Having missed last Sunday’s cycle ride to Birtles due to a sore ankle, things were beginning to improve for Sarah and this weekend she was up for this one. We chose a flattish route out to Ashley, hopefully, to minimise the stress that might be placed on the ankle when climbing hills. Unfortunately, the stress of pushing hard on the peddles would come in another form – cycling into a headwind.

It was, thankfully, warmer weather when we set off cycling towards Cheadle.

This took us through the Ladybrook Cycleway.

Then, after joining NCN Route 558, through Brookfields Park.

After using the subway, we continued to follow NCN Route 558 alongside the A34.

Our route took us through Heald Green.

Where we joined local route 85, the Airport Orbital Cycleway, on our way towards Wythenshawe.

From Wythenshawe, we cycled on towards Timperley and Altrincham.

At Altrincham, we picked up Ashley Road. The headwind was quite fierce now.

A little further on we joined a section of the Cheshire Cycleway and headed towards Mobberley.

The headwind was taking its toll. So, a brief rest and a snack bar were required.

Thankfully, after reaching Mobberley we changed our direction of travel, and the cycling then became much easier.

After leaving Mobberley we reached Morley Green and the outskirts of Wilmslow.

Another change of direction meant the headwind was now behind us as we crossed the end of the Carrs and turned into Styal Road.

At Styal, we turned into Station Road, and then Clay Lane.

This took us through to Heald Green.

Finally, we weaved our way through the back lanes and passages of Cheadle Hulme and Bramhall.

Before finishing by cycling back home through Woodsmoor.

At which point, we were still a mile or two short of cycling 30 miles. So we added a little loop and cycled through Stepping Hill hospital.

So, today, we had cycled 30 miles. Sarah was pleased her ankle had held up. However, what had meant to be a gentle cycle ride turned out to be really hard work. We were pooped by the time we tumbled back into our house! Nonetheless, we had enjoyed our cycle ride. Even when the elements are against you, being out on your bike is nearly always still great fun.

You can view our route out to Ashley below: