Ride from Whaley Bridge Sunday 7th May
On a glorious spring morning, free of the freezing cold winds that have been prevalent just lately, seven members set off from the canal basin in Whaley Bridge. Passing through Horwhich End we started the climb up Long Hill towards Buxton, after about a mile we dropped down to Fernilee Reservoir and followed the track towards the higher Errwood Reservoir. Eric caused some walkers alarm as he rode down to the water’s edge and proceeded to ride through the water in an attempt to get some brown smelly stuff off his tyres. We made some remark to the walkers about his sanity to calm their fears. Crossing Errwood Reservoir we followed the course of the river Goyt up the valley to Derbyshire Bridge, here we took the technically challenging track (for some) climbing to the summit and then descending to the road junction at Burbage. It was then downhill all the way into Buxton to the lunch stop at Whetherspoons.
It was such a lovely day we decided to eat outside, this proved to be a mistake as it must be the noisiest spot in Buxton with fire engines and police cars passing with sirens blazing and motorcyclists revving their engines as if they were on some starting grid and a table that moved alarmingly whenever anyone moved.
After lunch It was back up Long Hill, approaching the summit three members decided to take the easier route back to Whaley Bridge whilst the remaining four took the track that ascends to, and passes the White Hall Centre. Continuing along the road passing Hanging Rock and Wainstones we reached the track at Wythen Lache that loops round the TV mast on the top of Ladder Hill. Simon who had gone on in front missed the turn, Eric volunteered to try to catch him, that left only Keith, who had not done the ride before, and Grayham to complete the planned route around Ladder Hill.
Arriving back in Whaley Bridge we met up again with the three who had taken the easier route and finished with coffee before going our separate ways.
If anyone has some photos of this ride could you please send some to Rob Newton