The latest storm warnings possibly put a lot of Stockport Community Cycling Club members off cycling today So it was a hardy band of eight cyclists that met at Torkington Park for this ride out to New Mills. Jim was today’s ride leader, and I was the back-leader. Sarah sadly had to miss out due to struggling with a virus.

Today’s route had originally been slated to cycle to Roman Lakes. However, with the recent storms and lots of rain, it was deemed the route would be unsafe, and this was a hastily put together alternative route.

Leaving Torkington Park, we weaved our way through the back streets of Hazel Grove.

After cycling up Torkington Road, we joined the Middlewood Way and NCN Route 55.

Leaving the Middlewood Way, next we made our way around the side streets of Marple.

We joined Strines Road.

We would follow Strines Road all the way to New Mills, including the little snorter of a climb at Hague Bar.

Our coffee stop was at the Butterfly House Cafe at The Torrs.

While there, we watched as a local protest against the closure of a retirement home passed by.

The Butterfly House Cafe is a community cafe. They welcomed us enthusiastically, but the service was a little haphazard. That said, the food was excellent, and the prices were good value. It was a place we can happily recommend!

After the break, it was straight up another hill.

We turned off at Watford Bridge Road.

Then picked up Low Leighton Road.

A little further on we joined Buxton Road, which would take us towards the A6.

Joining the A6, we made our way through Disley and towards High Lane.

At High Lane, we turned off into Andrew Lane.

We turned into Torkington Lane.

This brought us back to Torkington Road.

And, eventually, back to Torkington Park.

The weather forecast had seemed to suggest this would be a wet and windy ride. However, this turned out to be an enjoyable sunny day for a cycle ride, and one enjoyed by all who turned up.

You can view our New Mills route below: