This route aims for the wide-open country around Pilling; once a landscape of meres and marshes, it has nearly all been drained and tamed, but the huge skies remain. As the land dried out, it also shrank, and in places the road stands well above the surrounding fields of black soil. The first third of the ride is undulating, with one short steep climb at Tarnwater Lane. The ride’s on tarmac throughout and any serviceable bike will do fine.by fellstumbler