It was a healthy turnout of Stockport Community Cycling Club members that met at Hollingworth Lake for the start of the Todmorden 2017 cycle ride.

It was a fine summer day. I was the back-leader for this cycle ride.

We set off following the path alongside the reservoir.

We left  the reservoir path and picked NCN route at Littleborough.

This took us along the Rochdale Canal.

We followed the canal for nearly seven miles until we reached Todmorden.

Here we stopped for the coffee break at the Bridge Cafe. We essentially took the place over! The food was basic, but it did offer gluten-free options. Always a plus.

After lunch we set off up Rochdale Road.

Cycling through Walsden.

It seems we missed our original point of return on to the canal and instead had to carry our bikes down at another point.

Returning to the edge of Littleborough we split into two groups. The more vertically challenged set off towards Blackstone Edge.

There was a marvellous view higher up looking down over Hollingworth Lake.

The path took us over the M62.

Followed by a sharp and hazardous drop down Rakewood Road.

The sensible group continued along the canal before following the eastern side of the lake.

And stopping off for an ice-cream.

Not that the adventurous group missed out on the ice-cream. Having earned theirs, they enjoyed an ice-cream at the finish of the cycle ride.

This was another great Stockport Community Cycling Club ride. You can view our Todmorden 2017 route below: