The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has brought major changes to the lifestyle all of us are currently able to lead. For some, these times have brought hardship and tragedy. Sarah and I consider ourselves fortunate so far to be coming through relatively unscathed. The lockdown means, however, that we really cherish our daily exercise slots. For our Sunday morning cycle ride, we decided on a more challenging route out to Pott Shrigley, Kettleshulme and Bollington.

After leaving Bramhall, we turned into Towers Road on our way up to Higher Poynton.

It soon became clear that Sarah was struggling. Her legs just weren’t working!

We continued on towards Adlington.

And from there towards Pott Shrigley.

Our next turn should have taken us up Bakestone Road and up the Brickworks. However, with Sarah finding the hills tougher than usual today, we decided to leave the bigger hills for another day. Instead, we turned into Long Lane and towards Nabs Quarry.

This still required a little bit of climbing, just not quite so savage. Thankfully, the views made the climb worthwhile.

At the end of Long Lane, there is Beeston Brow, a tough little drop (or climb if cycling in the other direction).

This brought us into Bollington. However, we didn’t stay, and soon we were heading back into Adlington as we climbed up Sugar Lane.

We crossed over the Macclesfield Canal.

A little further on we met our friend Neil from Stockport Community Cycling Club out on a cycle ride of his own It’s amazing who you pass while out cycling!

We then decided to head down Brookledge Lane and through Adlington.

After crossing over London Road we continued on along Mill Lane.

This brought us to Prestbury.

After joining Wilmslow Road we made our way (strangely enough!) towards Wilmslow.

Next we turned into Adlington Road.

We had a few moments rest at Dean Row.

Then we continued on and along Woodford Road.

This brought us back into Stockport.

Normally, we turn into Church Lane and head back home through Bramhall. Today, however, we decided to continue on towards Poynton.

Finally, however, it was time to head for home. So, we turned into London Road North and headed back.

This had been another fantastic cycle ride. We might not have gone into the hills as far as planned, but we had still climbed over 1,000 feet, enjoyed the views, and simply had a great time out cycling.