Wednesday Club Run to Ilam

Stravaigin is old Scots for 'wander', so anyone who uses Strava to record their rides can definitely say they're just going for a bit of a wander.  This certainly applies to the Wed Club Rides.  We don't necessarily aim to go very far and certainly not very fast but we do aim to seek out the quieter lanes within about 25 miles of Macclesfield.  The main criterion is that these lanes have at least some semblance of tarmac even if they're guarded by gates, cattle grids and have a bit of grass growing down the middle.  This Wednesday's ride (4th Sep 19) had just three takers, Pete, Chris and Raph, however our 60 mile route with 6600 ft ascent at an average speed of 11 mph enabled us to explore a few of the gated roads around Ilam (this is a place near Dovedale - not the time of day), in particular Gag Lane near Thorpe and Farwall Lane near Calton.  As  well as a cafe stop at Ilam Hall we also managed to fit in a visit to the Wincle Brewery, where, courtesy of Pete (and Giles), we were able to shelter from a bit of a rain shower, have a very welcome cup o' tea and pick up a bottle of the very fine 'Life of Riley' beer.  Overall a great day's riding in the south west Peak. Raph

Route to Ilam and back

Pete

Chris

Pete and Chris at Ilam Park cafe

Chris on Farwall Lane near Throwley Hall

Pete and Chris