Day 5

I left Hayfields at around 9.00. Arrived at Mankinholes YHA at 3.00. It does not open until 6.00 so I decide to carry on. The next camp sites are at Clitheroe - 36 kms on. It seems quite an easy ride unlike Derbyshire, Lancashire is mostly downhill. I met Sarah - a cyclist who is also a member of the CTC and she confirms that the ride to Clitheroe is not too difficult. If you are looking for a gentle Sunday afternoon ride in peaceful countryside then the ride I have just done is one to miss. But it gave me a good glimpse of the 'Industrial North' and I was only travelling through the outskirts of Manchester and Bolton but there were railways, factories and smoke blackened buildings everywhere. Cyclists are more friendly up here - or at least they shout out and wave - just like in France and Italy. They do down South generally but some seem to have missed the point. Well I have done my washing - it's in the tumble dryer as I write. Northern Ireland have just scored a goal against England - which people in this pub are getting excited about - I have eaten, drunken and its time bed....