The first Stockport Community Cycling Club of 2014 saw a hearty group of more than 20 cyclists turn out for a trip in to Cheshire to visit Tatton Park.

We met at Gatley Rail Station on a cold and damp morning. Rain and wind were forecast – would we manage to dodge the showers? Sarah was leading the ride, and I was the back-leader.

The ride set off through urban Heald Green and Handforth and on to Wilmslow. There really wasn’t anything to photograph! Following Knutsford Road gradually the road opened up to a bit of scenery.

We cycled through the village of Mobberley.

  

And then reached the outskirts of Knutsford.

Knutsford itself is a lovely historic Cheshire market town.

At the far end of the main street is one of the entrances to Tatton Park.

I have cycled (and run) through Tatton Park on numerous occasions and I never tire of the exhilaration it brings as pass the lakes, the deer and the hall.

Lunch was taken at the Stables Restaurant. This was the first time Sarah and I had sought a vegetarian cycling lunch and we were a little unsure of what would be available. Thankfully it was a good place to start since there were a range of choices suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free dietary requirements.

Sadly during lunchtime the heavens opened and the rain came down.

Thankfully after the initial downpour the rain eased a little and we were able to continue.

We came back via Ashley, Altrincham and round the back of Wythenshawe Hospital.

By the end of the ride we had cycled nearly 27 miles. Even though the afternoon was a little wet we managed to dodge the worst of the weekends wet weather, and it is always good to get out on the bike.

You can view our Tatton Park route below:

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