On a dreary Saddleworth day it was a bit of a challenge getting some 20 or so members out of the welcoming warmth of Edna’s cafe in Delph for the token ride before our annual NPSP Pre-Christmas lunch at the Old Original Scouthead.

However, after much arranging of clothing and “admiration” for Phil’s £5 Decathlon Darth Vader outfit we did actually set off, over the River Tame, up along Hull Brook and on to the Castleshaw Valley.  Bleak Hey Nook never fails to live up to its name and so we reached our highest point of the ride before beginning a descent through Dean Head, down Brun Lane and along, what Trish calls “the nice bit of Boat Road” to the Diggle Hotel.

The Pennine Bridleway takes you up and down a bit before you skirt Uppermill and come out of the former railway cutting at Greenfield.  A quick trundle along the canal takes us the Friezeland and the start of the unrelenting climb to regain all the height we’ve lost.  At least the lanes are interesting: Clough Lane with its range of houses from the eighteenth century to the present, Lovers’ Lane where two of our lovers refused a romantic photo opportunity, Platting Lane and finally Doctor Lane past the intriguingly named Starting Chair and the less intriguing Doctor House and Farm!

Awaiting us at the Old Original were another dozen or so members who had come just for the meal and get together.  The Old Original did us proud and in a convivial atmosphere everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  Even the weather cheered up in time to greet us with sunshine when we eventually prised ourselves out into the remaining daylight for a joyful free-wheel (apart from that little hill at Thurston Clough which always takes you by surprise!) back to Delph and for some a final brew and natter in Edna’s!

A great day out and not a Turkey in sight!

Rob Newton

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