On Saturday, it was a bit gloomy and cooler than recently, but N1S and I threw an extra layer on and headed our for a lovely loop. \u00a0For once, we stayed away from t’Lake and headed South. \u00a0We used the cut through Firgrove playing fields to get to Milnrow, then ducked down Buckley Lane to play around on the empty cycle paths of Kingsway Business Park (which is still largely empty thanks to a global recession and crappy local Government<\/em>).<\/p>\n From there we joined the canal and headed to Castleton. \u00a0Surprisingly, some holidaymakers were negotiating the lock on their barge, which made for a nice photo-opportunity. \u00a0N1S helped them with the lock gates and then off we went, leaving the canal at Stakehill and starting the climb up Thornham Lane. \u00a0Most of the way up there is a little pub called “The Tandle Hill Tavern<\/strong>” where apparently the landlady is only 20 years old. \u00a0Well, regardless of her tender years she did a good job of presenting us with 2 cokes (diet for me<\/em>) and 2 bags of mini cheddars.<\/p>\n Up and over Thornham Lane we went, before realising we were running short of time and deciding to take the most direct route back to the canal and home.<\/p>\n Just over 13 miles and a couple of very pleasant hours bonding with my boy: \u00a0 Sweet.<\/p>\n\n\t\t