Tour of Burtons (part 2)

 Burton - a 'settlement at a fortified place'

The ride started by Rick two weeks ago was missing two Burtons; so with a 'vacancy' for a ride leader this week, he kindly offered to finish the job.

This time we met at Chester Town Hall, and with a fine sunny October day it was marvellous to see faces of people who have not been out (or I have not seen) for some time.  Today I also dragged out the good old Selfie Stick, and after some juggling of people to make sure we were all in the sun (although a bit squinty, it also means you can see everyone)

We dropped down to the river, and followed to Saltney Ferry where we crossed and continued to the main road.  up the 'Saltney Straight' on the relatively new cycle path which does keep us off the main road (until at least Bretton) and then we went through Bretton and on to Lower Kinnerton.

We headed to Walters cafe, based in the old primary school in Higher Kinnerton, and which has been there for a couple of years.  They are very dog friendly, noted by the fabulous wallpaper, and small pin board with 'Instax' small polaroids of visiting Pups.  I have taken the (Fab) ladies to this cafe, but it was a new venue for most of the group.

After I had laden myself with cakes for all the family (All variations of Brownies and Brookies to choose from), we set off again, cutting across some back lanes
and after passing through Burton Green, we arrived at the small hamlet of Burton.  

Here is what Wikipedia has to say:

"Burton (near Wrexham) is an ancient village that...dates back to Saxon times and was settled by Anglo-Saxons from the Kingdom of Mercia. 

In the early part of 2002 a trio of friends were metal detecting on a farm close to Burton, when they found a hoard of gold and other artifacts from the Bronze Age. These included a twisted wire bracelet, a necklace called a torc, a bracelet, a pendant and a collection of beads and rings - all gold, along with several axes. The finds later to be known as 'The Burton Hoard' were declared treasure trove and purchased by the National Museum Wales (formerly NMGW) for £85,000.^[2]

In September 2021, a three-week archaeological dig was conducted following the discovery of a Roman villa on farmland near Burton Green"

After Burton, we crossed the railway, taking great care to dismount my bike whilst I held the gate open for all, and through Rossett to pick up the back lane to Holt.

Arriving at Cleopatra's, no-one was particularly hungry as it had only been about seven miles since Walters; but there were other no well placed alternatives on our route, so we settled in for lighter snacks and drinks.  It was nice to still be able to sit outside too!

We crossed the river, and made our way over to our final Burton, near Duddon.

The house dates from the early 17th century, and is listed as a Grade II building, the wall you can see with the door is also listed as Grade II.  In 2018, after extensive refurbishment, the owners tried to sell it via £5 raffle tickets, but I do not think they sold enough - it was as then noted to be worth £1.8 million.  (It actually sold for £600k in Oct 2018, then in May 2019 it was listed for £1.4 million, but sold for £625k in June 2021; and sold again in September 2021, this time for £550k.  So watch this space, it is becoming affordable!).

From here it was a short hop home, satisfied with have seen all three Burtons now!

The Farmers Arms at Ravensmoor

Originally billed as a ride to Nantwich by Gill and Richard; but due to ongoing knee problems they were unable to lead, so I offered to take the group out.  Plotting the route to include the new cafe at Farndon seemed to put it quite far to get all the way to Nantwich, so I settled for the pub at the crossroads at Ravensmoor, a few miles south.

The weekend was promising to be sunny, and it certainly was.  This brought 16 riders out, with new faces too.  Chester was quite busy, more than usual for a Sunday morning, due to holidays and sunshine, always a great combination in this country!

Brompton - easy to park

We set off through town, along the canal (with an emergency stop off to allow 'Brompton Chris' to collect his packed lunch which he had left at home) and Caldy Valley to Huntington, and then the usual route to Farndon via Saighton (picking up Sara).  The new cafe at Farndon struggled to serve the drinks in order, leaving a few of us quite late, which meant a longer stop than we possibly wanted.

Waiting for Chris - much to the dismay of his better half peeping at us from behind the curtains - what will the neighbours think!?!

Passing through Aldford

With 20 miles to go to lunch, I tried to keep the pace steady at about 12 mph, but even with a headwind one lady was struggling - she had enjoyed a 60 mile ride on Friday and was still tired (and a little sore) from that.  A few others had left us at coffee also, so that left 11 of us wending our way between Tilston, Hampton, Cholmondeley and Wrenbury, arriving finally at The Farmers Arms.

It was very busy inside, but we mostly wanted to sit outside and enjoy the sun (I wanted to sit outside and enjoy the sun!) so we sat by the back door with a little sheltered corner. (It had been windy all day, and in the cafe - inside the cafe - at Farndon my butter and crumbs from my croissant kept blowing all over Chris!)

Soon enough we dragged ourselves away, and set off towards Bunbury - arriving about half and hour later - we agreed it was too soon for afternoonsies so continued to see if the new cafe was open at the 50p shop.  It was and it wasn't - open now as the little coffee shop, it shuts at 3:30 on a Sunday.  Onward and upward.

I had been distressed to see that the pile of horseshoes at the corner along from the 50p shop have been removed when we passed on Wednesday - and sure enough they still were not there today.  Such a shame, they were a brilliant secret talking point, and landmark.

Heading now for Walk Mill (or Okells) Sara instead had a puncture - we stopped in a sandy gateway, whilst people helped with the fixing (about 6 of the fellas gathered around), tried out the Brompton, sat around, or generally chatted.  The first tube seemed to go straight down again, so a third was applied - but we think the first had maybe a misaligned valve which leaked straight out again.  It often takes a bit of detection to identify the cause of a flat, and to be sure it was that reason and not another.  We decided the original cause had been a pothole - leading to a 'snake bite' or pinch puncture.

All fixed we continued towards Walk Mill, arriving at 4:45 so just in time - five of us descended through the wheat fields to enjoy coffee and cake, a very pleasant end to the day!

51 miles, 16 riders, 1 puncture.

The Thatch at Faddiley

Chester Cathedral

Four met at the Town Hall.  It was promising to be  a lovely day, and was already so warm I had to take my jacket off.  Only last week I had been hailed on (twice) at the Treasure Hunt in Trefnant, and a week later it was 'cracking the flags' as Harry says.  So I do not know where everyone else was?!

Meeting at the end of the Greenway

Undeterred, and happy with a small number, we set off North to pick up the Greenway, at the end of which we met Sara (I did remember she had messaged the group to meet us there....!).

Spring flowers on a 'dead end' lane

Mouldsworth Viaduct

We continued towards Manley, but turning towards Ashton we then swung round to Mouldsworth, and down a dead end lane - I have often wondered if there was a way through or not.  I had looked on google street map, I am sure, but saw no way, so I was interested and then fabulously surprised at the delightful track that we came to.  I did not even see the viaduct at first.  The ladies were not as pleased - terrified almost ("I'd be OK on my mountain bike"); but I reassured them and set off to join Bob and Ray in the dip under the tall arches.  So pretty, and very rideable.  After posing for a few photos, we continued, crossing the Ashton Brook and after a very short climb we were on the road to Delamere.  

Through to Kelsall, and on to our coffee stop at Rose Farm.  A short coffee stop as it was already nearly 12!

After this we were promised a downhill and flat ride to Faddiley.  We had a little more ascent before dropping to cross the A49, skirting Oulton Park and arriving at Bunbury via the locks.  From here it was a short hop to Faddily - and even though we re-traced the lane I took back on my ride - it felt so different coming the other way and so much greener and more springlike!

I love the green this time of year - it is new green, fresh and bright.  The hedges have exploded, there does not seem to have been a gradual noticing of small buds on the sunny side of the lanes, it has happened all at once.  The Cow Parsley is not out - but you can see the plants and small flower buds, so nearly ready to adorn the lanes with the wonderful white froth.

Faddily is a tiny hamlet on the A534 (Wrexham - Nantwich road), which has an old Inn, The Thatch, associated with Peckforton Castle.  We sat in the garden, it was such a lovely day, and had a very pleasant lunch time.

Our return journey consisted of a few miles of main road, to get us back to the lanes.  Sometimes it is unavoidable, and the road was quite quiet (as it was a Sunday).  It was also quite gently downhill - which could be identified as I picked up speed and was able to pass everyone and take up position at the front, whistling along at 20mph or so.  I note on the map we actually cross a very young River Weaver, which accounts for the downhill.

varied colours in the trees on Bickerton Hill

Gateway and large oak at Peckforton

Beeston

At Bulkely we turned back into the lanes, and enjoyed the variety of greens on Bulkely and Peckforton Hills.  Back now on familiar turf, we passed Beeston, Huxley and just caught the 50p shop and Christine's cafe before they closed.  Cake of enormous proportions.  And, sadly, before she closes for  good - she is selling up and will be giving up hospitality in a few weeks.  I am glad I was able to see her again, thank her for the years serving us and wish her well with her chickens and quiet home plans.

Last cake at Christine's

Passing the horseshoe pile

A very jolly, sunny and interesting 50 miles, many thanks to Bob.

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!