A Little Leg Stretch

 

As I had done very little to start the New Year, and the weather,although cold, seemed to be quite pleasant and fresh, I loaded the mountain bike onto the back of ‘Wally’ and we set off early for Parsley Hey

http://www.thepeakdistrict.info/derbyshire-cycling/parsley-hay-cycle-hire.php

where I parked ‘Wally’ and set off along the trail, intending to just cycle along the ‘Tissington Trail’ to Ashbourne (about 9 miles away), and return, which I thought would loosen the legs up quite nicely.http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/90486/hptisstrails.pdf 

So, off I zoomed into the cold and icy winds… and was soon enjoying the ride.

I was soon passing Ashbourne, continuing further to Tissington…trails end, and just before I turned around to return saw a sign >>‘Middleton Top and Carsington’>> well, I knew Middleton Top to be on the ‘High Peak Trail’, and a differing way to return, thought I would follow the signs, link up with it, and return to my start point >>>

Not quite to be !

I did follow the signs, ending up at Carsington Water http://www.carsingtonwater.com/ before I hit the High Peak trail, and worried that I may have missed my way… however I found Route 303… which eventually wound it’s way to the High Peak Trail…salvation !

I was then able to ride back along the rougher High Peak Trail, and my start point at Parsley Hey, where I arrived 4 1/2 hours after starting..with frozen feet, frozen cheeks (!)..and a warm inside !

So much for the ‘little leg stretch’ !

A round distance of about 34 miles..phew !