I went north today, into the northerly wind. After a brief diversion to see Eglantine vineyard, at one time the most northerly commercial winery in the world, I arrived at Cotgrave via the delightful narrow lane through Clipston-on-the-Wolds. Decided that I should start curving round to the south, but half a mile further on there was a sign for a cycle route off to the north, and my curiosity got the better of me. It went along the former Cotgrave colliery railway line, taking me to Holme Pierrepont; I have been to the Water Sports Centre once before, but never along the lane past the 16th-century Hall, which looks quite impressive even seen peering through a gap in the hedge. A faster return home, via the southern suburbs of Nottingham and then through Gotham and Sutton Bonington. About 42 miles, my longest ride so far this year.