Delamere 2017 was the latest version of the popular Stockport Community Cycling Club spring ride (see here for the 2015 edition). I was pencilled in to lead the ride and Sarah back-lead it. Unfortunately I have been struggling with a hip injury for the last few months, and with that in mind Sarah and I decided to switch roles. And then Sarah picked up a chesty cough … and the weather forecast didn’t look too good.

So, it was a cold morning when eight of us met at Frodsham. Neil was cycling from home and due to join us, but phoned to say he was late and the roads where he was were rather icy. They seemed fine in Frodsham. Should we cycle or not? We decided to give it a go and turn around if the going got tough.

Sarah led us out along Chester Road and out of Frodsham (without Neil).

Soon we were turning off and up the first hill of the day as we headed for Alvanley. Thankfully as we left the main road the conditions were fine.

At the top it quickly became clear that leading was going to be  a struggle for Sarah. Thankfully Andy S was with us and happy to take over, meaning Sarah and I could spend the rest of the ride hanging on at the back!

We turned on to Manley Road.

Turning off the main road we skirted the edge of Manley and then continued on in the direction of Great Barrow.

Eventually the route turned in the direction of Kelsall. We took a brief break on the roadside and took another group photo – still without Neil.

And just when we were about to set off – there he was …

And now there were nine.

We passed through Kelsall (including Neil).

And followed Longley Lane.

Before turning off and onto the track to Delamere Forest Park.

At the far end of the forest park is Delamere Station House Cafe. This was our lunch stop. It’s on the pricey side for a fairly basic cafe, but the portions are hearty and tasty.

After lunch we followed the busy Station Road for a short while, before turning off at Hatchmere and cycling through the forest along Delamere Road.

After leaving the forest we briefly turned back in the direction of Manley and then towards Manley Common.

As we made our way back towards Frodsham on another section of Manley Road, the route continued to climb, eventually reaching the top near the Shepherds Houses.

There then followed a sharp drop back in to Frodsham.

This had proved to be a very enjoyable 26 mile ride. The weather, while cool ad overcast, managed to stay fine. And we were thankful.

You can view our Delamere 2017 route below.

Afterwards, Sarah and I decided on a cuppa before heading for home. Sarah had successfully managed to get round but was now pooped. My hip, while now a little sore, had held out ok too.