Looking over Hoe Grange
As many of you will be aware, last Saturday was my first long dayride of the year – a bit of a tradition in spring, and something I intend to do more of this year.
I set out in the early morning, up through Lichfield, Tutbury and Brailsford to Cromford, then up the High Peak Trail to Parsley Hay, back down the Tissington Trail to Ashbourne, through Mappleton and Blore to Ilam, then up through Throwley and over the Weaver Hills to Ellastone.
I returned home via Rocester, Uttoxeter, Rugeley and Longdon, after a decent ride of 121 miles.
It was a ride in decent weather, warm with little wind; overcast in the morning, but the day ended in bright sunshine. All in all, great cycling.
The spring is beautiful this year, and the wildflowers profuse. If you can, get up there while the season is still on her throne.
For more of this sort of thing, please check out my 365daysofbiking journal…
Reap the wild wind at Longcliffe
The Oaks at Ilam look superb at the moment
Up on the Weaver Hills
Wild Garlic just off the Cromford Canal
Climbing from Rashly out of the Manifold Valley
Bottomhouse
The Walk
The ruins of Throwley Hall
The northern tip of Milldale
Appleton Church; a curious ecclesiastical gem
Welsh poppies at Gotham (Thanks, Susan!)
Good to see the odd clump of red cowslips still surviving near Calton
Gotham
Marsh orchids near Hartington
I adore the wind farm at Longcliffe: elegant, beautiful, assured
Bottomhouse
The cows on top of The Walk were interested in my presence, but not enough to move
Cresting The Walk on top of the Weaver Hills
This bull watched me carefully at Throwley
Wild garlic glade at Cromford
How green was your Manifold Valley?
Red campion is having a very good year
The cowslips are more profuse than ever I’ve seen before
A pause in the climb to Throwley
Lots of spring lambs around
Parsley Hay: aleays a good spot for cycling chat
Bottomhouse
Ilam schoolhouse
I’ve never seen many folk on the Weavers
Overlooking the Manifold Valley at Rushley
Cromford Canal, the world’s longest duckpond
Tenacity on the Hopton Incline
Looking over Hoe Grange
Calton: harsh country in winter
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Lovely ride and photos Bob, bet it took you the whole day? i might give that route a try myself. Thanks.
Brilliant pictures, as usual Bob. Love the views.
What a joy
Brilliant pictures, such lovely views!
Wow Bob, I really miss the country side in your summer it looks beautiful glad you enjoyed your day out, Trev