19th August 2010: Peak District Ride

An early start today to join Clive and Kate at Ivan’s house for the drive over to Waterhouses in the Peak District.  Once the bikes were loaded we were off, with Ivan driving and retelling his recent motorbike test experience.  Not enough lifesavers seemed to be the problem: and I thought lifesavers were found on the beach or swimming pool!  Well there was no need of lifesavers today and we arrived at 9.50am, having made good time despite the density of speed cameras.  Within half an hour we were all assembled and ready to ride: Jim, Dave H, Mike M, Clive, Ivan, Kate, Dave & Liz P and me.  Jim promised us a lovely day out although with a couple of steep hills to start and about 1500 ft of ascent (more on that later).

With Jim leading it was out the back of the car park onto the main road and the start of a steady climb, easy at first, then left onto a minor road and the climb steepened.  This was only the start and we were already strung out, but the view as we reached the top made it worthwhile.  Another climb followed, until by Blore we were ready for the exhilarating descent down to Ilam to take morning tea at the beautiful Ilam Hall.

Photographs by Ivan Davenport

After a refreshing break, with time for photographs, it was time to continue on to Dovedale and a brief diversion to see the famous stepping-stones.  Then retracing our steps we left Dovedale for the climb up to Thorpe.  Halfway up the climb it was suddenly apparent that our numbers were somewhat diminished.  Ivan headed back down to find that the others had been separated from the advance party by a large tractor blocking the lane.  Once all together again the going got easier as we headed to Tissington to join the Tissington Trail.  Here we joined the many families making use of the old railway track for a family cycle ride through the most beautiful of scenery.  What a great way to get the kids cycling!  In a few years time they may even be joining their local cycling club.

After a few miles on the flat we left the trail and rejoined the lanes, uphill at first then down to Heathcote.  This was perhaps the pattern for the day: a stiff climb, long but not too steep, with the double reward of beautiful views from the top followed by fast swooping descents.  And with perfect cycling weather and practically no traffic what more could you ask for?

After the gradual climb through Long Dale we eventually emerged at High Needham for the descent down to our lunch stop at Crowdecote.  Jim’s choice of the Pack Horse was truly inspired: a friendly welcome, great ale, good food, fast service and lime and soda at £1 a pint.  The bar staff even stopped serving to listen to Ivan recounting the adventure of his lost wallet and a night spent drinking!
After leaving the pub we crossed the Dove for the second time to begin another climb up to Sheen Hill ridge followed by the last descent of the day down to Hulme End where we joined the Manifold Way Trail back to Waterhouses.  With just over two miles to go Dave H, blazing our trail at the front, disputed the right of way with a dog and ended up on the trail.  With no harm done we pulled in at the next tea place for a well earned tea and scone before completing the ride as a light drizzle descended to remind us how lucky we had been with the weather.
What a wonderful day out: only 40 miles done but everyone truly enjoyable. And the climbing: 3,383 feet of ascent!  A great ride Jim.  Thanks for all the work planning it.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
BW