With six cyclists, plus Roger, having negotiated the rather difficult way in to Reddish Country Park we all settled down to a brew as soon as the cafe was open!
We set off along the Trans Pennine Trail in style:
The tough climb up to the War Memorial on Werneth Low rewarded us with magnificent views accross Greater Manchester and the Peak District.
A rather "interesting" and very "nettley" and at times precipitous route took us to Etherow Country Park!
And a well earned and exceptionally well priced lunch!
Unfortunately we had to say farewell to Irene, John and Grayham here but headed off in fine spirits to follow the Goyt Valley to Roman Lakes and then up onto the Peak Forest Canal, through a lovely little tunnel under the main road (See Roger's video on Flickr) then along the impressive Marple Aqueduct having descended 16 locks in no time whatsoever!
We gingerly walked our bikes down the steps off the canal and road down to Chadkirk, pausing to explore St Chad's Well en route.
Back on the Goyt we managed to stop Roger in time to admire the impressive Stockport Hydro scheme with its impressive archimedes screw turbines "Thunder" and "Lightning"
And then picked our way along a seemingly forgotten bridleway past the half timbered Goyt Hall
and back to our starting point.
Thanks Roger for planning and leading a super ride in great company.
Rob Newton
View Roger's photos and videos on Flickr here: