Last workday of 2015

Catherine and David, Paul Taylor and I met on the morning of New Year's Eve at the Hulme End car park. The weather was perfect for the time of year: sunny and dry, and relatively mild. We rode Route 549 to Beresford Dale, crossing the Dove at Frank-i'th-Rocks Bridge and climbing (including some walking) up the Derbyshire side of the valley, eventually arriving at Hartington Youth Hostel, where we turned and descended into the village. The Peak District countryside was stunning in the bright sunlight and we were reminded what a privilege it is to live in (or near) such beautiful surroundings. From Hartington, we travelled over the gated road to Pilsbury and up the steep hill climbing away from the Dove, ending our Route 549 journey at the crossroads below Pilsbury Lodge. Over this whole 13 km stretch of NCN we found plenty of signing to do and needed to stop frequently. From the crossroads we turned into the wind, which was much fresher than I had noticed all the time it was on our backs, and returned by direct roads to Hartington. There we had a well-deserved pint at the Devonshire Arms, before continuing on to Hulme End and departing on our separate ways. Pictures were taken at the ford in Beresford Dale, just a few metres away from the cycle route.

Next workday: Thursday 28 January.