The Wilbraham at Nantwich

10 convened at Christleton Pond this morning, no fog in sight as had been the case this week, and avoiding all the closed roads from Chester's 'metric' marathon.

The pond was so flat and calm, reflecting the heron as he stalked slowly between the lily pads.  We were a little late starting as Nosheen's sat nav took her to the wrong place, and as we waited two more turned up.












Ian led us out of Christleton into the lanes, until a road closed (and by the looks of it, workmen busy even on a Sunday with what looked like hot tarmac.)  Small deviation to the A51 brought us quickly back on route, and into the lanes once more.









Cheshire is flat, apart from the Sandstone ridge we always have to cross.  We did so near Willington, steady climbing then descending to a little favourite

lane of John's, leading to a small lake - we think it is just called 'Mill pond' - a favourite fishing spot and very pretty. There is a path you can use to walk around it.

Sunny and warm enough to sit outside at the Shire Horse Centre, with a small unfriendly cat walking about between us and along the rail.  We bade farewell to Hazel, but greeted Paul who met us there.

Welsh Row

Back into the lanes and through Rushton and Wettenhall to the back of Reaseheath college, cross the A51 and into Welsh Row in Nantwich.  

Nantwich has the largest number of historic buildings in Cheshire (outside Chester) which includes the buildings up Welsh Row, which leads out of the town. 









After lunch, where we again sat outside, this time watching noisy tractors, ambulances, and a man pushing a large cart full of great tins and cans, we headed back out of Nantwich and another closed road - they are the best, so quiet!

Out through Acton and Chorley, to again cross the A49.  Past Cholmondeley Estate (pronounced Chumley, in case you didn't know) towards pretty Bickerton.  Here we again cross the Sandstone ridge, at Harthill.

Decision time at Harthill

Decision time - which cafe do we want to go to?  Teddy Bear cafe won, near Burwardsley (pronounced Burdsley, but not Bosley!), which it's panoramic views from Helsby Hill to the right, around to Wales on the left.  A bit too hazy today to see Liverpool.

Last orders at The Teddy Bear Cafe :-(

Sadly we were informed that the cafe will be closing at the end of the month; so I am glad we had this last golden opportunity to sit in the sunshine and enjoy the views, coffee, biscuits and cakes.

It is all downhill from here!