Well it wasn’t what most people would think of as a holiday.
I spent a glorious week in the Peak District, based at a
lovely hotel/B&B in Chinley, near Chapel-en-le-frith, and more importantly
near a very small village (more like settlement) called Bagshaw! We stayed at
the ‘Old Hall Inn’ which I would recommend. They very kindly locked out bikes
in a garage overnight (however if there had been many more cyclists it may have
been a bit of a squeeze!). The Landlord is a triathlete himself so was extremely
helpful in advising some decent routes, and a little bit of local know how
really helped, since the Garmin route planning software seemed determined to
turn us into cyclocross riders! The food was good, breakfast was plentiful,
comfy beds and if you are into beer and ale they had hundreds!!
We racked up some quality and hilly bile miles. There are LOADS of national trust places, cafes and scenic
stops, but a little bit of research goes a long way, since one of the days we
went rogue one day and didn't plan, ending up in a café that despite having ‘cappuccino’
on the menu, they weren't so sure how to make it. :/
The peak district is a really great area for cycling, with
lots of bike friendly cafes and on the whole car drivers seem pretty receptive
to cyclists when passing and overtaking. When out in the heart of the peak district
there are hardly any cars about anyway! We managed to tick off some of the must ride climbs and
routes. The first being the one that gave me the idea that it would
be a really good idea to come cycling in the peak district. A huge great climb
out of hope valley which is on the 100 climbs to do in Britain, find more pain here.
The second which I did on a solo mission was mow cop. 25%
gradient and removed from strava as a segment for being too dangerous!! :O The weather can be a bit hit and miss so make sure you take
all manner of cycling gear. I didit take my overbooties off once (although I
have the coldest feet in the world!)
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