Ride to Castleton

Last Thursday, Andrew, David and Catherine and I met at Grindleford Village Shop (see earlier post), where we had an excellent cup of filter coffee before slogging up the long hill to the Fox House, and then on to Ringinglow. Heavy showers, followed by heavy rain was the weather that had been forecast, but in fact the gods of cycling were smiling on us, for we encountered just one light shower of any significance during the whole ride, with mostly cloudy conditions and some blue sky on occasions! Andrew led us from there along Route 6 up and down some seriously undulating roads and tracks through the beautiful Dark Peak scenery, to Ladybower Reservoir, where the route goes over the dam. We replaced a few signs on the way (see pics). At Ladybower itself, signs put up by the Sheffield rangers have been systematically removed by Severn Trent because the water company does not want to give rights of way to walkers or cyclists over its property (there's a sign there to this effect) and so we decided not to do any work there yet. We continued on to Hope, where we had something to eat in the friendly Woodbine Café. Now in the Hope Valley, you might have thought that the route had become flat - think again! Another 2 miles of undulations took us past the cement works and on to Castleton, where Route 6 fizzles out at the moment, although it should go to Manchester. We returned by the main road to Hathersage, which really is flat, and with the wind behind us - as with all well planned rides! By this time, I was suffering from cramps in both legs, as I hadn't cycled for some weeks, and so I bade the others farewell, as they pedalled the comparatively short distance back to Grindleford. I considered my options (which were many) and eventually decided to also go to Grindleford from where, after a phone call, I scrounged a lift back home with my long-suffering wife! I had intended to follow Route 6 back to Sheffield, but that will have to wait! Thanks to Andrew for an excellent ride in the Peak, and to everyone for risking the weather!