Northern Peak and South Pennine Group's past ride reports of 2010

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Past Meets of 2010 of the Northern Peak and South Pennine Group

If you enjoyed reading the reports of this years rides of Group you may like to read the past reports of the group’s 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 rides.

Ride reports for January, February and March.

Wednesday 20th January 2010: A ride from New Mill

The first ride of the new decade and thankfully most of the snow had disappeared. This had prevented us from riding since mid-December and had caused the cancellation of the Hayfield ride. It was still very cold as we left the church to pass through Hagg Wood and on to Honley. We climbed up to Netherton where we took what a mis-reading of the map led us to believe was a walled track. We were soon to be disabused. This passed through Dean Wood – quite wide at first but after a short distance deteriorating into single track traversing a steep hillside above a stream in a rocky defile. Still nothing to worry about - until we came to a point where it was completely iced over. – Are you scared or what ? So, Grayham led the way very slow-w-w-ly, conscious of the fact that a slip here could be very serious indeed. Eventually we met the road and passed through South Crosland to reach Meltham. The Ivy Café was quiet but the food was good, cheap and plentiful. Replenished we took a fairly direct route back, which apart from the short gut wrenching climb out of Meltham Mills had little of interest, so I’ll shut up .

John Kemp

Click here to see photos of the ride and click here to download the route in GPS Exchange Format.

Sunday 7th February 2010: A ride from Altrincham

Navigation Road station Altrincham and we were joined by new Members Keith and Alf for a ride to Stockton Heath. We followed the Bridgewater Canal and approaching Lymm took a wooded bridleway into the village. We continued towards Lymm Dam to meet a lengthy flight of steps which took us up to the A56. After struggling up these we crossed the road to enter Lymm Dam Country Park. We continued through this attractive park which was new ground for us. On leaving the park we crossed the M6 and then followed minor roads and bridleways to Grappenhall where we rejoined the canal for the short distance to Stockton Heath. Here we headed for Morrisons for lunch. At lunch we were joined by Bryan who told us that a new track had been constructed which which would enable us to follow the Manchester Ship Canal further along to Latchford Locks. At the locks we were able to wheel the bikes across the canal to join the Trans Pennine Trail. We followed the T. P. Trail with its numerous gates almost back to the start. It had been a cold grey but dry day – a very flat ride but excellent company

John Kemp

Click here to see photos of the ride and click here to download the route in GPS Exchange Format or click here to download the route as Memory Map Navigator Overlay file or click here to download the route which suitable for use with Quo Mapping Software.

Wednesday 17th January 2010: A ride from Penistone.

Is there no end to this winter weather?? Thick fog forces us to abandon our proposed route as we head for a pre-ride coffee and toasted teacake. In the warm cafe we decide that it is safest to follow the Trans Pennine Trail. Half an hour later than usual we are away. It is bitterly cold, everything is covered with a thick film of rime and visibility is very poor, but at least it is windless. Near Wortley we pass through the lengthy tunnel and the old station to enter Wharncliffe Woods. The woods are a serious mountain biker’s Mecca with a wealth routes of all grades – but not for us! Leaving the Trail we rise steeply through the woods to meet a minor road where we switch rear lights on before turning to follow a track leading down to Finkle Street. A short steep on-road climb leads to the busy A629 where we ride the pavement into Wortley village. Having lunched in the pleasant and friendly Countess Tea Rooms, it is lights on again for the road dropping to the T. P. Trail. We take the normally pretty alternative avoiding the tunnel, but in the poor visibility there is little to see. Rejoining the Trail, we proceed rapidly to Penistone for a final coffee before going our respective ways home. A grim day relieved by good company but at least it got us out of the house!

John Kemp

Sunday 7th March 2010: Rossendale (16.8 miles)

After the worst of winters - a cloudless, still and brilliantly sunny day. Cold - but we are used to that now! Nine riders left Waterfoot climbing through Cowpe, Boarsgreave and then via Rooley Moor Road. Road? - a euphemism! Forty five minutes later we have, apart from one or two stretches, ridden 2.5 miles and climbed 800 foot to the the quarries fringing Cowpe Moss and glorious panoramic views. Through these extensive disused quarries we have to exercise care as there are still patches of snow and much ice along the track. At Cowpe Lowe we descend Sand Beds Lane stopping for Geoff to mend a puncture. In the lower sections the track steepens, turns to concrete and is overlain with ice. So, the more timorous of us decide to walk. At Edenfield we are encroaching upon Lancashire Group territory, so Brian is able to lead us to Winfields of Haslingden for the lunch stop, where this immense outdoor shop has an excellent cafe. Replete, we follow a track to the panopticon at Top o’ Slate. Panopticon? - this is one of four structures dotted around East Lancashire - “21st Century landmarks, designed to attract visitors into the countryside to enjoy the stunning landscapes” - certainly today the views are impressive. Finally we descend past Rossendale Ski Slope to Rawtenstall and follow the old railway back. At last Spring is almost springing.

John Kemp

Wednesday 17th March 2010: A ride from Hope (18.23 miles)

Leaving Woodbine Cafe we took the track through the enormous cement works to Bradwell, and started the climb of Bradwell Edge. This starts as a tarmac lane and then changes to a rather muddy single track. Steep? No! VERY STEEP! I had to keep both brakes on whilst walking otherwise I would have fallen backwards! Good job there was no one coming down. Further up the track veers left and takes a less severe upward traverse, eventually cresting the ridge where there are extensive views. We followed the track coming up from Brough, dropped to Abney and then up to Great Hucklow where we had a look at the venue for the autumn meet. We had a legthy chat with and were shown around by the caretaker - an ex top flight cyclo cross rider. It is a spacious and well appointed place which should suit us very well. This delay meant that we did not arrive at Tideswell until almost 2pm. Sunny and warm at last, we were able to sit outside and lunch in comfort – can’t remember when we were last able to do this. We were all overdressed for these unused to conditions, and this meant that it was hard going in the strong headwind to Peak Forest. A bridleway took us along the Limestone Way through patches of lying snow over Old Moor with a minor detour to visit the trig point and then to a Junction of tracks near the top of Cave Dale. Turning right we rapidly descended Dirtlow Rake and into Pindale which was so boulder strewn that we had to walk down most of it. Then a quick dash back to Hope.

John Kemp

Ride Reports for April, May and June

Wednesday 21st April: Greetland (22.83 miles)

Reid was unable to join us until lunch, but as we were on his home territory he had planned a morning route for us that he said was “not too steep – but do remember that this is Calderdale!” So it proved. Three flat miles along the canal towards Brighouse, then a climb followed by a gradually rising ride along Sunny Vale to Hipperholme. We continued this ride of many ups and few downs along lanes and bridleways through Lightcliffe and Norwood Green and on to a high point at Coley. A steep and narrow bridleway took us down along Jum Hole Beck. Here a puncture from a vicious sprig of hawthorn delayed us for some minutes, giving everyone else the chance to relax. Reid was waiting for us at the new cafe in Shibden Park where we were able to eat and relax in the sunshine. After lunch Reid led us through vertical Calderdale by way of a climb and descent to the start of a very steep bridleway leading up to Southowram. This was followed by a wonderfully scenic and lengthy plunge to Salterhebble. Here he left us, but not before pointing us to another long ascent through Copley Woods and a final rapid descent back to the cars. Many thanks to Reid for planning a route which was always rural and full of interest, and in a region that was once one of “dark satanic mills”. Yes - we shall remember that this is Calderdale!.

John Kemp

Sunday 2nd May Whaley Bridge (24.39 miles)

Long Hill was closed, so it was pleasant climbing in the traffic free conditions. We dropped to Fernilee reservoir and followed the track bed of the old railway before crossing Errwood reservoir to make the ascent of the always wonderful Goyt Valley. At Derbyshire Bridge we stopped for a couple of minutes and then climbed up to the Cat and Fiddle road. We were not dressed for winter conditions, so the strong and bitterly cold northeast wind helped us in making the decision to drop to Buxton rather than proceed to Flash as initially intended. In the centre of Buxton we found a newly opened cafe where we were able to thaw out after the cold descent. Fed, we climbed to the summit of the A5004 where we took a (new to us) pleasant short bridleway avoiding the main road. Back on the traffic free Long Hill we continued the descent with a stop to admire the views over the Goyt Valley. We dropped to a point where we were able to take a bridleway that traverses around the hillside and eventually leads to the pretty village of Combs. Along this track we stopped to admire the extensive panoramic views towards Eccles Pike and Kinder Scout. Finally, we took the old tramway to Bugsworth Basin where we were able to follow the canal back to Whaley Bridge. A super day, but a pity we had not heeded the adage “Ne’er cast a clout”

John Kemp

Wednesday 19th May A ride from Marsden (21.41 miles)

Something is not right - it is fine warm and dry! This has been a long time coming and for once we have no need of gloves or winter jacket. The Pennine Bridleway Newsletter states that the Wessenden track has been improved, so we decide to have a look. We ascend this ever beautiful valley which rises 850ft in 3.5miles to the Isle of Skye road (A635) between Holmfirth and Greenfield - so named after the long demolished and isolated moorland inn. The improvements to the track have involved compacting or slabbing in the looser sections and it is easily rideable throughout. From the head of the valley we descend towards Holmfirth and then follow the lengthy bridleway down via Bradshaw to Digley. We climb again via Ford and then drop rapidly to Meltham where we lunch at the Ivy Cafe. Big portions here - Grayham’s muffin of fried egg 2 sausages 2 rashers and a tomato cost all of £2.20!

Fed, the next three quarters of a mile involve a bottom gear, continuous and lung bursting climb, only for me to realise that I have left my camera on the wall. I make a rapid descent (alone) to find that someone has handed it in at the cafe. Relieved, I remake the climb to join the others who are of course by now fully refreshed. We continue the climb until we can take a bridleway which takes us past a pleasant waterfall towards Deer Hill. We discover another bridleway sign pointing to the left but the map shows it petering out. Not sure whether we can follow it further we decide to explore when we are surprised by a very low flying aircraft. We continue easily past Deer Hill reservoir and beneath Shooters Nab to find a good track running alongside a lengthy leat. Further along this turns to run high above Wessenden before deteriorating into rutted singletrack traversing the steep hillside. Brian continues Blondin like until he reaches a point where he can ride directly down the steep grassy slope to meet the track coming up from Marsden. Being more timorous, the rest of us make a very cautious descent ‘a pied’ and follow this with a rapid return to the start. A very enjoyable day with good company, super views over some new ground and thankfully warmer than of late.

John Kemp

Ride Reports in July, August and September.

Wednesday 21st July A ride from Walsden (17.19 miles)

Twelve days ago a hosepipe ban was imposed and we have had nothing but heavy rain ever since! So what should we do? Go up into the clouds or take the easier valley alternative? We opt for the former. Foul Clough Road lives up to its name for it is unrelentingly steep - 1 in 5. On reaching the lip of the valley the tarmac ends and the gradient eases. We are able to remount and still climbing continue up to the high moor. We are surprised to find that apart from the final push to the watershed it has been possible to ride the rest of the way. At the top we have climbed 850ft in 3 miles. No wonder it is named Hades Hill! The northern slopes are heavily quarried and we descend wide but very rough tracks to Shawforth where we discover a newly opened cafe - Lizzie Lumb’s . Fortunately the threat of rain seems to have passed and we are able to lunch outside. Fed, the clouds and mist return, so this time we take the easier alternative. Capes on we follow Sustrans route 92 through Healey Dell, stopping to peer over the 100ft high viaduct. Skirting Rochdale we reach the canal at Clegg Hall. At Littleborough we find another new cafe where we have a final drink before continuing back along the canal - amazingly in bright sunshine. Driving home there is a cloudburst. How lucky we have been!

John Kemp

Sun 1st August: A ride from Langsett (23.36 miles)

We met at Langsett Barn on a rather grey day but at least it was not cold or raining. The start was delayed as we tried to convince a cyclist that he would be better off if he joined the RSF. We dropped below the reservoir to cross the stream and follow a right of way up the hillside. Passing along the edges of fields on what was technically a footpath we thought it prudent to walk. Soon it became a wide and well used track with signs of numerous bike tracks, so we started to ride. At Midhopestones we had to walk a steep and enclosed bridleway which took us up to the road to Strines after we had passed through a field of cows with an enormous bull. Fortunately we did not notice him until we were safely through a gate, and judging by the number of calves he must have had an enjoyable springtime. A short on-road climb took us Whitwell Moor and a long descent to Bolsterstone. Here a by-way led around Townend Common with a steep stony descent from Hollin Edge Height to Ewden. After crossing the valley the ascent proved too much and, except for Grayham, we were reduced to walking. At Brightholmlee we followed Storth Lane around the hillside. This turned out to be a delightful bridleway with a steepish descent at the end. Then instead of dropping directly to Oughtibridge we took a gut wrenching walk and climb over the ridge to Onesacre. The reward was a super drop to our lunch stop. There is no cafe at Oughtibridge and we were directed to “The Pheasant” that proudly displayed a sign “food now being served” We locked the bikes and went inside only to be told that they were not doing food! So, we found the “Cock Inn” and what super spot this turned out to be – highly recommended. “Is it Yorkshire Tea?” Sol asked “Nothing else!” was the reply. South Yorkshire always seems to come up trumps in terms of food stops, as even Frank had to admit! Fed, we entered Wharncliffe Woods and followed the Trans Pennine Trail to Wortley. After a little difficulty we managed to locate a ford across the infant River Don where Frank and Grayham posed for photos. Then we had to walk a steeply rising and slippery track through woods and fields to reach the road to Green Moor. We followed the road for 3 to 4 miles to a highpoint near Hartcliffe where a bridleway drops to the A616. After stopping to look at a field full of deer and to admire the panorama over Langsett we thought it better to walk. There was no track and if it had not been for the blue markers we would not have found it easy to locate the route. The ground was steep, hard and badly churned up by cows and we did not fancy going over the handlebars. The final kilometre back along the A616 was distinctly unpleasant – narrow with fast moving heavy traffic – not to be recommended and the only downside to what had been a super day with lots of new ground in an area that I thought I knew well - even if for me it was a knee knackering one.

John Kemp

Wednesday 18th August: A ride from Buxton (16.66 miles)

We thought that we would be few on the ground due to illness and holidays but in the event we had a good turnout, though we were outnumbered by visiting members from other groups! The Macclesfield Old Road out of Buxton is steep and stony and for most of us it meant a walk. As usual I was the last to breast the summit for I find walking not easy these days! A pleasant descent to Derbyshire Bridge was followed by a climb to the 1700 foot high Cat and Fiddle where we took a short rest. The one and a half mile bridleway across the moor to the A54 is an easy and pleasant track. A mile along the A54 we took a lane and bridleway to pass some walkers. However we were soon re-passed by them as we struggled down the steep, rocky and sandy track to arrive at Three Shires Head. This is an idyllic and popular spot where we stopped to take photos. The track from here is not steep but deep sand and stones make it difficult to ride until it approaches Hawk’s Nest. From here the bridleway is a difficult deeply entrenched and narrow defile dropping through woods to a ford before climbing to meet the tarmac. The road for most of us was a very steep walk to Flash – at over 1500’ the highest village in England. We passed the pub and continued to the recently opened cafe at Flash Bar. Three hours had passed and we had covered little more than eight miles. In the old days we could have run it quicker, but alas no more! After lunch we passed along Axe Edge to take a most pleasant green bridleway which descends beside a tributary of the infant Dove. Reaching Fairthorn we climbed over the ridge to take another grassy bridleway which took us over the moor before descending to Harpur Hill. Here the weather forecast proved correct. The predicted heavy shower arrived and we were forced to shelter under a railway bridge before making a rapid return to the start. Not many miles - a toughish morning, an easier afternoon- but quality views and company!

John Kemp