Our latest Sunday cycle ride saw a change of cyclists for our journey out to Ashton-under-Lyne. For the first time on our COVID-19 lockdown Sunday rides, we welcomed Andy S. Sadly, Sarah had torn a muscle in her back so wasn’t able to join us. This meant the group consisted of Andy, Andy, Andy  … and Neil. It also meant all the photos taken were mine.

We met at Davenport Green on a mild, cloudy day.

We started by weaving our way through Davenport and Offerton.

Then through the edge of Bredbury and towards Romiley.

In Romiley centre, we turned into Sandy Lane and began the main climb of the day. A little further on we joined Werneth Low Road.

Here the climbing stepped up a notch.

After plenty of huffing and puffing, we made it to the top of Werneth Low, and the views out over Stockport and Manchester were just glorious.

It would have been easy to stay here all morning. However, we had a cycle ride to complete, and we had only just begun.

For a little while, we continued along Werneth Edge.

Then we dropped down towards Hattersley.

After turning into Stockport Road and cycling into Hattersley, we briefly picked up NCN Route 62. This forms a section of the Trans Pennine Trail.

From Hattersley, we continued on towards Mottram and Stalybridge.

From Stalybridge, our route took us into east-side of Ashton-under-Lyne.

After cycling out of Ashton up Lees Road, we turned into Alt Hill Lane.

Two-thirds of the way down the lane, we joined NCN Route 626, the Ashton to Oldham Greenway.

It’s a great little path along a former railway line.

We cycled along NCN Route 626 for a few miles. It brought us out near to Ashton-under-Lyne town centre

Taking us out of the town centre was an excellent cycle path, complete with lights that changed as you approached the junction. Fabulous. More of these, please.

We followed the cycle route to Guide Bridge.

On the border of Guide Bridge and Audenshaw, we left the roads and cycled through Audenshaw Ponderosa.

Leaving Audenshaw, we entered Denton.

As we headed towards Haughton Green, we rejoined NCN Route 62, The Trans Pennine Trail, again.

We joined Lambeth Grove and  made our way through Woodley.

We stopped for a brief rest in Woodley Precinct.

Finally, we made our way back to the start along St Mary’s Way and then weaving our way through Heaviley.

This had been a different Sunday cycle ride to the ones we usually undertake, it was more urban. Nonetheless, its difference had made it just as enjoyable.

We had cycled nearly 29 miles and you can view our Ashton-under-Lyne route below: