I had a really good night's sleep after going to bed super early. There'd been rain overnight, but is was clear in the morning, if a little overcast.

I got on the road in good time and headed towards Derbyshire.

I was still pretty high up and there were some great views. I was a bit confused for a while as the view south was very similar to the view I had north from the campsite and I was worried I was going the wrong way. Basically I could see a big mast and some old stone tower. They weren't the same ones though - they just seem to like building them round there!

After a while I dropped down to the Winscar reservoir and rode along that for a while on a nice old road.

I was aware that my route had some off road stuff coming up and was a bit nervous about the quality of it!

I crossed a main road and then went through a gate on to the off road section. I wasn't best pleased. It was awful! Massive chunky rocks everywhere and just rubbish. Fine if you're on a mountain bike, not so good if you're not!

I got through the first section then had to cross the road again for the next section. I never got to find out if that was any better as the gate was well and truly tied shut with a rope knotted in such a way as to make it impossible to undo!

I couldn't be bothered to try and lift my bike over, so I just did what I should have done to start with and got on the road.

It was fine. Plenty wide enough and all gently down hill for the mile or so I was on it until I could rejoined the off road section.

This time it was much better! Miles of dissused railway with a perfectly acceptable surface. It was all downhill too!

I passed more reservoirs - five in fact: Woodshead, Torside, Rhodeseood, Valeshouse and the imaginatively named Bottom reservoir, before finally being spewed out into the town of Hadfield.

I immediately saw a café, so stopped there for a breakfast of an almond croissant and a PAC. Even had them warmed up!

After that it was time for some more hills. A couple of bigguns, but they would be the last ones of my route as I head into less elevated regions!

I got the first one knocked off no bother then descended into Whalley Bridges where I stopped for lunch. I had one of those pasta things from Sainsbury's or whatever the shop was, settling me up nicely for the last climb. I'm not sure carbohydrate loading works if you do it 5 minutes before you set off!

Anyway, it was pretty enjoyable. Plenty of elevation gained, but not too steep. Once at the top it was a short blast into Buxton.

I stopped at a pub to have a drink and plan where to camp. I knew there were several to choose from, so I made my decision and set off.

It's a really nice site. I was a bit annoyed as I selected it based on the fact that it has a washing machine. Only it's out of order!

There's rubbish mobile signal and the wi-fi only works nearer the reception, but it's not the end of the world.

I've walked down to a nearby pub. They actually have a campsite too, but I rejected it due to lack of washing machine! The camping area is pretty small and full though, so I'm happy where I am.

I had sausage and mash with veg and a weird black pudding fritter thing that didn't really go with the rest of it, followed by Bakewell tart. Well, I am only a few miles away!

Tomorrow I have various options, but I think I'll follow this NCN route all the way to its conclusion in Derby. Then I'll make my way over to the Flatlands for the low points!