Meet at Marple Memorial park (outside the library and near the public toilets) for a prompt 10am start. We've been asked not to use the library carpark, as it's in use all day by library users as well as visitors to the nearby Day-care Centre. There is a handily placed car park on Hollins Lane, just next to the fire station. Don't be late as we leave at 10 sharp, but if you're early, you'll find some of us in the cafe at nearby ASDA, or perhaps Costa Coffee, having breakfast or just a quick cuppa.
Reid Anderson climbs Gun Hill
The ride takes in some of the best bits of the Peak District. We climb past Windgather rocks to Pym Chair, then descend 'The Street' to pass through the gorgeous Goyt Valley and over Axe Edge. After Alstonefield there is a great drop into the Manifold Valley to Wetton Mill, but that is followed by the toughest climb of the day to Butterton. We encounter a Mermaid at 450m and more than 50 miles from the sea on our way to Tittesworth Visitor Centre and the control at the top of Gun Hill.
This is stage 5 of the Marple Grimpeur summer series. If you complete all 5 rides in the same season, you can even get the
badge!
Veritas Me Dirigit
(let the truth guide me)
is the motto at the Ship Inn in Wincle, which you ought to pass if you follow the supplied GPX file and routesheet.
It's a strenuous ride, so you might welcome the cafe stops at Longnor, at Wetton Mill and Tittesworth Visitor Centre, although none of these is a control so stops here are entirely optional.
The finish is at
Marple Services and Forces Club
.
Please note that we can't handle entries on the line, as we are starting from a car park, but it's really easy to enter the event, either online or through the post
here
.
There is nowhere to leave panniers, so what you bring goes with you on the ride.
