This Irwell Valley 2018 cycle ride was the last Stockport Community Cycling Club cycle ride before Sarah and I’s wedding. Jim had been due to lead the ride, but unfortunately was unable to do so, and I stepped in. After all, our wedding preparations were complete and I was looking forward to a day of relative relaxation. Sarah, however, was giving this one a miss, and instead, relaxing by spending her time shopping with her matron-of-honour!

We met on a fine day at Elton Reservoir.

We briefly joined NCN Route 6.

This took us through Buckley Wells and Fishpool on the edge of Bury.

From here we made our way to Unsworth turning on to the cobbled Castle Road that took us over the M66.

Eventually, we arrived in Heaton Park. We took our break at The Stables.

After the coffee break, we had to work our way around thousands of walkers!

They were taking part in a Memory Walk.

Since a section of the walk route was along our plotted cycle route, we decided to reroute our journey slightly.

After leaving Heaton Park we soon entered Prestwich Clough.

A little further along we rejoined NCN Route 6.

Then we reached a sharp track which took us over the M60. Climbing up this, Russ’s new cycle didn’t cope with the strain and mechanical issues followed. Thankfully, he managed to make a few temporary repairs that would enable him to complete the ride.

We then followed the Outwood Trail, which also forms a section of the Irwell Sculpture Trail (though TBH, we didn’t see any sculptures!)

This took us into Radcliffe.

We weaved our way through the town, before joining the old Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal.

Finally, we left the canal and joined a track that took us back to the car park back at Elton Reservoir.

We had cycled just over 15 miles. This had been another interesting route covering a wide variety of terrain.

You can view our Irwell Valley 2018 route below: