Saturday morning once again saw us out with Stockport Community Cycling Club. Sarah nearly didn’t make it. Still struggling for energy following her recent illness, she considered staying at home. Maybe getting some fresh air would help she finally decided however. So we met up with a small band of trusty club riders at the Lapwing Centre, Brinnington for the last club ride before Christmas.

We began by heading out towards Bredbury and Romiley.

At Romiley we got in to the Christmas spirit by listening to a brass band playing carols for the local shoppers.

We picked up the Peak Forest canal and followed it towards Marple.

We dropped down from the canal through Brabyns Park and to Compstall.

Coffee break – or rather for Sarah and I, tea and a bacon bap – was taken at the cafe at Etherow Country Park.

After being fed and watered we headed back through Brabyns Park, weaved our way through Marple and then over the new Chadkirk Bridge.

From one recent introduction to the area to another, a short way down the road we passed the new community hydro-electric scheme at Otterspool.

We followed the bridleway along the Goyt valley through Offerton and, to complete our cultural tour of Stockport, past Goyt Hall.

Finally we turned back towards Brinnington.

A pleasant 15 mile ride with a few climbs. Just what we needed to get us ready before the Christmas parties!