Day 9 of our 'virtual 'bike ride, Clitheroe to Lourdes. 26.9 miles

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Wow, what a difference a day makes. Much calmer today and very Spring like and great for cycling. We left Clitheroe via Chatburn, on to Bolton by Bowland, round the radio mast (with a little extra loop in) and back to B by B. Then it was back to Clitheroe with a loop of Salthill and town.

Out virtual route was leaving Barry and continuing south across more rolling hills and farmland. Large fields of maize and wheat dominate with occasional other crops such as cabbage and pumpkins. Huge wind turbines are always to be seen on the horizon. We have now arrived in the Nord department of Northern France.

Valenciennes was historically known for lace making but now the production of cars is the main industry. The Hindenburg Line ran through Valenciennes during World War One leading to extensive destruction. Valenciennes was , again, almost completely destroyed in World War Two and has since been rebuilt in concrete.

Photos are of Valenciennes in 2011

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