It was a fine Autumn morning that saw a healthy number of Stockport Community Cycling Club riders meet at Bramhall library for this Gawsworth 2018 cycle ride. Indeed, there were enough riders that we split into two groups. Sarah and I would lead the second group.

The route began with us weaving our way through Bramhall and Woodford.

This took us along Wilmslow Road past the Deanwater. We then turned into Lees Lane.

And then Mill Lane.

We cycled through Mottram St Andrew, followed by a long steady climb up Wilmslow Old Road and Oak Road.

This took us along the edge of Hare Hill Gardens towards Chelford.

After a short break, we set off again along Macclesfield Road and then turned on to Sandy Lane as we made our way towards Broken Cross.

Sadly, Caroline had to leave us at this point. She had been struggling with a sore knee and decided it was wise not to continue aggravating it.

The rest of us continued cycling along the edge of the Macclesfield district.

On the edge of Gawsworth, we turned down Penningtons Lane.

Then after a stretch along Gawsworth Road, we turned off and made our way to the village.

We briefly joined NCN Route 55.

If we had stayed on the NCN route we would have missed the pools that provide for the lovely views of Gawsworth Hall and St James’ Church.

Continuing on, we joined local cycle network route 70 and made our way towards Henbury.

Our lunch stop was at Flora Tea Rooms. We met the other group there. The place was packed!

Thankfully, another cycling group were just leaving so we managed to get a table for us all. There were gluten-free options for Sarah, and the food was hearty and of a good quality.

After lunch, we continued on local route 70 and made our way towards Over Alderley.

Then on towards Alderley Edge.

Before we reached Alderley Edge village, however, we turned off onto Woodbrook Road and bumped our way down through the ‘millionaires row’ of large houses.

Having had our teeth well and truly clattered, we continued towards Wilmslow.

Finally, we returned through Woodford and Bramhall again.

This had been an excellent Autumn cycle ride of 29 miles. The colours as we had cycled along the country lanes had, at times, been breathtaking.

You can view our Gawsworth 2018 route below: