We met at Torkington Park for this Whaley Loop cycle ride. We have had some fantastic weather recently, but this week the weather has been more changeable, and today it was raining.

While the coronavirus restrictions mean we are still unable to meet in large groups, we can at least meet in socially distanced small groups. So, it was a pleasure to have Neil joining myself, Sarah and Andy S.

Leaving Torkington Park we began by heading out towards High Lane.

This meant climbing up over Jackson’s Edge.

Then into Disley.

And then straight into a long climb that took us up Buxton Old Road.

We turned into Mudhurst Lane. Thankfully the rain had now begun to subside. As we cycled along the lane, in the distance we could see the Keep in Lyme Park.

We always enjoy the views as we cycle along the lane.

A mile or so further on we turned off into Priest Lane.

A few more sharp climbs quickly followed.

Next, we turned into Start Lane.

It’s unsuitable for motors because there is a steep cobbled section a few hundred yards up the lane. At the top, however, there are some spectacular views.

At the end of Start Lane, we joined Whaley Lane.

We followed Whaley Lane into Whaley Bridge.

In Whaley, we picked up NCN Route 68 and began by climbing up Bings Road.

Sarah and I had cycled this section of the route in the opposite direction on a recent Easter ride.

This took us through Buxworth.

At the end of Ladypit Road, we joined Marsh Lane.

A mile further on we arrived in New Mills.

We thought about having a coffee from the same cafe we had stopped outside while on our Mellor Cross ride last week, but decided against it.

Our original plan had been to head back again out over Mellor Moor. However, by now we were all tired. So, we decided to head straight back to Marple along Strines Road.

In Marple, we joined the Middlewood Way. At this point, Andy S headed back home.

Finally, we left the Middlewood Way and cycled back down Torkington Old Road.

Our route today had covered nearly 22 miles. There had been some challenging climbs and some fantastic views. Perhaps best of all, it had been great to meet up and cycle and chat with a couple of our good friends.

You can view our Whaley Loop route below: