In bright sunshine which continued throughout the day, and with recent snow still around, Catherine and David, Stuart, Maldwyn and I met at Grin Low car park (pic). We pedalled to Ladmanlow and over the trackbed of the old Cromford and High Peak Railway, which will soon form part of Peak Cycle Links' route from Buxton to the High Peak Trail. This tarmacked road passes through the Health and Safety Laboratories' property but, when it leaves it, soon degenerates into a series of muddy paths leading to the foot of Staker Hill. I'd been here before but still haven't followed the 'correct' route, it would appear, for instead of taking the direct route to the summit, we chose a zig-zag path which eased the gradient - and we still pushed! Then to Earl Sterndale, where the Silent Woman pub wasn't open yet, and so past High Wheeldon and onto the start of the High Peak Trail (pic). We went down the trail as far as the Royal Oak at Sparklow, had a pint (pic), then ably led by Catherine and David, took the Pennine Bridleway (a first for me), from which we enjoyed some expansive and beautiful views (pic), to the head of the Monsal Trail at Wye Dale. After a few hundred metres on the murderous A6, we climbed Woo Dale, another proposed section of the White Peak Trail - pushing again - crossed the Buxton golf course, and returned through the town to Grin Low. A great ride in good weather, through marvellous countryside and over some good routes, and in excellent company! Thanks to everyone taking part! I'm hoping to meet other rangers on similar rides and several of you have offered to do some signing when the weather gets better - thanks for that too!
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