Gravel cycle - Peak Forest Canal and Goyt Way
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Join us on this leisurely round trip of just under 20 miles from Marple to Chinley & New Mills using the Peak Forest Canal and the Goyt Way.
Everyone (including beginners) are welcome. We'll be riding at a gentle pace of 8 to 10 miles per hour and, as always, no one will get left behind.
We start with a climb to the Peak Forest Canal to join on the Flight of Locks, once we reach the top lock, its flat all the way to the terminus at Bugsworth Basin. Here the Canal meets the hills and Bugsworth was a transport hub in the 19th Century with a tramway bringing stone down from the nearby quarries. We will follow the tramway as far as Chinley.
At Chinley we have no option but to join a quiet road for a stiff climb over to Birch Vale.
If the weather is fine, we may be in luck as one of the narrow boats at Bugsworth Basin is a cafe allowing us to take refreshment stop, otherwise, we may be able to take a cafe stop in Birch Vale, before the return journey.
Leaving Birch Vale we join the Sett Valley Trail, the former rail route to New Mills and on to Brook Bottom and then along the Goyt Way back to Marple.
Whilst the majority of the route is traffic free, we do use roads for about 4 miles between Chinley and Birch Vale and be aware that this a quite a long and in parts steep climb, but you can walk it if necessary, well worth the effort for the views and a long descent into birch Vale.
The terrain is suited to hybrid / gravel or mountain bikes, it is not suitable for road bikes. Some parts of the trail are uneven and can be quite muddy. Please check that your bike is roadworthy before the ride, as you will be responsible for dealing with your own mechanical issues, should they arise on the day.
NOTE:-
Given the time of the year, the event will be postponed if freezing conditions are forecast or wintery conditions are bad.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete the Cycling Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending a cycling event.
Image credits: All images for this event were taken by the event leader and are used here with permission.
What to bring
Bike: A well maintained hybrid or mountain bike.
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one
Clothing: lightweight and layered, colourful and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users
Footwear: suitable for your bike and pedals
Gloves: cycle gloves help avoid blisters, and are good in the cold
Punctures: spare inner tube, bike tyre pump and tyre levers
Tools: any special tools that your bike needs
Small snacks: such as chocolate or energy bars
Plenty of water: in bottle/s on your bike or in a daysack/bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Eye protection: avoid getting grit or insects in your eyes, sunglasses are OK if they are not made of glass and not too shaded
Bike lights: be seen and safe
Storage: small day-sack or a bag on your bike
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies
Food & drink
You can bring drinks and snacks if you want them, but we'll also try and find somewhere open midway around the ride. Please make sure you bring a drink while you are on the ride.