Although many of Stockport Community Cycling Club rides utilise off-road trails, there aren’t many that could be classified as predominantly mountain-bike rides. In fact, this Rivington 2018 ride is probably the only one.

It was a fine Saturday morning as we left Rivington Hall Barn on the edge of the West Pennine Moors, and soon began our first climb of the day.

It didn’t take long before the bumpy track grabbed its first casualties …

Soon you can look out towards Rivington Pike and over Winter Hill.

We left the tracks and joined Belmont Road.

We followed the local lanes until we reached Yarrow Reservoir. Just past here we turned off and followed a path alongside a stream. Along here were remnants of former water mills.

After cycling around the top of the reservoir we began a climb up Moor Road.

Anglezarke viewing point is about two-thirds of the way up and provides some great views out over Anglezarke Reservoir, Lancashire, and towards the Irish Sea.

The climbing, however, continued.

When we dropped down to Anglezarke Reservoir, which serves the Liverpool area. We could see the impact of the long hot summer we have been having on the water levels.

We continued on a little further before turning off towards Healey Nab.

The Nab refers to a promontory from which it is possible to see out towards Preston and Fiddlers Ferry.

There is a cairn on the Nab.

There are also a couple of mountain bike courses here. We had a go of a small section of the easy route. Great fun.

We then headed down Heapey Fold Lane.

We cycled past the other end of Anglezarke Reservoir. At least there was some water at this end.

There was another climb as we returned towards Rivington.

Miguel had been struggling all day. He has been recovering from a broken wrist, and now had been forced to use his road bike due to his mountain bike having a buckled wheel. Clearly, this wasn’t suitable.

So, I think he was quite pleased to see the lunch stop.

This was at the Great Barn. Pleasingly for Sarah, they had plenty of gluten-free options.

After the break, we set off towards Liverpool Castle.

Also known as Lever Castle. This is a scaled replica of the original castle in Merseyside. It was commissioned by Lord Lever. When we say, ‘a replica’, we mean a replica of the ruins, though even this was abandoned on the death of Lever.

We then dropped down Roynton Lane, a broad avenue created by Lord Lever and off which are the terraced gardens, known to the locals as the ‘Chinese gardens’ which are gradually being restored.

Our Rivington 2018 cycle ride had only covered 12 miles. Nonetheless, this had been a challenging ride. It had also been an interesting route and one full of enjoyment.

You can view our Rivington 2018 route below: