3rd June 2010: Bucklow Hill & Tatton Park

It was a good turnout at the windsurfing centre with 7 solos and one tandem.  The centre was fraught with activity with a long line of huge cars disgorging single children for a watersports event.
Sat in the sun: it was almost difficult to get on the bikes and I agreed to try and deliver a route to Brian's chosen destination of Tatton Park.
The outward leg, almost immediately precipitating a peel off from Ray H, took us to Hatchmere, Norley and Acton Bridge and I admit, I didn't really know where I was at some points.  We followed the CCW signs, then to Great Budworth.  My first new route took us through the manicured parkland of Arley Hall where of course we all walked the short stretch of tarmac that was a path rather than bridleway.
Failing to find a pub at the right time, we eventually found the Swan at Bucklow Hill where good value 2 course meals at two for £12 were demolished.  The lime and soda ranged between 51p and free!  That's a new one on me.
The afternoon started with a splendid ride through the summery Tatton Park to Knutsford, then into the series of lanes to Lach Dennis and Moulton where the group unintentionally split with the back markers seeking out the track under the railway to cross the Weaver.  Those off the front reappeared just after Whitegate.
The dawdlers opted for an ice cream at the Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre just minutes before they shut up for the day, with departures to parked cars or riding home from there.  Jim and I were impressed however to find a previously unnoticed lake by Lime Tree Farm on our way back to Utkinton.
A successful day in grand summer warmth was pleasing all round and thanks go to all those who followed my erratic leadership.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
DHill