Trough of Bowland
A high pass through a National Landscape, named by the county council as a King of the Mountains ascent, and the wildest place the race goes all day.
The Trough of Bowland is a valley and high pass at the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, reaching about 968 feet, or 295 metres, at the head of the valley. It is the most direct road between Lancaster and Dunsop Bridge, and so between Lancaster and Clitheroe, which is precisely the shape of the Lancashire stage. Lancashire County Council's announcement names a King of the Mountains ascent here.
It is worth being precise about what that does and does not tell you. The council names the Trough as a King of the Mountains ascent; the official Grand Départ GB stage page names only the Côte de Jubilee Tower and says there are a further four categorised climbs on the edge of the Pennines. The two are consistent, but the formal category and the exact profile of the Bowland climb are not published yet.
For spectators this is the hardest and the best of it. Open fell, no shelter, narrow lanes, thin phone signal, and a landscape that will look extraordinary on television. The Grey Stone of Trough at the head of the pass marks the old county boundary between Lancashire and the West Riding of Yorkshire, which gives you something to look at while you wait. Accommodation in Bowland is farmhouses, remote inns and cottages, and it will be the first thing in the county to sell out.
Nearby
- The Grey Stone of Trough, marking the historic county boundary
- Dark skies, open fell and the quietest riding in Lancashire
- Farm stays and remote inns, in very small numbers
What is not confirmed
- The exact roads through Trough of Bowland
- Road closure times, and when they reopen
- Official fan zones, parking and park-and-ride
- The timetable for the caravan and the peloton
The organisers, the police and the local councils publish these closer to the race. This page says what is known and nothing more.
Plan the day around Trough of Bowland
The full corridor, the practical guidance for race day, and where to put your head down afterwards.