Let's Ride with the Canal and River Trust

One aspect about Chester that I love is our canal's and waterways.  We are lucky to have a lovely river, which is very pretty, and also an extensive arm of the Shropshire Union Canal winding from Ellesmere Port through Chester and out to the Cheshire countryside.  

I have always enjoyed cycling along our towpaths, and sharing some of the history I know.  However, the surface has suffered over recent years, making it less accessible and even unpleasant to use these routes; so when a few years ago I met and chatted with a volunteer along the canal, I signed up as a member in support. 

The canals are such an old transport network, with the Sankey Canal which was the first British canal opening in 1757; and the majority of the network was built between the 1770s and the 1830s.  We also in Cheshire have the Anderton Boat Lift and the Manchester Ship Canal.

Near the Sankey Canal, on my ride to Speke in August 2017.

Chester CTC ride to the Anderton Boat Lift in July 2007.

And only last month I was lucky enough to paddle (not pedal) across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (I have previously walked with my bike over, as it is a tad narrow to cycle over)

Canals have featured through all my thirty five years of cycling, so when I saw local rides advertised led by the Canal and River Trust, I wanted to support this (and, I will be honest, also try to let people know about our cycling clubs and rides - well, why not?)

I joined the first ride which was a very short jaunt along the Greenway to Meadow Lea Cafe, just a chance to get to know everyone.  We are meeting at Bren Bikes.

I was away last week, but was able to book on and come out again today.  There was a larger group today, and we set off the other way on the Greenway, picked up the canal and headed out of Chester towards Ellesmere Port and as far as Croughton.  I mentioned that the surface has been awful, but in the last two years there has been significant resurfacing, so this is now a very pleasant route.

Setting off along the Greenway

It was a beautiful calm day along the canalside
	I can't tell you how many times I have photographed this viaduct!

We joined the road at Croughton, but as we also have fabulous quiet country roads it was a pleasant pedal now back towards Chester and Upton, where we picked up a cyclepath alongside the A41, before re-joining the Greenway and heading back to Meadow Lea for refreshments.

Rides will be held each Monday morning until early December, and you can book on here

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!

Bike week 2021

 

Join in with a range of activities this week, 30th May to 5th June:

• Tuesday 25th to Friday 28th May (before Bike week), Cycling UK have a series of virtual events you can register for; these repeat through bike week and appear in my calendar below.

Bike week starts on Sunday 30th May, with the Worlds Biggest Bike Ride.  Either join us (details to be updated) or set off on your own, but take a selfie near a signpost showing where you are, or a landmark.

• Each day through bike week you can take part in the #DaysofCycling and register for prizes

Tuesday 1st June, 13:00 - a pre-recorded session on Road positioning  for cyclists of all experiences (repeated from Tue 25th May)

Wednesday 2nd June, Chester Cycle Campaign are running a live bike maintenance course at Bren Bikes; and Cycling UK have a pre-recorded session on Basic Bike Maintenance (repeated from Wed 26th May)

• Also on Wednesday is our Summer evening ride, meet at Chester Town Hall Square to leave at 7pm - with staged leaving times for different groups.

Thursday 3rd June - 8 am - watch Cycling Yoga live on facebook.  There is also another pre-recorded session at 13:00 Route planning for your cycle to work (although if you want local advice I would be happy to help)  This session is repeated from Thur 27th May)

Friday 4th June - final pre-recorded session with Cycling UK - about what equipment you need to cycle to work. 

Saturday 5th June, Glamorous Womens' bike ride, also run by Chester Cycle Campaign - apparently it is an internet sensation! 

Happy New Year 2020

In a vague attempt to stay more up to date with blog posts - and in the tradition of all good New Year Resolutions.....here we are again, at Christleton Pond, at the start of a new year.

We left in two waves - because I knew I could not get to Cleopatra's in Holt in half an hour (10 miles) I set off first with about 6 (did not really count!) and

New ducks on the block

Dave stayed till 10:30, to bring a few others.

The weather was not too cold, not windy and most importantly not snowing, raining or icy.  

Cleopatra's was the meeting point for Wrexham riders, and anyone else passing that way.  I highly recommend the croissant (why have I never had one before?!)

Leaving Cleopatra's

We then set off, back over the Dee Bridge and along to The Bull at Shocklach.  A chance to mix and meet with others, make new friends and catch up on the news: Janet had a broken arm; Bryan had not done much as his wife had also broken her arm early in 2019; and generally who had who for Christmas and New Year etc.

Arriving at The Bull

As people drifted away, I ended up being last with Stu, as we finished our pints.  We were heading different directions, and as it was such a nice day by now, I decided to add a little loop in, heading towards Chorlton Lane and Horton Green.  

Classic Cheshire sign
with Red Phone Box

Watch this space -
chapel will be renovated

Fabulous Gatehouse to Carden Park

Such wonderfully quiet lanes, and a joyous solo meander.  I do not always get the chance to go out by myself, unless it is commuting.  Despite extra loop, I only seemed to add 5 miles, making it 37 miles in total.

Chester & North Wales AGM 2019

In order to try and improve and encourage attendance to the AGM, held locally this year at Pulford, I invited people to join me at Christleton Pond.  We had a selection of Chester and Watsons Wanderers, so that was nice!

We left at 9:30, and set off through wonderful autumn coloured lanes to Farndon.  I paused at Churton to share a little bit of history of the tree planted in 1911 to commemorate the Coronation of King George V.

In Lewis's cafe, after a couple of us had ordered, John pointed out that it was now 11, and we should be at Pulford for 11:30, for beans on toast.  Too late to stop now, we anticipated our various orders eagerly and finished up as quick as we could.  Brian passed by, he had thought we were meeting at Chester Town Hall so missed us.  We sent him on ahead as time was tight.

No worries, we arrived at Pulford by 12:10; time for beans on toast and a cuppa, and cake!  Meeting old friends and having a natter, and then the buisness of the day.

Agenda and minutes are on the club website http://www.ctcchesterandnwales.org.uk/AGMdocuments.html

Return journey included the Straight Mile, and after Eccleston I took the riders I had left along Pinfold Lane to pick up 'The Circuit'  (there is another page I need to do!) 

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 Childe of Hale, at Hale

The ride leader for this Sunday had to pull out, and no-one else was able to offer an alternative.  Then, the previous Sunday, Chris from Kelsall told us about his daughter (age 11) cycling Lands End to John O Groats, and did anyone want to come along and meet them or ride a little with them.  So a plan formed in my head, - and it went something like this...

Meet at Chester station 8:30 for 8:39 train to Runcorn East.  Arrive at 8:59.  

It was just me.  And I nearly missed the train, helping a lady with the ticket machine!  It is a short 20 minute hop to Runcorn East, straight after the tunnel after Frodsham.

7 miles to Esquires Coffee shop in Stockton Heath, meet Erin and Dad for a coffee.

And a lovely 7 miles it was too!  Leaving Runcorn East, I picked up a small road

First Canal of the day, with boat lifting thingy

which crossed the Trent and Mersey Canal, crossed the railway (just before a train came) and then underneath the Bridgewater Canal, before climbing up a deep sandstone cutting (Red Brow) to near Daresbury, and the A56.  Crossing this, passing near Lewis Caroll's birthplace and the back of Creamfields (set up ready for next weekend); Appleton Reservoir with a Heron perched, and into Stockton Heath.

Definitely a Cheshire Lane!

Erin and her Dad were a little later than anticipated, so I had already finished my croissant.  We chatted about the journey so far, and people they had met.  I recounted some of my memories from my LE JOG many many moons ago; we bemoaned traffic, and the usual cyclist chit chat.  All too soon it was time to part, and we loaded up amidst two small children using the cafe forecourt as a bicycle race track, occasionally running over our feet!

Erin and her Dad Chris, hoping to see more of them
when they finish their Lands End John O Groats adventure

Pick up TPT, heading west, to Hale 11 miles, for lunch.


I left Erin and Chris as we crossed the Manchester Ship Canal (it must be the canal capital of Great Britain around here - there will be another one in a minute!), and I picked up the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT).  I rode it last year, but in the other direction, however it did not help as it is not always as clearly signposted as it could be.





It was a lovely warm and sunny morning, people were out and about walking, picking blackberries and generally enjoying their Sunday mornings.  It is a mostly flat and very traffic free route, with some lovely sights - here are my photos...

These little cottages lead to Waltons Dock, a loop formed by the
Mersey, just as it enters the Manchester Ship Canal.

Crossing the Mersey with Fiddlers Ferry Power Station
in the distance.

Where the TPT meets the Sankey Bridges, on the Sankey Brook and
the first wholly artificial canal built in England 

Fiddlers Ferry, viewed along the St Helen's Canal

'Future Flower' artwork.  Wind turbines power
small LEDs which light it up (apparently)

St Helen's Canal - I told you there was another canal around here!

At this point the TPT is re-directed whilst
the new bridge is being constructed

This is the view back up-stream on the Mersey to the new crossing; taken near Catalyst science museum where the re-directed TPT rejoins it's original route.

I met a chap taking a pic with his old Nokia, and offered to take one for him with him in it.  He declined, but explained that he wanted to proove to his mates at work that he really had ridden this far (18 miles from Aintree)! 

The Runcorn Bridge is one of my favourite bridges, it can be seen from so far away and is just so pretty!  It stands high above the generally low lying area around Widnes and Runcorn, and so can be seen for ages as you approach it.

An unusual view between the road and rail bridges!

As I pedaled away from Runcorn, I was waiting for the set of zig zag steps I knew I would have to descend.  Goodness knows what Sustrans/ TPT / local council was thinking of when they negotiated the crossing of the small tributary of Ditton Brook, preceded (or followed, depending on which way you are heading) by a long set of shallow but numerous steps.



This leads us to Pickerings Pasture, another of the many 'reclaimed' country and nature parks along this stretch of the Mersey; and into Hale.


There is lots of things to see in Hale; I satisfied myself with a quick selfie with John Middleton, the Childe of Hale, who was a giant of a man at over 9 feet tall!




After a light lunch, chatting to a chap with a Cross Bike, I set off to negotiate Halewood - quite a contrast to Hale with its large thatched houses.  The trail appeared to be signposted off to the right, under an underpass.  I carried my bike through the expanse of broken glass, but could not see a way out.  I carried it back out, and circled a little, asking a local chap (who had clearly never heard of the TPT) and a couple of young lads (Youuffs) who led and directed me to the path out from the wastlelands and I was on my way.

Railway paths are nice and quiet, traffic  free, but tend to be tree lined and a little bit samey - you do not really know where you are and there is very little to see.  Hence I was stopped checking my map and location when a cyclist stopped to see if I was lost.  After we chatted, we realised we were both Cycling UK - he was with Merseyside and we knew our groups.  He was also able to direct me to route 56, which I wanted to pick up next.


14 miles TPT then route 56 to pick up Mersey to Albert Dock, Ferry back (£10)

Calderstones Park Gates

That was the plan, but by now time was ticking on a little, it was about 4pm.  I followed route 56, now on Liverpool suburb streets, through Sefton Park, along and through Princes Park, skirting Calderstones Park.

I headed past Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and along to 'Paddys Wigwam', the Catholic church.  I love Liverpool, there are iconic landmarks at every turn!  Lime Street was my final point, where I picked up the train to come home.

Even then I seem to have managed 40 miles!