With Rob’s customary punctuality six of us set off on the stroke of 10am on a beautiful spring morning to explore the Apedale Road. A gentle ride down the hill to Grinton gave way to the first of many climbs of the day as we meandered along the south side of the Swale passing the intriguingly named Nanny Ward’s Well and up past the appropriately named Swale Hall. Having attained some height we were loath to lose it and with a sharp road descent facing us and an attractive rough track beckoning to our left and promising gentle height gain we naturally chose the latter