It was an overcast morning as Stockport Community Cycling Club members met at Hollingworth Lake for this Todmorden 2018 cycle ride. This is a regular in the SCCC calendar (2015, 2017).

Graham was leading and helpfully pointed us in the direction we needed to be going as we set off.

We turned away from the lake and headed down Hollingworth Road, and almost immediately it began to drizzle.

Near to Littleborough rail station, we picked up NCN Route 66 and joined the Rochdale Canal.

We would follow the canal for six miles.

We cycled through Walsden.

As we approached Todmorden the rain started to come down harder.

Such that the last section into the town was in a downpour.

Our coffee stop was at the Bridge Cafe in Todmorden. While the food is basic, it is hearty, and encouragingly there are gluten-free options.

After the break, and with the rain having abated, we headed back towards Walsden.

We then retraced our steps for a while along the Rochdale canal.

While cycling along, Lynn R decided to dive into the canal. Apparently, it was worth an 8 out of 10, just missing full marks due to the hands not being together at the point of entry. Being serious, she was out of the water almost as quickly as she fell in. Thankfully, apart from being wet and pride taking a knock, Lynn was ok.

Here is Lynn, still smiling as we get back on our way.

When we reached Littleborough again we split into two groups. One group headed back to the start along the road, while the other group took the longer route over the moor. Sarah and I joined this latter group.

It started with a steady climb through Lydgate.

Then turned off on to a track taking us across the top of the moor.

This gave us an excellent view overlooking Hollingworth Lake and the surrounding area.

We then dropped down crossing the M62 motorway.

Followed by a sharp drop down to Rakewood Road.

This took us back under the motorway.

Finally, we picked up the path taking as around the southern end of Hollingworth Lake.

We returned to the start having cycled eighteen miles.

You can view our Todmorden 2018 route below: