The Cross Keys, Llanfynydd

The last time I was in Llanfynydd I think the pub looked very shut.  Today, I fancied a few hills and saw The Cross Keys on Google Maps when hunting for a lunch location.  So, after pouring over maps (I could do that for hours anyway!) I decided a morning coffee at Gwersyllt (or maybe Alyn Waters, if the visitor centre does coffees), and then up to Llanfynydd.

A late notification of the ride meant no-one there when I took my initial photo, but I was set on going anyway - so it was delightful when Chris turned up.  Chris has done a few Summer Evenings with us, until 'work got in the way'!

So, we set off and I checked if he was OK to head along Dukes Drive, as we are well into autumn and the trees are looking particularly glorious!

And it was not too muddy at all.

After heading through Eccleston and the Old Wrexham Road (old A483), I pointed us into the lanes at Rossett, wending our way through Burton to come out halfway up the B5102 road to Llay.  We rode on the pavement as we were turning right again very shortly, but it did not give us any relief from the hill! 

I was kind to Chris and did not take him on the back road and then the steep-down-and-steep-back-up further into Llay, instead we turned in at The Miners Institute and picked up the cycle path, before heading into Alyn Waters.

Alyn Waters was once the estate of Gwersyllt Hall,
now demolished

After asking someone, We agreed to try to find the visitors centre, as yes, it does have a cafe.  Crossing onto the other half of the park (it is split by the road), the tracks were rideable but variable, and did in the end bring us to a marvellous cafe. 

Refreshed, we now needed to peruse the maps (as my original planned route was via Gwersyllt!), and the first thing out of the Country Park was to cross the main A541 (which was quite quiet), and use the footpath until we could turn off into the lanes.  After a short climb, we followed the top end of the Moss Valley, until we hit the B5101 and this in turn brought us to the B5104 - known as 'The Steps' when I was riding in the '80's.

Here I did add a little hill - and chose to drop down to the ford and up to Cymau - there was a bridge but it did then entail a short walk as we could not get going again on the hill!

Nearly there and a lovely descent, just espying the viaduct through the trees (but no photo as we were enjoying a well earned downhill!).  Disappointment at Llanfynydd - the bronze telephone box was no longer bronze, and was red again!  I am not sure why, and the pub staff did not know ("it has always been red")- but no, I was here in 2022, and it was bronze then.

January 2022

November 2024

Chris did not want to stay for lunch so I sent him on his way onward towards Mold, and headed into the pub, for my reduced table from the optimistic 6 to 'just me'. (I had phoned from Alyn Waters, so that was all fine).  Small Sunday lunch, extra gravy (they did offer me extra veg!) and a pint of Guinness, for just over £13 so that is OK!

After lunch I wanted to head to The Stone Zoo (as I call it) - Rhos Uchaf Hall. It did involve a couple of arrows (just for fun, tell that to my lungs as I gasped my way out of Llanfynydd!). I know I looked this up last time - but here is the link of a little background to the stone figures.

These guys are so cute, I remembered seeing them on Sunday runs when I first started riding - and here I am forty years on still hunting them and showing other people (although not today!)

I returned back down the hill with two arrows to Llanfynydd, and crossing the road set off up the back of Hope Mountain. It was quite misty and damp, especially on top, so no views today.

My return home was a steep descent, hanging on my brakes, then more lovely downhill around Kinnerton, and Lache Lane back to Chester. But I did find another new cafe!

Route with Komoot

The Hare and Hounds at Crowton

So, who looked at the weather forecast for today?

"A weather warning has been issued for the whole of the North West region ahead of the arrival of Storm Freya.  The public is being warned that fierce winds of up to 65mph are forecast, with 'danger to life' and injuries possible due to flying debris.

Damage to buildings, travel disruption and power cuts are also likely.

Storm Freya is expected to hit Cheshire this [Sunday] afternoon into tomorrow morning, with the yellow weather alert coming into force at 3pm"

No.  It just rained.  All day.

Wet start at The Pond (Christleton)

But it was not as cold as it could be (OK, not the 20 degree weather we had mid last week!) but add to it hosts of daffodils waving in full bloom, and a whole club turn out in yellow, it was quite a bright cheery day!

Ian was in charge, and I took up the backstop.  Not many photos as it really was very gloomy! But nice reflections in the puddles!

Morning coffee was at Rose Farm, up a few hills past Willington Hall (which was when Sheila recognised where we were!).  At this point I realised that my waterproof really wasn't, and my top was very wet.  But it was not cold, and I had a spare, so on we continued; persuading the other two ladies that they may as well stay with us for the day, than head home after coffee.

Under this - I am still wet!

Puppy King Charles in the pub
 - named 'Crowton'

It was nice to ride through Delamere, and out to Norley.  We had a marvellous swoop down a lane with a fabulous new road surface (until the line when the money clearly ran out!)  and to The Hare and Hounds in Crowton.  

Very friendly and hospitable, the pub break allowed some spreading of items on a radiator, so my stuff dried out quite well, ready for round two!

Back out and up to Kingsley, but dropping down to Manley Common now it is all downhill home!

 

It was a bit bleak, still wet and with the threat of storm Freya, we agreed to crack on and not stop at Manley Mere.

We parted company, and Stu, Sheila and I headed back to Mickle Trafford, where Stu ad I managed some cake at Meadow Lea.  Why not.

PS I bought a new waterproof online when I got home!

The start of it all

This is going to be a record of Chester CTC; Touring and leisure Cycling club based in Chester.  It is my experiences and thoughts, with some additional help from fellow riders; and mainly a place to share all the photos taken when riding.

Chester CTC was formed early in the 20th century, when cycling was in it's heyday - ? I think it is experiencing a significant revival again now; with British Cycling leading the way with racing and British winners of the Tour (de France) - due to start in Yorkshire next summer - and track etc.

CTC (Cyclists Touring Club) was formed in 1878, and so celebrated 135 years this year. You can read about the history here.
CTC is a national organisation, split into regions and then sub split into 'Member Groups'.  Our member group is Chester and North Wales, and we have an informative and useful website with group information, events and rides lists.

Chester CTC is a group within Chester and North Wales; we ride on Sundays through the year, take part in wider member group events, join with other clubs.  We also run ladies only Saturday morning rides (see the Chester Fabulous Ladies blog) and summer Wednesday evening rides.  Sunday rides, Wednesdays and other exploits I hope to try to record here.