David Dobson, of Heron Close, Kendal, recalls an exciting childhood adventure on the moors between Halifax and Manchester in the 1950s

IT was the school holidays and Halifax was decorated with posters advertising Belle Vue in Manchester, a funfair haven for boys. It was a cycle ride of some 25 miles.

My friend Robert and I pestered our parents to allow us to go and at last they agreed.

We cycled through the valley by the canal, then up over the hills and moors. It was a cool sunny day and we reached Manchester by lunchtime and ‘phoned home. Father was amazed that we had done the journey so quickly.

The rides were so exciting. The Big Dipper was great fun.

At last it was five o’clock. It was getting late and, in a state of panic, we ate our last sandwiches, drank the remaining tea and set off again slightly daunted by the thought of the long way home in a facing wind.

It became dark over the moors with only our cycle lamps to guide us. We were scared. In the gloom was a low isolated building and we knocked at the door.

A dog barked, a light came on and there was the sound of a bolt being drawn. I wanted to run. A friendly Yorkshire couple greeted us and soon I was phoning home.

Father was glad to know that we were safe. The ‘phone was grabbed from my hand and the man told father we were in a fish and chip shop. He said he’d give us a good supper before we left.

Neither of us wanted to leave the warm fire and it was about 1.30am when we set off. It was 4.30am when I sneaked indoors without disturbing father.

Of course, I had to face the music in the morning and, as a punishment, had to clean the car. We never again tried such a long journey but treasured those happy memories.