These are troubling times in the UK, and indeed around the world, as coronavirus takes a grip and governments implement lockdowns in their attempts to stop the spread. Thankfully, for the moment, we are still allowed daily exercise. Sarah and I, therefore, decided on a cycle ride to Handforth for our daily exercise.

The route was an extended version of a ride I had created for Stockport Community Cycling Club.

We set off making our way down Tenement Lane.

We then turned into a section of the Ladybrook Valley, part of the Airport Orbital, NCN Route 558.

At the bottom of the Ladybrook Valley, we joined Queens Road.

Next, we weaved our way through Cheadle Hulme.

Next, we turned towards Handforth.

This meant cycling through one of the many closed gyms.

Along the way, we briefly stopped off to investigate a possible new section of route for a future cycle ride.

It turned out not be one we would be able to use.

Back on our planned route, we joined Hall Road.

A little further on, we picked up Handforth Road.

Further on, we turned towards Dean Row.

Next, we turned into Woodford Road.

This brought us back into Stockport.

Just before Christ Church, we turned into Church Lane and headed back towards Bramhall.

We then turned into Blossoms Lane.

Followed by all the mosses – Hall Moss Lane, Moss Lane and Kitts Moss Lane.

This brought us into the back of Bramhall.

Our last section saw us cycling down Valley Road.

And up Jacksons Lane.

When we reached Fiveways, we turned into Cavendish Road.

Finally, we weaved our way through the backstreets of Bramhall making our way back home.

We had cycled just over 18 miles. It wasn’t a big distance, and it was a fairly urban ride, but it was fantastic just to be out on the bike. Sometimes a little cycle ride can be just as great as when cycling on an epic tour.