The last time this ride appeared in the Stockport Community Cycling Club calendar it ended up being abandoned half way round as a washout. So there had been a lot of speculation throughout the week regarding the likely weather conditions for the weekend, especially the  possibility that it was going to be cold. In the event extreme cold weather conditions didn’t materialise, but they were replaced by damp conditions instead – though thankfully it was drizzle rather than driving wind and rain.

A few of us decided to cycle from Buxton to the start. Due to the uncertainty of the weather even this was touch and go, but we arrived at Buxton Rail Station on a damp morning. We followed National Cycle Network route 68 via Harpur Hill and Earl Sterndale to the SCCC ride start at Hurdlow, 9 1/2 hilly miles later. We had certainly warmed up by the time we arrived!

The club ride began by cycling  a section of the High Peak Trail before turning towards Pomeroy and Flagg.

Next we passed through Over Haddon.

We then turned towards Youlgreave. We arrived early for lunch so had to wait for the pub to open.

Lunch was taken at the Bulls Head Hotel. And it was an opportunity to warm up and dry off a bit. Sadly the normal range of food options weren’t available since it was a Sunday, but the landlord offered a few options with chips. It wasn’t cheap but it was served quickly and was well presented.

After lunch we set off through Middleton.

Then it was a climb up to Elton.

Finally it was back on to the High Peak Trail and back to the start.

The club ride had covered nearly 26 miles and we had claimed almost 1800 feet – a tough ride by club standards.

For a few of us this wasn’t the finish – we still had to get back to Buxton! Another 9 1/2 hilly miles. And by now it was  raining constantly, the wind was picking up and the temperature was dropping.

We eventually arrived back in Buxton around 4.30pm, cold and tired. We had cycled 44 miles and climbed 3500 feet. This was a great ride. Poor weather didn’t dampen (pardon the pun) the beauty of the Derbyshire hills, and the autumn colours presented a perfect background.