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The Northern Peak and South Pennine Group Home Page
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Past ride reports of 2007
If you enjoyed reading the reports of this year rides of Group you may like to read the past reports of the group’s 2005 , 2006 and 2008 rides.
7th January 07 Hollingworth Lake
We met at the visitor centre on a dull day threatening rain, where Reid (brave man) had cycled over the moors from Halifax to join us. From Rakewood we climbed Deep Lane now upgraded to a bridleway on recent maps. We descended to pass under the M62 to Ogden and a lengthy walk up cobbled lanes to the summit of the A640. From here a quick drop to Denshaw and then quiet lanes to the always welcoming Edna’s Café in Delph.
Fully replenished we climbed direct to Heights chapel up a very wet and steep grassy track. One step forward two steps back! Then back roads to Denshaw and another bridleway. Then amidst an area of rural squalor, we had to cross a very deep muddy section replete with livestock effluent! The bridleway became impassable, so we had to make a detour to the side resulting in losing the route. After some lifting, we regained the track to reach the A672 just below the Ram’s Head, where we said goodbye to Reid. We took the track that passes over the embankment of Piethorne reservoir. From here a reservoir road has now been designated as a cycle route. It takes a pleasant line contouring round the hillside so avoiding the rocky ascent on the Pennine Bridleway. From the col it was a quick return to the visitor centre café, just as the threatened rain appeared. Click here to view photos of the ride .
John Kemp
Brian, Sol, Grayham and I met at the layby, but before we started I had to change an inner tube and replace both sets of brake blocks as a result of a very muddy and thorn studded ride earlier in the week. We looked in at Fairholmes but no other riders were there. Here the volume of water cascading over the Derwent Dam was a tremendous sight. I have not seen it like this for some time. On the old reservoir railway at Thornhill we had to stop for Sol to replace his brake blocks, again as a result of the week’s earlier ride. Through Hope we carried on to stop at Castleton just as a heavy shower commenced. Here we had a tasty but very expensive bowl of soup at the Three Roofs Café. The weather cleared but we decided to stick to tarmac. So we took the landslipped Mam Tor road up to Mam Nick. This proved to be heavy going due to the ferocious gusts of wind. From Mam Nick the plunge into Edale, normally an eyeballs out descent, proved to be less exciting since the wind was holding us back. A rapid passage followed down Edale to Bamford and finally we retraced our steps to the start. Click here to view photos of the ride.
John Kemp
Sunday 4th February : Penistone
Ten riders met at the cinema car park to take the Trans Pennine Trail as far as Wortley tunnel. This quite lengthy but well lit tunnel only encouraged Mad Dave to utter even more louder screams than usual. Richard left us here since being a dog lover he was unable to stay for a full day. It always amazes me how constrained a dog owners life can be! We continued into Wharncliffe Woods just managing to keep pace with a lone member of Dark Peak Fellrunners out for a jog. These woods are extensive, complicated and a mountain biker’s Mecca. So, Danny and Dave spent a little time sampling parts of a ‘black route’ with jumps and drop offs. We sensibly left them to their delights. Climbing up through the woods Grayham punctured and also found a slit in the tyre, but managing to stuff it with cardboard, was able to continue for the rest of the day. After Howbrook we continued through fields to Wortley and the café. The group proved too much for the flustered staff, and after waiting for an hour Brian walked out to eat his bonk rations instead. Afterwards it was a quick descent with a detour to Wortley Top Forge which was closed until Easter so we were unable to view the massive 18th century hammers. Then a quick dash along the trail back to the start. Click here to view photos of the ride.
John Kemp
Wednesday 21st February : New Mill
For various but valid reasons, this was a depleted meet. Brian and I made our way on minor lanes through Fulstone, Thunder Bridge and Kirkburton to cross the A629 and climb to Emley. Here we stopped to look at the massive concrete TV tower. This replaced the original conventional mast which had collapsed in 1969 when an accumulation of ice caused the supporting stays to fracture. The new tower is an impressive 1100ft high, 80ft wide at the base narrowing to 21ft at the top. We dropped to cross the A636 and climb through High Hoyland and on to Cawthorne where we stopped at the restaurant in Cannon Hall country park.
Refreshed, we continued through Gunthwaite where we stopped to admire the mediaeval barn. Carrying on through Upper Denby and High Flatts and then approaching Victoria we started the rough stuff. We took a track new to me which contoured below Cheesegate Nab. We then dropped down a very steep and very narrow bridleway that can only be described as a defile. So narrow and so deep that there was no room for bike and man side by side. Not a problem for Brian as he could ride most of it, but a big problem for me as I struggled to hold my bike above my head. Crossing the A616 we continued through Hepworth and back to the start. Thanks for a pleasant and mixed ride. Click here to view photos of the ride.
John Kemp
Sunday 4th March 2007 Hayfield
I had not seen the weather forecast, having just returned from France late the previous evening. If I had, I would have thought twice about turning out. However, Grayham had planned a ride that would have taken us high around Mt Famine, and so we took to the fields above Phoside as we made our way towards Peep O’Day. A wet grassy clay slope made riding intermittent, and so for the most part we just pushed. At Peep O’Day the rain started but it was the wind that stuffed us. “ I don’t think I want to carry on higher to Roych Clough in these conditions” to which Grayham replied “I was just about to say the same” So we bottled out, dropped to Chinley and took the old tramway (recently restored as a leisure trail) to the complex of wharfs at Buxworth Basin. Here we joined the branch of the Peak Forest canal which took us to Whaley Bridge for lunch at Teasels café. After lunch, still in the rain, we took the quick and easy way back along the canal and the Sett Valley Trail. Back for 2pm, only 12 miles. Had enough!! To those of you who had better things to do, we should have had your had good sense.
John Kemp
Wednesday 21st March 2007 Worsbrough
Firstly, we emptied our wallets at Cycle Promotions’ warehouse before taking the
Trans Pennine Trail for 9 miles to Notton Bridge. Here we continued on a mix of
quiet roads and bridleways through the attractive villages of Notton and Woolley
and on to Bretton Hall for lunch at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. I always find that
in ex-
In the afternoon we passed before Henry Moore sculptures and then between the lakes
to take the bridleway to High Hoyland. Next we made a long and speedy descent before
following the line of the old and interesting Silkstone Wagon Way. At Silkstone we
rested whilst Grayham repaired a puncture. A steepish bridleway took us up to regain
the Trans Pennine Trail from where there is pleasant short single track to the top
of the Worsbrough incline. As a boy, I remember coal trains banked by double boilered
Beyer-
The computer said 33miles, all of which were enjoyable, for after the bitter weather of the previous days, we were treated to glorious Spring sunshine.,
You can checkout John Kemp and Brian Parkinson photos of the ride.
John Kemp.
Sunday 1st April 2007 Mytholmroyd
Our Sunday ride for April took advantage of the offroad trails around Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge. The weather throughout was quite perfect, unbroken blue sky, sun, a breeze on the tops but not enough to cause any problems.
We started with a clockwise loop from Mytholmroyd, riding halfway up Cragg Vale and then going right up the Water Board track to Withens Clough reservoir. This route had the benefit of getting all the climbing out of the way on metalled roads. The tracks began as we skirted the reservoir, where we paused to observe the alternative i.e no sheepdog approach to herding sheep, where a farmer in a 4 x 4 pips his horn, dumps some feed, and sheep suddenly arrive from all directions for their breakfast. We continued over to Withens Gate, and then enjoyed the descent to Mankinholes along the wonderfully preserved packhorse route, originally constructed over two centuries ago using massive stone setts. From Mankinholes we were able to spend the next 90 minutes drifting down to the canal at Callis Bridge via London Road, Kilnshaw Lane, Horsehold and Callis Wood. Lunch was taken at the Canalside Café at Hebble End, strongly recommended for cheap food and quick service.
Our afternoon loop, again a clockwise one, began at the bridle path just past Mytholm Church (GR983275) which climbs in a fairly gentle fashion alongside Colden Clough to Jack Bridge, and from there we made the necessary height gain by turning right up through Colden and then left (GR968288) along Edge Lane. After a brief stop at Aladdin’s Cave (the Edge Lane grocery, and it really is an Aladdin’s Cave) we made our way across the dam of Gorple Lower reservoir, drifting back to Hebden Bridge along the track on the north side of Hebden Dale through Walshaw, Shackleton, the National Trust car park serving Hardcastle Crags, and Midgehole.
All present (Grayham, John, Sol, the writer) agreed it was a fine day out in the stunning Calderdale countryside. Although we never needed to use the map, the routes can all be found on Outdoor Leisure 21 (South Pennines, South Sheet). Come back soon, folks !!
Reid Anderson
You click here to checkout photos of the ride.
Wednesday 18th April: Bradwell
I don’t know how he does it, but John pulled another great ride out of the bag. Leaving West Yorks to get to the Peak district was sure worthwhile. Tea and toast at the Woodbine Café in Hope and then on to Bradwell to meet up with John and Grayham and Brian from the Lancs Group for a sunny start with a cold wind. Down the valley to Brough and then up quiet lanes and bridleways via Shatton and a steep pull up to Shatton Moor. More bridleway along the ridge to Robin Hood’s Cross and tarmac lanes to Abney and Camphill to watch the gliders. Then down Hucklow Edge to Bretton (YHA) and a stony loose bridleway dropped us to Eyam for lunch. A descent from Eyam and then a steep loose surfaced bridleway up through the quarries took us up to Longstone Moor to view the damage caused by the dam burst that inundated Stoney Middleton during the last winter. On and over Wardlow for a superb descent to Cressbrook. Up Millers Dale, passing Litton Mill and Ravenstor YHA to Tideswell for a final cuppa before the excellent descent to Bradwell. A great ride with great views of the Peak District in brilliant weather.
Malcolm Lomas
You can click here to checkout photos taken by Grayham Simpson
With members holidaying in Ireland, Scotland and Yorkshire or taking part in a sponsored
ride, only Grayham and I made it. Taking a track to Stid Fold we were chastised.
After sweet talking we were allowed to continue “just this once” along a track wide
enough for HGV’s. We dropped to Healy Dell and climbed to cross the Rooley Moor
Road. Construction work blocked the way across the reservoir. Once more we had to
transgress and took a footpath, crossed Higher Naden Reservoir and joined a bridleway
on the other side. Few cyclists must come this way, since we had to lift bikes over
locked gates. At last we came to easier ground and descended on attractive tracks
to the A680 which took us up to “Owd Betts”. We lunched at the burger van. Hot cheese
muffin and a cup of tea -
Down a long, pleasant amd easy bridle way and then to Harwood Fields and Old Birtle.
Very expensive properties here -
John Kemp
You click here to checkout photos of the ride.
Wednesday 23rd May: Sandal Castle, Wakefield
The Leeds spur of the Trans Pennine Trail turns northward south of Barnsley. Old
railway track and dedicated cycle lanes get you round the urban sprawl of Barnsley
on to the delightful Barnsley canal -
Malcolm Lomas
You can click here to checkout photos of the ride.
Sunday 3rd June 2007: Whaley Bridge
We climbed steadily up the wonderfully traffic free Goyt Valley in glorious summer weather. Numerous roadies had overtaken us by the time we arrived for a brief stop at Derbyshire Bridge. However, that was the last we saw of them as we took to the off road on our way to Three Shires Head for what we thought would be an idyllic sojourn. However, today it was like a honey pot, so we did not stay long. More tracks and lanes to Flagg where we stopped at the unspoilt New Inn for lunch of sandwiches and tea – all pubs should be like this. Refreshed we took a scenic descent interspersed with a couple of short stiff climbs to pass through Hollinsclough to Glutton Bridge in Upper Dovedale. A climb over the ridge before the drop to Buxton where we took the main road over Long Hill for the well earned fast and long descent back to the cars. Today we had seen Derbyshire at its best!
John Kemp
You can click here to checkout photos of the ride
Wednesday 20th June: Ogden Water
A last minute hiccup prevented John and Grayham attending the ride. I met up with Brian Parkinson at Ogden Water car park and a ride above Bingley was agreed. After heavy overnight rain, we decided it best to avoid the higher ground. From Manywells Height a bridleway took us down and over the recently improved derelict railway at Hewenden, through Hallas Bridge and Wilsden into Cottingley. A short distance of main road and we picked up a bridleway through Beck Foot – up through St. Ives to Druids’ Altar Rocks, Cradle Edge and down to Barcroft. More bridle ways took us back towards Cullingworth, Spring Head Farm, West Manywells Farm and eventually the main road back to Ogden Water. We managed to avoid the only drop of rain we encountered by a visit to a very good garden centre tea room. A very enjoyable circuit with some excellent bridleway riding.
Malcolm Lomas
The forecast was appalling, and after the Sheffield floods we feared for the worst.
However, undeterred we set off. At Harpur Hill we tried unsuccessfully to follow
a non-
John Kemp
You can click here to checkout photos of the ride.
Wednesday 18th July: A ride to Meltham
The usual team of mid-
John Kemp
You can click here to checkout photos of the ride.
Sunday 5th August: Chapel en le Frith at Hadfield
We arrived at Chapel en le Frith only to find my tyre splitting in the centre of the tread. This was a fairly new Kendo with a tread that is almost unworn! Nothing for it but to return home, change the tyre and ride from Hadfield, This we did, along with new member Neal. We made the circuit of Longdendale on a baking hot day. At Crowden we followed a new section of trail signed as “Northern Horse Route”. This now makes it possible to follow the entire south side of the valley off road from Tintwistle to the summit of the A628 a distance of about 9 miles. Along here I had a puncture so the tube was replaced and then we sat and lunched in the sun. Reaching the summit we descended rapidly to the Woodhead tunnel and returned along the Trans Pennine Trail, taking in a couple of detours around Valehouse and Bottoms reservoirs. A beautiful day, but after all the rains it seems churlish now to complain about he heat!
John Kemp
You can click here to checkout photos of the ride and you can click here to see Neil Ruddock photos of the ride.
Wednesday 15th August: A ride from Emley.
There’s no mistaking Emley Moor TV mast. A high concrete tower standing on a high
ridge overlooking South Yorkshire. The original steel structure collapsed under the
accumulated weight of snow and ice in a winter of the mid 60s. Our ride was a variation
of the KERR – Kirklees East Riding Route, a figure of eight circuit straddling the
ridge of Emley Moor. Whichever way you go it’s downhill from the parking lot. We
dropped down to the south side of the Calder Valley via a series of very good bridleways.
Picked up the Calder and Hebble Canal, cycled the tow-
Present: Brian Parkinson, Michelle and Val from Rochdale, John and Richard Kemp
and Malcolm Lomas. 25 miles approx with very good off-
Sol Lomas
You can click here to checkout the photos of the ride.
The day started badly. We were abused by an irate local, for unknowingly, we had parked in an area reserved for residents. Fearing that we might have our cars trashed, we moved them. After this delay we climbed in warm sunshine to Aston where we took a track that makes a rising traverse to meet the ridge running westwards from Win Hill. This is a delight giving panoramic views into Edale. On reaching the ridge the wind had picked up and darkening clouds and a rainbow to the west hinted at what was to come. We continued along the ridge to a point shortly beyond Hope Cross. From there we walked much of a very steep and rocky descent through forest, and after negotiating a flood damaged bridge reached the A57. Judging by the many apparently fearless mountain bikers we met on the way this is serious country indeed.
Crossing the road we had to push steeply up the rough track to reach the watershed between the Upper Derwent and Snake valleys. At this point the rain started and we we made the now slippy descent to Ouzelden Clough where we took the road to Fairholmes visitor centre. After a bedraggled lunch in the increasing rain we caped up, decided against the climb over Derwent Edge, and took the valley route back to Hope and the Woodbine café.
John Kemp
You can click here to check out the photos of the ride
Wednesday 19th September 2007 Worsbrough
After a spending spree, we left Cycle Promotions’ car park and followed the Trans Pennine Trail. Approaching Bolton on Dearne the Trail was officially closed since the recent floods had washed part of it away, and further on a substantial bridge had been demolished. This involved us in a series of struggles to overcome the various obstacles. I would not recommend going this way until restoration is complete. We left the Trail at Harlington where we took to bridleways passing through fields and the delightful Melton Wood to reach the road at Marr.
We took lunch at the garden centre in Brodsworth, where there is also a “free” steam museum boasting an extensive display of stationary engines, all of which were in steam. This was particularly of interest to me as one of the mill engines “Agnes” came from a woollen mill where I had once worked in my youth. I would never have believed that I would see her again and working – absolutely fascinating!!
We continued along lanes and bridleways through Hooton Pagnell and Clayton to Little Houghton. Here at a weir over the Dearne we were again repulsed and had to backtrack. After stopping for Brian to deal with a puncture, we reached the little museum and tea room at Darfield. This is always welcoming and full of interest. Refreshed it was a quick 4 zmiles back on the Trans Pennine Trail to Worsbrough. It had been a fine warm day, whilst at home on the other side of the Pennines there had been nothing but rain!
John Kemp
Click here to see the photos of the ride
Wednesday 17th October: A ride from Glossop
We left the car park and at Grayham’s suggestion took the back streets to Whitfield before reaching open lanes which took us through Gnat Hole and emerge halfway up the Hayfield road. A much better way than the main road we agreed, for the views were extensive. From The Grouse we descended to Carr Meadow on a track parallel to the main road, whence we climbed past the shooting cabin. We stopped to inspect the place where Richard broke his ribs a couple of years ago, and then descending steeply to Kinder reservoir I took a tumble! There is no café in Hayfield which we found rather surprising, so we continued on to Birch Vale where we found a little cabin with soup, big sandwiches, and for the three of us that are Yorkshiremen – cheap! From here we climbed steeply to meet a higher road and then took the track to Rowarth. Here we stopped to admire the newly restored waterwheel by the Little Mill Inn, before passing Pistol and Gun Farms to reach the track over Cown Edge. This passes Robin Hoods Picking Rods which nobody really knows what they are, though there are many apocryphal stories. This track is much improved since it was incorporated in the Pennine Bridleway. Back at The Grouse we made an over 40mph descent back to Glossop.
John Kemp
Click here to see the photos of the ride.
We had pre-
We then continued up skirting Barkisland and Ringstone Edge Reservoir before descending
very steeply down narrow lanes and tracks to reach Robert’s house on the hillside
above Ripponden. Here Claire was waiting with lashings of soup to replenish us. We
said our thank yous and descended to Rishworth. Somehow along the way Malcolm, Reid
and I became separated from Robert and Grayham. After a number of calls to mobiles
we re-
John Kemp
Click here to see photos of the ride.
4th Nov 2007: A ride from Delph
Edna’s café does not open until noon on Sundays, so we were denied initial refreshment. The B6197 rises steeply out of Delph to a point where a vertical bridleway took us to the lip of the valley. We had wet feet pushing through long grass, but soon had made 500ft in less than a mile. We continued along another bridleway up to Bishop’s Monument and the trig point before descending into Strinesdale. The descent of Strinesdale is enjoyable and the lower section well suited to leisure cycling. A short interlude of urban streets took us to Lees for a lunch stop at the excellent value for money café.
The old railway line towards Oldham has been excellently restored to provide a cycleway,
though in a couple of spots the preponderance of broken glass was worrying. We were
welcomed into Oldham by the amplified incantations emanating from a large mosque.
At the end of the cycleway we entered Alexandra Park before following another cycleway
to Park Bridge Heritage Centre -
It had been a super day with fine weather, autumnal colours and a ride of contrasts. Quite surprising how much good riding can be found within what is for the most part an urban environment.
John Kemp
Click here to see photos of the ride
Wednesday 21st A ride from Holmbridge.
Eight people -
The Tykes amongst us feasted on Yorkshire pudding, sausages and mash, whilst the Lancashire members pointedly chose ham fish or liver! We spent over 2 hours chatting convivially, discussing the prospect of a future tour to Orkney and also in putting the RSF to rights!
After lunch we said goodbye to Don who had a lengthy ride back over the moors to Ashton. The rest of us took the short but attractive ride back, skirting the slopes of Holme Moss, through Yateholm and back to the cars. We were very pleased to welcome prospective member Jeff who said that he had enjoyed the day
John Kemp
Click here to see photos of the ride
2nd December: A ride from Marple
The day was dark and stormy and the rain came down in torrents, and only a fool would
venture out on a day as dawned this day. Two such fools made there way to the Roman
Lakes at Marple, bought teas and sat drinking them in their car. After some time
the rain eased and they rode along the riverside track to a point where a steep slippery
cobbled ascent was made towards the Fox Inn near New Mills. Shunning this, they proceeded
through New Mills to Low Leighton and a further steep climb towards the moor. At
this point the heavy rain re-
On leaving, they found the rain had intensified and that the second fool had a flat. The tube was replaced in some misery within a miniscule and unfriendly bus shelter where they became suitably chilled. Capes on and with frozen fingers, they set off along the canal for a very wet ride back to Marple, the Roman Lakes and a coffee. On arriving home the bigger fool’s wife said “I was just beginning to wonder where you were. Only a fool would stay out so long on a day like today!
John Kemp
Click here to see photos of the ride.
8th December: A impromptu Ride, Apedale Road.
Thanks For The Memory!
Malcolm Lomas and I drove up to the head of Ribblesdale where we were to stay the weekend at Gearstones Lodge for the Yorkshire Mountaineering Club’s annual Xmas fest. The following morning we were joined by Brian Parkinson who had driven up for the day. We drove to Castle Bolton in Wensleydale to have a ride over the classic Apedale Road to Swaledale.
It was a grey cold day as we climbed steeply on tarmac making 600ft in a mile and
a quarter to reach the start of the Apedale Road. As we descended gently into Apedale
the first flurries of snow commenced and at the crossing of bridleways by Dent’s
Houses we took shelter in a barn for a few minutes. The snow started to fall more
heavily as we re-
Then it was a climb back of another 550ft in almost 2 miles to the watershed. After a short distance we were once more reduced to walking owing to the depth of snow and the lack of traction. Eventually we reached the summit, but again found that progress was slow as we could not change out of the lowest gears as they had frozen up again. The descent to Askrigg was relatively slow and slippery, and at one point I was moving forward with both wheels locked. This resulted in a minor tumble. Must remember to put different tyres on when next in snow!
The café was welcoming, and we were told that we were the only customers that day!
Replenished we took to the road to ride back to Castle Bolton. The snow had now turned
to rain and we had to put our lights on for the ride down the valley which was very
wet. The roads were flooded and we were drenched by spray from on-
Then it was back to Gearstones, for teas before a shower and an Xmas meal for Malcolm
and me, whilst Brian took the long drive back on flooded roads to Lancashire. It
had been a cracking ride -
John Kemp
Click here to see the photos of the ride.
19th Dec 2007: A ride from Hadfield
Five riders met at the Trans Pennine Trail car park and left to climb over the ancient hill fort of Mouselow and descend to Glossop. The track from Old Glossop along Mossy Lee took us to Tanyard Farm where we dragged Bill out of bed and cajoled him into providing pots of tea. After a tour of his Aladdin’s cave workshop we continued to the start of Doctor’s Gate, but instead we turned away to reach the Snake Road and to take the minor road along Derbyshire Level. On the steepest section we were overtaken at some speed by a girl runner with a dog! In glorious sun and a bitterly cold headwind we passed over Chunal to Hayfield and the excellent little hut café at Birch Vale.
After lunch Richard left us so that he could get home in time to walk his dogs. Sol, Grayham, Brian and I continued along the Sett Valley trail to New Mills and then to Strines where we took a bridleway to Marple Bridge. Reaching Compstall we passed through the country park to make an attractive ascent through woods to the Marple – Glossop road and return to Hadfield on the edge of dark.
John Kemp
Click here to view the photos of the ride