brook. It then becomes more interesting to Dunsop Bridge – a great coffee stop. Tarmac but off limits to public motor vehicles, up the valley to Whitendale farm. The bridleway over Dunsop Fell starts with a steep track but is misleading as it’s easy to miss the actual bridleway which branches right on a bend. The trail is then not as steep but almost impossible to ride as there’s many deep soft sections and awkward terrain. Once over the high point it’s rideable and a long descent provides great views over to the Yorkshire peaks. The road route back through Whitewell has no interest and it would be better to turn right at Burholme Bridge and follow a shorter route back to Chipping.
