This Sunday’s hey diddle diddle ride was the latest in Stockport Community Cycling Club‘s eXtra Ride series, rides aimed at the more adventurous end of the clubs membership. There are a number of rides that are particularly popular with club members and strangely Andy Shaw’s hilly rides are right up there. Perhaps it’s the challenge.

Setting off from Rose Hill Rail station we were almost immediately given a glimpse of the future as the riders headed over Marple Ridge.

Looking out from Jacksons Edge Road

The first big climb of the day then immediately followed as we climbed up Buxton Old Road to Higher Disley and Kettleshulme.

  

Higher Disley

We turned up Mudhurst Lane.

Almost immediately the views are tremendous.

Ian and Andy S

  

At Kettleshulme we turned on to Side End Lane where the second big climb of the day took us past Windgather Rocks.

“Nearly at the top Sarah!”

There was then a big drop down in to the Goyt Valley to Errwood Reservoir.

Errwood Reservoir

Followed by the third big climb before lunch as we set off up the other side of Goyt Valley to Derbyshire Bridge and eventually up to the A537 Macclesfield Road.

Our leader Andy about to fall over with exhaustion after climbing up to Derbyshire Bridge

“Well done Alan, you made it!”

The final climb to the Cat and Fiddle Inn, at 1689 feet, was straight in to a strong head wind. Hence we were all extremely grateful when we arrived and had the chance to fuel up and recover. The food at the Inn was fine, though lacking gluten-free options. Service was a little slow too.

Then it was back in to the head winds as we began the descent. It wasn’t long however before Andy found us another challenging little climb to warm us up again!

On to Ankers Knowl Lane and we dropped down past Lamaload Reservoir.

Lamaload Reservoir

It had started to rain now and along with the side winds, grit on the roads, and sharp drops this made for some tricky cycling conditions along one or two sections of our descent of Blaze Hill.

Tracey, tired but still smiling

  

We completed our loop by dropping in to Pott Shrigley.

And then picked up the Middlewood Way back to Rose Hill Rail station.

The ride was only 30 miles. However it was quality miles involving over 3700 feet of climbing. All the club members were tired at the end but really pleased at having completed the challenge and had enjoyed the day. Now …when is Andy’s next ride?

You can view the Hey Diddle Diddle route below: