Day 7 - (Runcorn to Slaidburn) Weather overcast and a few spots of rain to start but then it cleared a bit but stayed cloudy all day. It was quite cold but throw in some pretty steep hills and I was soon warming up.  Overall we have been so lucky with the weather (touch wood!) with just one wet day so far (touch more wood). The van gave us some well needed hot tea.

 The breeze is not so strong today but still troublesome coming from the NE so in our faces.  Today was 63 miles and 3300ft of climbing. Described as 'hard'......   Here are some of my riding pals.

This morning was mainly through the conurbations of west of Manchester & Bolton, with some difficult navigation and some very heavy traffic, not at all pleasant. We had lunch at the Black Dog at Belmont Lancs, some doorstop sandwiches and chunky chips, well needed.

Great tea stop this afternoon at the Marmalade Cafe in Whalley which broke the afternoon up into two 16 mile rides (psychologically easier...!)  The scenery in the Afternoon was stunning as we climbed up to the Forest of Bowland. A tough climb but I start to feel the benefit of the last 7 days in terms of fitness.  Here is a pic of Bowland Forest.

Slaidburn is quaint. A small village with a YHA and two pubs. Seems to be famous for Lejog teams as there is another group in the Pub this evening