Round-the-world cyclists Tim and Laura Moss take on one of Britain's most legendary climbs — and a proud part of Lancashire's cycling culture — the Trough of Bowland.

We may now live in Yorkshire but Laura is still immensely proud of her home county of Lancashire. The people we met while cycling around the world would often ask where we were from. I would usually just say ‘London’ because it was easier than explaining where Surrey is. But Laura insisted on answering ‘Lancashire’, and when she drew a blank look, take it upon herself to educate the poor questioner. As such, there are now dozens of people from Turkey to Cambodia who are well-versed in the history of the Lancashire cotton mills.

Another step Laura has taken to promote her beloved county is to host the annual Cycle Touring Festival in Clitheroe each year. This gives her an opportunity to showcase some of Lancashire’s fine cycling territory.

This route goes through the Forest of Bowland AONB. The first part of the name is misleading since there are no longer any trees there, but the acronym at the end is accurate. 

The valley that cuts through the 'forest' is known as the Trough of Bowland and takes you through Dunsop Bridge, which is famous for two reasons: one, it is the geographical centre of the country and two, it is home to the UK’s 100,000th phone box.

Last time we cycled up the Trough, we ascended in thick, eerie mist before descending into glorious sunshine on the other side. Lancashire weather is a bit like that.