Family bike ride : Spen Valley Greenway

The trouble with West Yorkshire and family cycling is that of the geography. The rolling countryside may look beautiful in photographs but the reality of getting around with little people is a challenge.
However, today's route, Spen Valley Greenway (National Cycle Network Route no. 66) was absolutely perfect for families:-

• Mostly flat and completely traffic free. It follows a disused railway line running near the River Spen between the towns of Cleckheaton, Dewsbury and Heckmondwike, eventually linking to Bradford.
• There are lots of interesting things to look at. Art works such as Sally Mathews' Swaledale Flock and Trudi Entwistle's Rotate (the steel hoops)
• Tesco's supermarket is directly on the path which is useful for emergency chocolate rations. We were disappointed that there woas no cafe or customer toilets though.
• Ample places to take a break along the path - we liked the Giant Peddle and Cycle seats.
• Little detours for budding off-road bikers. 

It took us about 45 minutest to travel  from Oakenshaw to the Nature Reserve and I'm guessing over an hour back again (not including a 10 minute break at the supermarket). In hindsight I think it would also have been better to have started at Dewsbury, close to the nature reserve.

At the end it was a short drive for an All-you-can-eat Sunday carvery at Lillibet's in Liversedge - entertainment provided by resident Nanny goats.