There are a number of ways to get to Whaley Bridge from Hazel Grove.  Straight up the A6 is a bit of a long slog, but not too bad. Peeling off the A6 at High Lane and using the canal cuts down the slog but is a bit circuitous. It is however flat. Neither of these however get the muscles and heart working for long. The route via Jacksons Edge Road and Buxton Old Road however is another matter!

So leaving Torkington Park, Hazel Grove we set off up the A6 for a steady climb towards Disley. Turning off at Jacksons Edge Road and the climb suddenly became more substantial.

Stockport may have been essentially snow free but soon we were seeing this wasn’t the case elsewhere. We then dropped down into Disley followed immediately by a far more substantial climb up Buxton Old Road.

The snow up here was piled high.

We dropped into Whaley Bridge for a snack at the Pear Tree Café. An excellent little place that amongst other things provided a range of gluten-free options.

Then we completed the journey, but in reverse.

This was a great little ride. Although only just over 13 miles, it was 13 quality miles involving nearly 1700 feet of climbing. Thanks Ian.