Big thanks to
@Rickshaw Phil for turning out to lead me on the ride.
Local route knowledge is invaluable and he has lots of it, meaning I was able to do a well thought out circuit which I would not have found just by staring at a map.
A short stretch of our ride was new to Phil, so he was able to bottom out that bit which should be of use to him in future.
Very agreeable cycling, although I think that's true of most parts of the country - if you know where to find it.
Given the area's industrial heritage, a lot of the villages are surprisingly chocolate box picturesque.
My area in the north east is also post-industrial, but wears its heavy industry background more obviously.
Phil and I got on well, which is more a testament to his affable nature than my ability to deal with new people.
Given that I admire qualities in others which I don't possess, I reckon as well as being an excellent riding companion, Phil is also a good signing for the mod team on here.