The Stockport Community Cycling Club calendar traditionally includes a couple of longer rides that are not necessarily much longer than regular rides (this cycle ride to Monyash was just over 34 miles for instance), but what they lack in distance they make up for with he amount of climbing. And when it comes to putting together and leading ‘hilly’ rides the king is undoubtedly Andy Shaw.

A surprisingly small group of just seven of us met at Whaley Bridge on a cool but sunny autumn morning.

The ride began with us immediately picking up a section of NCN Route 68. It was an Andy Shaw ride so what other route could it possibly pick up? This brought our first little bit of climbing and our first views as we looked out over Fernilee.

Soon after we dropped down to Fernilee Reservoir and cycled alongside its shore for awhile.

Crossing over to the opposite side we continued to follow the Goyt Valley.

And in doing so into our first big climb of the day as we cycled up the valley towards the A537, more popularly known as the Cat & Fiddle.

We took a brief rest half way up at Derbyshire Bridge.

Before continuing to climb towards Axe Edge Moor. Up on the moors you could see for miles around.

And once up in the Pennine hills there are great views around every corner and at the top of every climb.

Unfortunately for us on the top of Axe Edge Moor is Buxton Raceway. Not that we have anything against the venue per se, simply that there was an event on today and this meant road past the venue was rather busy.

Thankfully, once past the Raceway and things calmed down again.

Again the views were fabulous.

Soon we were entering Earl Sterndale, the home of an interestingly named pub, The Quiet Woman.

We briefly picked up NCN Route 68 again was cycled towards Hurdlow.

After Hurdlow we crossed the A515 and dropped down to Monyash for lunch.

This was taken at The Old Smithy, a place clearly popular with motor-bikers and cyclists alike judging by the modes of transport parked outside. Whilst not having anything specifically gluten-free, there were a few choices available for Sarah, and chose an omelette. I chose the Blacksmith’s Ploughman’s Lunch. And both of us enjoyed a pint of tea! Yes indeed, where else can you purchase a PINT of tea?

Back on the road after lunch we were soon climbing again as we set off for Taddington.

The climb provided viewing for more wonderful scenery.

There then followed a big drop down to Millers Dale.

And of course the, by now usual, great Pennine panoramic view.

Millers Dale station is a welcome break for many walkers and cyclists on the Monsal Trail.

However we were just passing by, so there was no rest for us. Instead we climbed up to Wormhill.

We were getting tired now so stopped for a welcome breather …

And admired the memorial to James Brindley.

We continued on towards Dove Holes.

And then on towards the last stretch to Chapel-en-le-Frith.

Finally the ride finished with a lovely long speedy downhill from Chapel-en-le-Frith all the way back to Whaley Bridge.

This was another one of Andy Shaw’s excellent hilly rides. It was a challenging 35 miles, however as always the views were the fantastic reward. Sarah and I cycled a further 18 miles which included some further uphills. By the end of the day we had cycled an estimated 53 miles and climbed nearly 4000 feet.

You can view our Monyash route below:

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