Well, back in one piece after a tremendously varied ride. Fine on tour tyres with the exception of the Old Road between Whaley Bridge and Buxton- but you ill have to get off and push on sections of this if you have any luggage anyway.

Specially recommended sections include the  Peak Forest towpath at Furness Vale  and several lovely sections of the TPT along the Don and Dearne valleys between Penistone and Conisbrough. Lots of cracking tea shops, The Bridge patisserie in Whaley Bridge was a particular star. Accomodation was the Travelodges in Doncaster Lakeside and Glossop (both fine and safe bike storage). Chapeau to the Youth Hostel at Hartington which had an excellent bike maintenance area as well as secure sheds and a range of room options. Lovely building in a lovely village with decent shops and pubs.

First day features virtually no climbing, days 2  (1 to 450 metres Windle Edge) and 3 (3 long and steep ones to 350-  400m plus ) offer a serious test to those unused to such beasts. In each case the climbs did involve long descents, though the drop into New Mills would be hair raising in wet conditions! Day four offered a quiet half day cycle with nice pubs at Etwall (Blenheim House) close to the route end. Derby had plenty of cycle routes but a rather circuitous signed route back to the station.