wpc3deb45a.png

Past Ride Reports  in 2005

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

 

Wednesday 21st December 2005 Hadfield

A rather grey day as six Roughstuffers (with Don and Graham on their first outing with us) set off from the Trans Pennine Trail car park at Hadfield. We went via Hollingworth, Cow Lane and Hobson Moor to Stalybridge. Here we joined the now restored Huddersfield Canal and followed it past numerous old and large cotton mills until we met the Ashton Canal and the Peak Forest Canal at Portland Basin in Ashton under Lyne. This is an attractively restored heritage site well worth a visit at any time.

 

From here we took the slightly more rural Peak Forest Canal along the Tame Valley towards Hyde and thence to Marple. Along the way we walked through a lengthy canal tunnel at Bredbury, took a track over the top of a second tunnel and passed along the high and impressive Marple Aqueduct. At this point we took a track through Brabyns Park to the café in the Etherow Country Park at Compstall where Brian and Grayham (the other one) were able to stoke up at last.

 

Refreshed we started the long and steep track direct and up to the top of Werneth Low – not recommended on full stomachs! However at the summit we were rewarded by magnificent and extensive views over Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and Derbyshire. Next we made the plunge down the near vertical Apple Street to Hattersley. At this point the rain started and set in, so we had to don waterproofs for the rest of the day, as we followed the main road for the short distance to the roundabout at the end of the M67.

 

A short but very muddy track was then followed to Mottram Cutting. Finally the Old Coach Road was ridden by Sol and Brian but walked by the rest of us as we descended to Hollingworth and the final mile back to Hadfield.

 

26miles: An easy morning followed by a rather tougher afternoon. Goodly company, and good weather for the time of year - save for the last hour.

 

John Kemp

 

Penistone 23 November 2005

 

Driving over to Penistone from the Derbyshire side of the Pennines in freezing thick fog, the day did not seem to offer much enjoyment. However, having passed over the summit into Yorkshire the fog suddenly disappeared and the day changed into a beautiful sunny winter's day, albeit still freezing.

 

Three members of the Northern group were joined by Brian Parkinson from the Lancashire group. Brian had camped overnight in the freezing conditions to be there for the start time. He must be mad!

 

The ride followed the Trans-Pennine Trail heading east for a short distance before branching off on to the Dove Valley Trail at Oxpring, and thence to Silkstone Common. The trail follows the course of an old railway track and the riding was flat and easy. After crossing over the M1 motorway we headed for Worsborough where a short deviation was made to visit Cycle Promotions shop, as Richard wanted some spare inner tubes. Shortly after leaving Worsborough we left the trail and joined the road skirting Wombwell Woods to Hemingfield where we joined the Timberland Taril which led to Elsecar Industrial Heritage Centre, a former coal board workshop site. After lunch we passed under the M1, this time on our way to Tankersley thence to Wortley. Shortly after leavu=ing Wortley we joined the Trans-Pennine Trail for the final leg back to Penistone.

 

Our enjoyable ride concluded with Brian heading off into the setting sun back to the campsite. The journey home finished as it started. Once over the Pennine Summit in to Derbyshire in freexzing foggy conditions. It was certainly a fortuitous route choice by John, even if he could not come on the day. Well done John!

 

Grayham Simpson

 

Wednesday 19th October 2005: Holmfirth

“Rain clearing to give a clear day with heavy showers returning late afternoon.” For once the forecast was spot on, and we had a pleasant autumnal day: A dry start, returning to the cars just as the first drops of rain were beginning to fall. The second meet of our new Northern Peak and South Pennine group and attendance had doubled to eight.

 

Shortly after leaving Brownhill picnic site we were caught by a car with two late arrivals. A few minutes wait and we were ready to continue along the partially forested and heavily puddled Yateholme track to emerge on the A6024 at the foot of the final section of Holme Moss. This, as you know, is a climb that frequently features in the Tour of Britain and other Classic rides. However, today we took the easy way and descended to Holme village and Digley dam. The reservoir. was still quite low after the relatively rainless summer. A short but steep climb from the reservoir to the start of the fairly lengthy track of Nether lane. Then gently rising past the isolated and derelict farmsteads of Bradshaw and Bartin, before turning back along Springs Lane to meet the A635. Much of this track comprises stone slabs that are heavily gouged by the passage of pre-mechanised transport. Having climbed well over 500ft, we were now a short distance below the site of the demolished Isle of Skye inn. Throughout the morning we were treated to the extensive views which feature so prominently in “The Last of The Summer Wine.

 

At this point we started a descent of  more than 800ft to Mytholm Bridge. On the way we passed the Ford Inn where we took the road towards Honley, turning off to go through Upper Oldfield, Deanhouse, along the track through Hagg Wood and then over the footbridge at Mytholm Bridge. A short distance further on we came to New Mill and stopped for lunch. There was no café!  So, we bought rather bland pre-packed sandwiches at the Co-op and sat on a seat overlooking the square. We finished lunch, only to discover that the local butcher sold a good sized cup of tea for  60p – a bargain! Unfortunately, it was too late for the mouthwatering pies and other goodies.

 

Re-mounting we took a minor road to the hamlet of Fulstone. Here we turned right and via a short descent and climb came to re-cross the A635 by the Crossroads Inn at Snowgate Head. Having now regained over 700ft in height, we took tracks and lanes around the steep escarpment overlooking New Mill and Jackson Bridge, and then along Dick Edge Lane to reach Victoria at the highest point of the A616 Huddersfield to Sheffield road. Crossing this road we continued easily around the head of the valley to Law on the B6106, and then to Snittlegate at the summit of the Holmfirth – Dunford Bridge road. From here we took the lane past Magnum Bonum, Ellentree Brow and Cook’s Study which overlook Hades. We stopped to admire the Holme Moss vista, for throughout the afternoon we were enjoying panoramic views over West Yorkshire. Next it was a steep, interesting and rocky descent down the side of Ramsden Clough to Tinker Well. At this point Richard found a “geocache” and explained how this form of treasure hunting with a GPS was gaining popularity. A few yards further down through the woods and we emerge on the track a few yards from our starting point.

In sum: - a short distance of  24miles in a long time of 5hours. A mix of geriatrics and youth. A varied route of track and road, ascent and descent. Lots of stops for food, views and photos. Good weather and good companionship.

 

John Kemp

 

Wednesday 21st September 2005: Glossop

 

A clear bright day for our inaugural run. Four of us took the steepish climb out of Glossop towards Hayfield. I always feel that this is somewhat of a drag, since it is usually quite busy and the views are always behind. It is one of those roads that I find deceptively steeper than they look. At the summit, shortly after The Grouse Inn, we turned right and went by way of minor roads to Back Rowarth. At this point the tarmac ended and we rode through an attractive small ford and up a rough track to the other side of the valley before descending into Rowarth. I guess you would need a lot of money to buy property here! From here the track was initially rough and steep before levelling out and descending gently to join the back road from Hayfield to Thornsett at its highest point. Here there  were extensive views towards Kinder Scout and Mount Famine. At Thornsett we followed the old railway line along the Sett Valley Trail to New Mills where we passed through the impressive gorge of The Torrs and over the Millenium Bridge to emerge in the town. After buying sandwiches, we went to the Heritage Centre to have lunch and buy a cup of tea.

 

In the afternoon we went back the mile or so to Thornsett, but this time along the road. Here we reversed the Sett Valley Trail to its end in Hayfield. Passing through the village,  we took the Kinder Road and then on to the Snake bridleway, passing “Twenty Trees” on our way to the shooting cabin. Turning left we dropped down to Carr Meadow to meet the Glossop – Buxton road. Generally this track is good, apart from a short final stretch. So, much care was taken by all but one of us to avoid ruts that were three or more feet deep. Crossing the main road we climbed steeply to Matley Moor and followed bridleways over Coombs Edge and past Robin Hoods Picking Rods to meet Gun Road. We were surprised to see how much of this had been improved by resurfacing as part of the Pennine Bridleway. From here we had a pleasant descent to Millbrook and then the main road back towards Glossop. Approaching Hadfield we disbursed taking our separate ways, having covered some 30 miles, with about 70% of this on tracks.

 

We would be keen to see other members and guests on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. We will also be holding some Sunday rides, but at this stage we cannot plan these far in advance.

 

John Kemp

 

If you would like any more information about the Northern Peaks and South Pennine Group next ride check out their forthcoming events page.