This cycle ride to Marple Ridge was a new entry to the Stockport Community Cycling Club roster.

We have had some inclement weather over the last week, however, it was a fine start to the day when we set off. It wouldn’t last!

We set off along the path through Mirrlees Playing Fields.

Then weaved our way through Hazel Grove towards Offerton.

A short climb up Marple Road took us to Bongs Road.

We followed this through to Dooley Lane.

A little further along, we joined NCN Route 55 and turned off towards Chadkirk Bridge. This is also part of a section of a cycle route known as the Alan Newton Way.

After crossing the bridge the path briefly follows the River Goyt followed by a climb up towards Marple Hall.

At Rose Hill, however, we turned briefly to pick up the Middlewood Way.

A long steady climb up towards Marple Ridge then followed.

There are some fine views looking out towards the Peak District.

There was, still another short climb to reach the top of the ridge.

Followed by a drop and then another tough little climb up Wybersley Road. It wasn’t helped by the fact I couldn’t get into my lowest set of gears!

Puffing and panting, thankfully, we made it.

Next, we dropped down into Lyme Park.

Past the cage.

And the hall.

We took our morning break at the Timber Yard Cafe where a bowl of soup was a welcome warmer.

We needed the warm soup too, for when we set off after the break it was cold and raining. It wasn’t very pleasant, so we decided to cut short the route and take the quickest route back.

We started by making our way towards the West Gate.

This took us through Hase Bank Wood.

We then cycled through Higher Poynton.

Then down over the Middlewood Crossing.

Before joining the A6.

Finally, we weaved our way through Bramhall, including negotiating fallen trees.

Even though we had cut the ride short, we had still covered just over 18 (at times for a club Saturday ride, quite hilly!) miles. It had definitely been a ride of two halves, the first half a pleasant morning cycling, the latter a bit of a trial as a result of the wet weather.

You can view our Marple Ridge route below: