The White Bear at Whitchurch

A wet start to a late November ride - meeting again amongst the Christmas Market Village by the Town Hall.  I was not able to get to the start (as I had to take my daughter to work), but eight lined up for a photo by Ray.

Bob was leading us to Whitchurch, and the morning coffee stop was at Tillys in Bunbury; this is where I caught up with the group.  

Ray said on facebook "Initially a bit damp, but cool all day. Who cares, a very nice outing with spirits high. Cheers Bob (and everyone else come to that). Bit foggy in Tillys I thought !!"

The Combermere Monument:
For another day

To be honest, I was not on good form, and also had to be back in time to collect the same aforementioned daughter from work, so Dave and I headed back shortly after Tillys, near to a monument on a hill.  That is for another (not muddy) day as you have to trek across a field (here is a photo from a later ride)

Dave escorted me back as he also had to be in work, it was good to have company as we actually had a headwind.

Marbury Church

Here are more of Ray's photos from the day:

270 or 230 miles? Route 45 is called The Mercian Way.
I feel a tour coming on!

The Mercian Way is a 230 miles (370 km) long cycle path that runs from Salisbury in Wiltshire to Chester in Cheshire. Operated by Sustrans, it is part of National Cycle Route 45, but is also well used by walkers. The path is so named because it passes through what was once the ancient Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia. To reflect its name a number of waymarkers depicting Saxon warriors were commissioned and have been placed along the route.  Here is one!

Lunch venue

The Lodge on Lark Lane, Liverpool

Roll up for the magical mystery tour...

After seeing the weather forecast for Sundays magical mystery tour I half expected to be on my own at the station; but Ray was already there and we were soon joined by eight other hardy souls. 

After a pleasant train journey we left James Street station in Liverpool to cycle along the waterfront into a lively little breeze??!! to have a quick look at the old garden festival site which has now been refurbished but on a much smaller scale than the original. 

big pink cow/buffalo/hippo thing
- votes please!

After turning into the breeze??again, we carried on along Otterspool prom and then went inland by the big pink cow/buffalo/hippo thing (you decide) and into Allerton. 

After a brief stop at the Robin Hood Stone that I had completely forgotten about  until Bob reminded me, we visited Paul McCartney’s childhood home in Forthlyn Road, then after a bit of off road, the house in Menlove Avenue where John Lennon lived with his Aunt Mimi, both houses now preserved by the National Trust. 

We then went through Calderstones Park and saw the stones that the park takes its name from and then headed towards Penny Lane and our breakfast stop. 

Spot the hump

On leaving the park we went down a cycle contraflow system similar to the one in Northgate Street but with stupidly large traffic calming humps which were hidden by mounds of fallen leaves, Geoff, from Wrexham Rievers unfortunately didn’t spot the first one and took a spill, but luckily was not badly hurt and was able to carry on, but it was a timely reminder to take care in the conditions at this time of year. [I hear you had to be told about this, as you carried on ahead, unaware and therefore talking to yourself?! - you did notice and come back apparently - Sue]

Ray: Omry's pickelhaube
has the biggest spike ever !!!

After our mega breakfasts and almost losing Bob to the model railway shop opposite we somehow managed to climb back on the bikes and pedal on to our next port of call Strawberry field; it was then on through Gateacre village and onto the Loopline Cycleway (similar to our Greenway).  

After a few miles of Loopline we took a slight detour to go through Springfield Park, where Kath used to play as a girl when she stayed with her aunt during the summer holidays. The park is now only half its original size, as Alder Hey children's hospital have built a huge new extension on the rest of it. 

A lap of the hospital and another short stretch of Loopline later we found ourselves crossing Queens Drive and entering Bankfield Road, the look on Kaths face was a picture as she realised where she was, she was born in this road and lived there until her family moved to Wales a year or so later. 

From her it was through West Derby, Childwall (past Elvis Costello’s mums house) back down Penny Lane, past Greenbank Park and through Sefton Park to The Lodge on Lark Lane, where cycle parking was actually in the bar, for more food and drink.  However, most just opted for a drink because they were still stuffed from breakfast.

We had by now lost the light so decided to cut the route short and after a lap of Sefton Park following the 2014 tour of Britain route went through Aigburth and back onto the waterfront to retrace our way back to the station, the wind had now turned 180 degrees,  so what should have been the nice tailwind we had all been looking forward to was now the same headwind we had battled against on the way out earlier that morning, except that this time it came with a good dose of heavy rain.  

Lesser cyclists may have been disheartened by this but we just had a good old sing song, a few chorus’s of “Oh I do like to be beside the seaside” and “In my Liverpool home” and we were soon on the train again heading back to Chester.

Thanks Stu for leading and for the write up; thanks to Ray for photos ('borrowed' from facebook)

Official photographer posing by Strawberry Fields

The George and Dragon at Great Budworth

Gill and Richard led our second ride in October, with the first stop at Manley Mere.  slightly different approach , leaving the pond and heading right for a change.  Heading exactly back from whence I came!  Into Guilden Sutton, and onto the Greenway by the fox.

Manley Mere is a windsurfing and watersports lake only 6 miles out of Chester.  I remember them building it, and it is now a well established and pretty location.  They also have a fabulous cafe!  We met Sylvia here, and both Stu and I (who had originally considered heading back after coffee) decided to stay out to play instead!

The first thing after Manley is the climb up, after which more gentle ascents through Delamere Forest.  But this at least gives you the chance to enjoy the wide range of autumn colours we are enjoying this year.  We have had late sunshine through September, and very little rain and wind.  So the leaves have slowly turned, and stayed put; those that have fallen remain pleasingly crispy to swish through.

We have been following the Cheshire Cycleway route since Mickle Trafford; one I used to follow out in my early cycling days, and which I believe was formulated in 1986 - making it 30 years old next year.

We were split into two manageable sized groups, and after Norley and a wonderful descent off the sandstone ridge, my group caught up with the first, lurking in a side turning.  The route looked like it crossed a few fields (bridleway, not very far actually, certainly worth an explore another time!); and the conversation, after consulting gadgets and real maps, went a little like this...

Gill: if we turn left and left, will that get us to Acton Bridge?
Me: yes, left and left will work...

Gill gets to the end of the track and promptly turns right, followed by another right.  Interesting, I thought!




Consequently, at the end of Ainsworth Lane, we were still unsure of the direction (quick consult of the map confirmed it was right again) and we had a general adventure and explore near the Weaver, with wonderful views of the Dutton Viaduct, which we crossed under and climbed above.










We picked up the Cheshire Cycleway again (having fallen off it momentarily), through Acton Bridge, over the actual bridge, and up to Little Leigh.  Between Weaverham and Barnton the river Weaver and canals have an interesting history, close as we are here to the Anderton Boat Lift.  There are tunnels, cuttings, and lots of footpaths to explore, and remnants of a hugely industrial past, with the salt mines and associated industry.

You sometimes see an array of interesting
yet apparently abandoned articles in barns

Noted in the Doomsday book, Gt Budworth used to be part of Arley Hall; and was redesigned to 'look pleasing to the Victorian eye' in the late 1800's

Goldmine House (pictured left) was designed by John Douglas, a prolific Chester Architect who desiged, among many things, Chester's Eastgate Clock

I love Wikipedia!




St Mary's and All Saints Church is a fabulous sandstone 14th century Church which dominates the main street, and is opposite the George and Dragon, our lunch stop.

After lunch we re-assembled in the car park, and headed back, retracing our route briefly back to Comberbach before heading left to pass Marbury Country Park and the Anderton Boat Lift.

Through Hartford and along to Whitegate, where we had to pause for the Cheshire Hounds hunt - horses really - hundreds of them!



16 riders, 48 miles

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!

The Crown at Pantymwyn

We did not have a leader allocated for today's ride, so I spent 10 minutes Sat night plotting a little 40ish mile route round, avoiding a foodie festival at Hawarden and the food and drink festival in Mold.  I think everyone in the vicinity must have been at these two extravaganza's; I don't think I have ever seen such quiet lanes, even for a Sunday!

Selfie group photo at the start(ish)

A late email and some holidays (not to mention an intrepid LEJOG* by Dave Bob and Ray; to be joined today by Kath, Stu and Nick) possibly meant low number turn out - three of us to be precise (and Darren turned back at Hope).  But it is not always about quantity, but quality!

Nosheen negotiating steps by
Chester Racecourse

View upstream from railway bridge.
Tiny colour changes in some trees

Chester was quiet, a few tour groups setting off.  We headed to the river and followed around to the railway bridge - a new one for Darren.  Using some of the winter evening (unofficial) circuit route we headed for the donkey sanctuary, and fortunately there were no closed rail crossings today.  







With a climb after the Royal Oak in Kinnerton, we dropped to Jemoleys at Pen-y-Ffordd.  as I passed the open kitchen window I heard a cry of 'hooray, cyclists!' (not mirrored by the young girls face at the till until I reassured her there was only three of us!)

Mandatory cake photo

Darren and myself

Nosheen and hot chocolate

...with all the trimmings!

After coffee (and cake/toast) break, we headed for the station, and a little lane just after which affords lovely views of Hope Mountain across the valley.  We waved goodbye to Darren (prior engagement) and carried on down pigeonhouse lane to come out on the main Mold Wrexham road.






Not for long, as we headed left and up a short hill, to then follow more contours to Leeswood.  Or rather, contoured for a bit then massive descent to the 'sunspot' road as I call it (there used to be a garage at the top called the Sunspot.  One day when I have time and I can find it, I will scan it in and share it with you).




Climb in Leeswood; then more lovely contours before a wonderful drop to come out alongside the magnificent gates of Leeswood Hall - we think the gates are bigger than the house!

Leeswood white gates and screen; attributed
to Davies Brothers of Wrexham; they also
made the golden gate at Eaton Hall and
Chirk Castle (to name a few)

We then followed more contours, overlooking Mold, before a sudden and very sharp double arrowed corner.  Bit of a shock to the system!









More contours, past Plas Hafod, and a final climb and last drop to The Crown.  Someone said you have to book, it gets very busy.  Not today.  But a lovely young lady called Ashley looked after us, and after a refreshing break we set off - what can only be described as mostly down with some wonderful contours through leafy lanes.  I caught a few whiffs of wild garlic on our travels.  Not an autumny feel at all, not yet.

Moel Ffamau in the distance

We dropped to the Mold Denbigh road at Rhydymywn, and headed left for a short while before turning in right to what looks like a quarry but with a sneaky little lane off to the right.  Steep.  But also muddy in parts, so when I started to wheelspin, I lost it and had to walk.  Short walk to the top of the hill - very short drop on the main road to left and again we contoured and descended.  I was expecting a reciprocal climb - but no- we arrived in Northop with only a promise of downhill-all-the-way-home!  (except Nosheen, who had a two mile climb from there - sorry!)

Flint bridge.  Power station to the left.

I dropped down to Connahs Quay via Kelsterton Lane, which lands almost underneath the Power Station.  I then followed route 5, nice and easy; to cross the river with the railway again.  I followed the river for a short way, then took a left after the main road bridge, as I have not used the link to the Greenway before.  Nice to get a new lane or track in when you can!

Shotton railway bridge and steelworks
building in distance.

Blue bridge at Hawarden

Different approach to the Greenway blue bridge

The sunshine that was promising first thing this morning had given way to grey clouds for the day before I had even left.  As I headed home it seemed to get even darker.  But it was a marvelously green day despite the gloom!

44 miles.





* Lands End John O Groats