Leaving Kinnerton I joined the group at the Corner Cafe in Shotton where the cooked breakfasts looked very tempting. Restraining myself but with a decent cuppa and toasted tea-cake, five of us continued on a lovely and warm morning into Flint.
From here we headed up in the direction of Pentre Halkyn to Dolphin along some very pretty lanes whereupon our route took us over a rather muddy track (recent rain had transformed this from a previously cycleable path) which saw us cleaning the mud off our brake pads, allowing us to continue up some challenging gradients! Barely a car had been seen when 23 miles and 1913 feet of ascent later we arrived at the Glan Yr Afon Inn, a welcome sight.
The hospitality at the Inn was excellent with fayre that was just the ticket for the downhill home. Well no, not just downhill. Much of the incredible views, stunning countryside and steeply descending thrilling lanes of today's ride, along with some steeply ascending hills, were still to come.
Routing through Brynford, Babell, Ysceifiog, Caerwys, Lixwm, Rhes Y Cae and Rhosesmor where the sheep (suicidal on occasion!) far outnumbered the people or cars. Up then down, up then down, thrilling decents into a valley before climbing back up, then onwards down to Northop, Northop Hall and Ewloe Green before stopping for refreshments at the Farm shop in Hawarden (great cappuccino and carrot cake). Here I said goodbye to my fellow cyclists having had a very enjoyable and thrilling (if a little taxing) ride through a very beautiful area of countryside.
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| Outside the Farm Shop... |
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| ...inside the Farm Shop |
A further 24 miles and 2227 feet of ascent. Thanks to Dave, who's chalked up yet another brilliantly mapped/led ride. Amser da gan bawb! - Great time had by all!
P.S. This picture below was hanging on the wall of the ladies loo in the Glan Yr Afon Inn - time for photography when seated on the throne!
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