Arriving at Moses Gate Country Park the weather was a step change for the better compared to last week’s wet and poor offering. We have three Saturday routes that begin from the Park; today’s choice was one we had not used for quite a few months.

So, leaving the Park we rode through the Nob End Nature Reserve to join the Rotary Way on the towpath of the Manchester-Bolton-Bury Canal, where Chris treated us to a spectacular display of aerobatics just after the Meccano Bridge.

We continued along the towpath as far as Scotson Fold where we turned off to drop down into Radcliffe for refreshments at McDonalds.

Next, leaving Radcliffe we climbed to cross the River Irwell by bridge and enter Outwood Country Park on NCN6, the route of an old railway. This we followed as far as the M60 Motorway Bridge near Phillips Park, passing above and behind Giant’s Seat Wood on the way.

Dropping down now, we took the bridleway towards Ringley, through and alongside Giant’s Seat Wood, and believe it or not, Giant’s Seat Garden Centre, to cross the old stone arched bridge in Ringley.

We now joined the towpath of the lower level of the aforementioned canal and continued along it back into Moses Gate Country Park and the end of today’s outing.

It was nice to see Roger today, all the way from Meltham, to enjoy a gentle toddle with Chris, Ken, Fleur and I.

See you all soon, perhaps at Towneley Park next week, Brian.

  Photos from the ride can be seen here https://www.flickr.com/photos/redroserascals/sets/72157673028900495