The Tea Cosy Cafe at Lady Heyes, Frodsham

Ian's turn to lead a wintry ride.

Ray again took photos and posted "Ian's ride, a bit hilly in places & I'm unfit, but despite the cold an enjoyable day again, at least it was by evening time looking back! Seriously though, all thanks to Ian for his time trouble and effort."

In the sunshine at the Pond - inc. Ray!

In the sunshine at the Pond -
Ray a former shadow of himself...

I joined the group at lunchtime, so missed morning coffee at Rose Farm in Utkinton.

I came out along the Cheshire Cycleway to Manley and up the hill to Manley common.  As I topped over the Sandstone Ridge and caught sight of the other side, I noted a lot of snow on the hills near Manchester and the Peaks (a long way away!)

Lunch was a very breakfasty affair, and very nice despite Tony's dismay that there was no beer available!  

After lunch we had a little climb back over the sandstone ridge (I had mislaid my camera so no pics from me - happily I have since found it!).  It was a very cold day, and we had lots of little ups and downs as we wended our way over to Walk Mill for afternoon coffee and cakes (by popular vote).

Caroline found an extra topping for my caramel slice,
as it was Mothers Day!

Dave writes:

Nine of us meet up at the pond for Ian's ride to Lady Hayes. After the usual pre ride photo's (and some of the Ducks and a Comorant) we departed. Ian set a leisurely pace out through Waverton past the Crocky Trail, but we were all disappointed to hear that the book shop at the lunch venue had closed. We passed Duddon Common heading for Rose Farm for our morning stop.


When we parked up the donkeys took a keen interest in our bikes! After coffee Graham and Jane said their farewells as they departed for home, and we continued a short distance before Martin also headed home as we turned right up Quarry Bank before turning to head towards Kelsall.  At Forest Farm Road Lesley was the next rider to turn for home [I passed her at Manley, so had all the climbing to do! - Sue]. We passed Eddisbury Fruit Farm along the track into the forest then on to Hatchmere; down Pytcheleys Hollow past the Tigers Head into Norley before turning left onto Marsh Lane; and on into Crowton.  At Lady Hayes Sue joined us for lunch and the afternoon (see above!). After lunch we turned right out of Lady Hayes to climb Dobers Lane and on up to Newton;

Ian just checking the route.

going on to Manley Common then Barrow where the the lane through Hollowmore had more potholes than the track in Delamere forest! 

Tony - 'still no beer?!'

We then went through Tarvin and onto Walk Mill for our afternoon tea stop. As we headed back to the pond riders started to depart in various directions for home.

Thanks to Ian for a great route.