Wet Daffodils and Curlews ride

As remembered by Catherine; 

A grey, damp morning to start off from Waterhouses Station Car Park but greeted by smiles from all; Brian, Maldwyn, David and David S. 

A warm up of a hill to start on NCN 549 towards Uttoxeter. The signage seemed in good condition throughout the day and the only debate was at Norrbury Junction where the sign has been recently draped in new cables. As it was on a telegraph pole we decided to leave it for another day. Passing through Rocester we went by JCB headquarters passing some of the products lined up ready for dispatch. We met up with Peter and Gill at the Denstone Farm Cafe for an excellent lunch and chat. 

Due to the the possible mud on the Churnet Valley Trail we took the tarmac option for our return. We stopped for a peek at one of the JCB properties squeezing through a hidden snicket (it is a public footpath) at the magnificent Wooton Lodge (Pevsner says it’s the finest house in Staffordshire) attributed to Robert Smythson, built between 1580 and 1611. As a joke it was suggested a good venue for our summer social? We continued on past a series of lakes up to Farley village hearing screams from the rides at Alton Towers. Onwards up the Cotton valley we continued past the derelict Cotton College and over the historic incline plane up to the highest point of the ride at 360 meters. From there a long downhill past Cauldon Low quarry and back to the start. Total 37k. Signage work 0. 

Well done team!!