To me, I feel this is the last weekend of summer. I know that’s silly, and more often than not, the warm summer weather continues long into September. But the last bank holiday weekend before Christmas is always bittersweet. From here, I feel the progression of autumn, and the closure of the chapter on Summer. This year, summer has been great, and I’ve got in some great rides.

Today, I got into the Derbyshire Dales and crossed into North Staffordshire. A straightforward trip along the High Peak Trail and down the full length of the Tissington Trail was just what was needed, and once at Ashbourne, I doubled back and headed back to Ilam via Mapleton and Blore. From there, up the Manifold Vally to Calton and over the Weaver hills before heading back. A great ride.

Ashbourne to Ilam via Blore looks nice and easy on the map. It’s grinding, with a brilliant, scary descent into Ilam. Must do that again.

For more of this sort of thing, please check out my 365daysofbiking journal…

Biggin Dale

Wolfscote

Willersley Castle and beyond

That’s Matlock Bath down there

Harboro Rocks: a very dramatic landscape

The High Peak Trail starts with a punishing 250m climb from Cromford Wharf

Mere Hill. A bastard of a climb.

Minninglow Great Barrow

Clibing out of the Manifold Valley at Rushley

Iron Tors, leading to Milldale

Throwley Hall – some renovation required

Wet feet at Ilam

Nothing up here but sheep

Hoe Grange reaping the wild wind – certainly no shortage of that here

Dalehead

Cromford cricket ground

Passing the skills on to the kids. I bet the lad will never forget this.

Brassington anti-aircraft post, a remarkable survivor from the war.

Dalehead – such a beautiful day

The Weaver Hills: I can see Cannock Chase from here