Wild, windy, and SUNNY!!!

A well supported ride comprising of Nigel, Gary J, Raph, Alison, Roy and myself headed south along Hollin Lane then after a short stretch of the A54 climbed up to the summit of Wincle Minn. There, we felt the side on force of storm Jorge who tried his best to blow us away towards Danebridge. We clung on and dropped down to the Leek road, then made our way to join the track of the old railway line alongside Rudyard Lake. No steam trains yet, but plenty of great views over the lake and a fair amount of mud!

After leaving the trail at the station we decided to enjoy an early cafe stop at the lakeside cafe, where we enjoyed a slap up bacon and egg bap, oatcakes, tea and coffee sheltering in the newly added indoor seating area. Note the cafe doesn’t accept card payments.

Back on the trail we made our way around the great lanes around Gratton and Brown Edge, past the picturesque Knypersley Reservoir to our second cafe stop at Greenway Bank Visitor Centre. The cafe is located inside a small courtyard with indoor and outdoor seating areas, the “cafe” being a small cafe stall selling tea, coffee and a small selection of pastries and flapjacks. They do accept card payments, and there are toilet facilities around the corner. It’s open weekeds during the summer, although it might be just sundays until Easter.

After that we crossed the A527 to join the Biddulph Valley way which took us north all the Way into Congleton. Crossing the A54 again we crossed the River Dane at the impressive Havannah Weir and look forward to seeing the Hydroelectric power turbine being constructed. It is possible to invest in this scheme if anyone is interested.

A quick stint alongside the Macclesfield road until Eaton, from where we meandered our way along the lanes to Marton.

We resisted the temptation to enjoy another cafe stop but pushed on the return home at around 3:15pm.

Total distance just under 40 miles, 10.6mph, lots of fun.

Phil