It was another healthy Stockport Community Cycling Club turnout that made at Cheadle Baths for Neil’s new Chorlton ride. These large turnouts are creating a few ride management headaches in that for rider safety we have had to split into more than one group, and this becomes ride-leader intensive. Thankfully, we had quite a few leaders out today, and I would lead the second group with Sarah being my back-leader for this group.

First, however, there was a little ceremony with Jim handing over the ‘Unsung Hero of the Year’ trophy to Gill.  She had been ill on the day of the recent SCCC Annual Club Lunch, but better late than never. Well done Gill!

Since Sarah and I were leading the second group, the photos taken are mainly of the riders joining us on this ride.

We began by making our way through Cheadle.

We briefly joined the River Mersey.

Leaving the river we picked up NCN Route 62, which forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail.

We followed this through Didsbury, alongside the metro route.

Crossing the metro line, we made our way through Didsbury village.

From here we cycled through Northenden.

Then past Kenworthy Wood to Chorlton Water Park.

We briefly rejoined the River Mersey.

Before weaving our way through the back streets of Chorlton.

Our coffee stop was at the Post Box Cafe in Chorlton village. We arrived here only minutes after the first group who had got a bit lost on the way. Considering thirty cyclists descended on the cafe all at once the staff handled the situation very well. For Sarah, sadly there weren’t any specific gluten-free options on the menu, but she did say the omelette was excellent.

Leaving the cafe, we briefly skirted the edge of Chorlton Park.

This took us on to Nell Lane, which we followed to Withington, and then through Burnage.

Then back through Didsbury.

After picking up the River Mersey once again we followed the path to Gorsey Bank.

Crossing over the river, we picked up the new path.

This took us back to Cheadle Heath.

Finally, we joined NCN Route 558 which took us back to the start.

We had cycled 17 miles today. This had been a new and interesting urban route around south Manchester and Stockport.

You can view the Chorlton route below: