It was a cold but thankfully sunny winter morning we arrived in Frodsham for the Delamere 2018 ride. This is always a popular ride in the Stockport Community Cycling Club calendar (you can view last year’s review here). In spite of the plunging temperatures over the weekend, there was still a healthy turnout. Thankfully, the numbers meant we were able to stay in one group for a change. Just as well, since Sarah and I had forgotten our Garmins! Andy Shaw was today’s ride leader, and though Neil was meant to be the back-leader, he was happy to hand this role over to Sarah.

Leaving Frodsham, we soon turned off Chester Road and headed up Tarvin Road to Alvanley.

This brought our first major climb of the day.

We gathered at the top and got our breath back.

Continuing on soon brought the next climb on Manley Road.

At the top, there was a great view looking out over the Wirral and North Wales.

Passing through Manley we next made our way towards Barrowmore.

We dropped down the hill, taking care as we did so as we passed a few icy sections.

Changing direction slightly our route would now head towards Kelsall.

Passing through the village of Oscroft on the way, and briefly joining NCN Route 71.

We skirted the edge of Kelsall.

We turned off NCN Route 71.

Then followed an off-road section.

Past Linmore Lodge Visitor Centre.

Our lunch stop was at Delamere Station House Cafe. They always serve good hearty food here.

Refreshed, we set off after lunch towards Hatchmere.

Here we turned left and joined Ashton Road, picking up NCN Route 70, as we cycled through the heart of Delamere Forest.

At the next junction, we turned on to Dark Ark Lane. This presented another tasty climb.

Next, we turned on to New Pale Road.

We continued to climb.

Finally, we reached our highest point of the day. There then followed a fast and sharp descent for a couple of miles.

This took us all the way back to Frodsham.

This Delamere 2018 ride had shown that even when the weather is colder, getting out on your bike can still prove to be an exhilarating experience.

You can view the Delamere 2018 route below: