It's always difficult planning a festival with the British weather.

Last week's deluge of rain resulted in a reduced distance for our first Cycling Event; the river-like conditions in places were significant.

So it was with huge relief that the second Cycle Ride Event organised by Cycling UK's Sue Booth, was to enjoy warm weather with no wind.

Our riders, met at Bickerton Village Hall (our thanks to them for allowing us to park up). Sue had created a route which closely followed the Sandstone Trail; highlighting some delightful parts of the Trail at its southernmost end.

At No Man's Heath, we followed footpaths, old roads, hamlets and lanes.Through Tushingham and Bell O' th' Hill we cycled and then enjoyed lunch at the Lockside Café, Grindley Brook. Several bacon butties and a photo opportunity later, our riders resumed their ride. Following the canal they were actually on the Sandstone Trail with canal locks bustling with activity. Passing under a marvellous short tunnel (route of a disused railway line) brought our intrepid explorers to a calm and serene canal-side; the reeds and fungi were a delight.

At Willey Moor we left the Sandstone Trail and we departed the canal nearly two miles later to join Route 45 (Salisbury to Chester – perhaps Sue's next adventure) and cross the A49.

Passing two picturesque thatched cottages, the route brought our riders to St Wenefrede's Church, Bickley, where two more than impressive wedding vehicles were parked – another photo opportunity of course!

And finally to the Cholmondeley Estate (would that be a new café for Sue's list), and then back to Bickerton Village Hall.

Thanks to both Sue Booth and Nick Holmes for the storyline to this article.

This Editor is exhausted just reading the delights of the challenge – a mere 17 miles or so!

Click on each image to enlarge.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.