Well I suppose it depends on what you did….! It’s a stunning part of the country with lots of contrasts. We tend to choose our days and avoid the centre during the summer.You're making me miss being up there. I wonder if Windermere Lake Cruises will have me back?
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
I had my first proper sea swim of the year this morning, it was Ffffffreezing!
As an afternoon treat I cycled up the Puffing Billy track.
Sheep lambs cows calves skylark meadow pipits and buzzards… but no commas.
Once at Redlake I lay on a concrete pad from an old disused mine building, snoozing in the warm sun. Then some stupid bloody teenager climbed to the top of the volcano, music playing on his phone, peace shattered.
On the way back to the van I broke a spoke in my rear wheel.
16 sunny miles.
As an afternoon treat I cycled up the Puffing Billy track.
Sheep lambs cows calves skylark meadow pipits and buzzards… but no commas.
Once at Redlake I lay on a concrete pad from an old disused mine building, snoozing in the warm sun. Then some stupid bloody teenager climbed to the top of the volcano, music playing on his phone, peace shattered.
On the way back to the van I broke a spoke in my rear wheel.
16 sunny miles.
Donger
Convoi Exceptionnel
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
My last holiday ride. Nipped out this morning for a 22.7 miler towards Annan, but stopped short when I discovered a nice little seaside village called Powfoot. Great views across the Solway Firth towards the English lake District, but all into the sun so no photos. A short but very enjoyable and quite sociable ride this morning. In Powfoot I had a nice long conversation, half in English, half in French with a friendly Belgian couple who had camped overnight on the beach in their campervan. Then on the way back a fellow cyclist slowed to chat a while as we rode along. He was from a local cycling club in Ecclefechan that go by the great name of 'Fechan Flyers. A few photos:
I've actually caught a bit of a tan this last week and a bit. Glorious weather throughout Scotland. And here is the final old school map of my Dumfries & Galloway rides ... pretty much the whole section of the Solway Firth from Annan to Dumfries:
That's 59.9 miles of Dumfries & Galloway to add to my 90.0 miles of Moray. A great holiday. Lots of empty roads and great scenery.
I've actually caught a bit of a tan this last week and a bit. Glorious weather throughout Scotland. And here is the final old school map of my Dumfries & Galloway rides ... pretty much the whole section of the Solway Firth from Annan to Dumfries:
That's 59.9 miles of Dumfries & Galloway to add to my 90.0 miles of Moray. A great holiday. Lots of empty roads and great scenery.
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
With a good forecast for today, I planned to get Doug out for a ride. A pub stop was enough temptation to get him out so we aimed to cycle to Church Stretton again. The weather was fabulous; warm, sunny and not a cloud to be seen. We set off with a tailwind so made good progress through Condover, Ryton and Longnor. Apart from a bit of a wait to get out onto the A49 at the start, the roads were fairly quiet. There were very few cyclists initially then after overtaking a couple en route to Hollyhurst we started to see riders coming the other way with event numbers on their bikes (I haven't looked up what event it was just yet). The pothole I reported still doesn't have anything to indicate it's going to be repaired any time soon. A couple of riders overtook and the second of them commented on the nice day then said "I've got a chest infection. Shouldn't have come out today, I'm struggling". Somehow I didn't feel like riding too close after that.
After our second crossing of the A49 it was a good run into Church Stretton where we found tables available at The Hollybush cafe. Our timing was good as by the time Doug had placed our order and settled down there were other groups of cyclists and walkers turning up. We enjoyed our brunch then retraced our steps into a headwind. With that and the legs taking a little while to get going again I inadvertently left Doug behind a bit going through All Stretton. It didn't help that he was having some issues with his gears so we stopped in a gateway at Dudgeley and I fixed it for him. The following motorist gave us a very hard stare when we pulled in here - don't know what that was about.
Our next stop was at The Pound where a pint was sampled. Butty Bach for me, Henry Weston's cider for Doug. It was really great sat out here and quite tempting to stay there longer. We didn't though and got back on the road, soon swinging back into that headwind. The wind wasn't too strong really and the pace was fairly decent in spite of it. Although I suggested an alternative route back, Doug was fairly keen to retrace our steps - he was after a good average speed and knows that this stretch of road is a bit more flowing than the way I'd mentioned.
It was a nice run back to Ryton. We joined the road to Condover just ahead of another rider on a lighter bike and were going quick enough that they waited quite a while before overtaking. We got gestures from the passenger of a passing Polo - don't know what their problem was and a Range Rover gave very little room overtaking when we got back on the A49 but apart from that it was a decent finish to the ride.
The Raleigh went well on the refitted Voyager Hyper tyres, I hope I can get lots of miles out of them before I need to think about changing again. They fit better under the new mudguards too - the reason I took them off this bike in the first place was tight clearance under the rear guard.
25.3 miles at 13.9 mph average. Not the 14 mph average Doug was hoping for, but close.
Our usual first stop near Ryton.
A lovely view to the hills this morning.
We've got to The Hollybush before the rush.
A couple from the adjustment stop at Dudgeley.
Pints at The Pound.
After our second crossing of the A49 it was a good run into Church Stretton where we found tables available at The Hollybush cafe. Our timing was good as by the time Doug had placed our order and settled down there were other groups of cyclists and walkers turning up. We enjoyed our brunch then retraced our steps into a headwind. With that and the legs taking a little while to get going again I inadvertently left Doug behind a bit going through All Stretton. It didn't help that he was having some issues with his gears so we stopped in a gateway at Dudgeley and I fixed it for him. The following motorist gave us a very hard stare when we pulled in here - don't know what that was about.
Our next stop was at The Pound where a pint was sampled. Butty Bach for me, Henry Weston's cider for Doug. It was really great sat out here and quite tempting to stay there longer. We didn't though and got back on the road, soon swinging back into that headwind. The wind wasn't too strong really and the pace was fairly decent in spite of it. Although I suggested an alternative route back, Doug was fairly keen to retrace our steps - he was after a good average speed and knows that this stretch of road is a bit more flowing than the way I'd mentioned.
It was a nice run back to Ryton. We joined the road to Condover just ahead of another rider on a lighter bike and were going quick enough that they waited quite a while before overtaking. We got gestures from the passenger of a passing Polo - don't know what their problem was and a Range Rover gave very little room overtaking when we got back on the A49 but apart from that it was a decent finish to the ride.
The Raleigh went well on the refitted Voyager Hyper tyres, I hope I can get lots of miles out of them before I need to think about changing again. They fit better under the new mudguards too - the reason I took them off this bike in the first place was tight clearance under the rear guard.
25.3 miles at 13.9 mph average. Not the 14 mph average Doug was hoping for, but close.
Our usual first stop near Ryton.
A lovely view to the hills this morning.
We've got to The Hollybush before the rush.
A couple from the adjustment stop at Dudgeley.
Pints at The Pound.
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- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Well, I did snap off the mooring cleat at Lakeside.
Hopefully that is offset by the occasion when I realised the wine delivered for an event was completely different from what the customers had ordered and knew where there was enough of the right sort to get it on to the ship in time.
Bit of a slack week on the commute on account of having to drive to a client on Tuesday.
Yesterday a 3-ish mile egg ride on the Brompton spiralled out of control into a 20-odd mile mini-epic. This brought several firsts including longest single ride on the little toff-o-skate, as well a new top speed record of 36mph down a fat local hill... which was mildly terrifying; especially trying to scrub off speed and signal for a junction with a fast approaching car behind.
Not the cleverest ride I've done as I strayed away from home without the usual safety nets of pump, spare tubes etc. Didn't go too far but it would still have meant a ballache of a walk had owt gone wrong - which thankfully it didn't
Today saw more glorious sun and the usual shopping trip on the Fuji; some mild bellends in cars encountered, but most folk were sound; especially the family who stopped to hold a gate open for me. As usual it seems the sun definitely brings out the best in people.
About 85 miles this week; better than last but not as good as the best in recent times. Happy with that however as I've currently got a lot on so it's good to get out at all...
Yesterday a 3-ish mile egg ride on the Brompton spiralled out of control into a 20-odd mile mini-epic. This brought several firsts including longest single ride on the little toff-o-skate, as well a new top speed record of 36mph down a fat local hill... which was mildly terrifying; especially trying to scrub off speed and signal for a junction with a fast approaching car behind.
Not the cleverest ride I've done as I strayed away from home without the usual safety nets of pump, spare tubes etc. Didn't go too far but it would still have meant a ballache of a walk had owt gone wrong - which thankfully it didn't
Today saw more glorious sun and the usual shopping trip on the Fuji; some mild bellends in cars encountered, but most folk were sound; especially the family who stopped to hold a gate open for me. As usual it seems the sun definitely brings out the best in people.
About 85 miles this week; better than last but not as good as the best in recent times. Happy with that however as I've currently got a lot on so it's good to get out at all...
HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
Found out today it was 92 miles to the pub and 12.5 miles home from it.
Sunday, 1.14 according to the Garmin, and out on the roadbike heading, unusually for me, into the wind for the outbound ride. A quick surprise was a road closed until 6pm had reopened. I had expected to have to join the cycle path at this junction. The poorly sited cycle direction sign applies to the cycle path on the shared pavement not the road.
Given the NNE wind climbing the east facing Humps and a hill in the heat of the day was not an attractive proposition and I did subsequently join the cycle route with its steep but shorter climbs hidden in the trees ahead.
Onto Knaresborough, and on the decent of the A59 their was a sudden clatter and I halted outside Mother Shiptons but nothing amiss.
North to Farnham with the lane of that name looking like a cycle highway, The two in front were somewhat slow on the level and descents but quicker than me on the climbs
On towards Staveley I decided there was enough of a decent and level section to overtake without them overtaking me on a climb although judging by the Varias alerts that might have been a close thing. Through Minskip and Boroughbridge
Stopped at the riverside park for a snack, suppose it has ecological benefits but the lack of a view of the river is unfortunate. Decision time given the wind, via Cundall and Asenby to Topcliffe or the A168 and Rainton. Decided on the latter as the A168 would have greater opportunity to adopt a drops position. What I had overlooked was the extra climbing involved, fundamentally through Kirby Hill (um, clue in the name maybe…)
A windsock between the A168 and A1(M) seemed to be pointing to Harrogate.
Paused at Rainton for a further snack and then to Topcliffe and the A167 north. This was more tedious than the A168 with little to guide on how was left battling the cross head wind.
Eventually reached the A61 and turned east towards Thirsk and soon the first objective of the ride - a V pubname.
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/abc-of-pubs-and-cafes-2024.295234/page-13#post-7201084
Ride then reversed but continuing on the A61 over the A1(M) and onto Ripon for the W pubname.
Then direct to Bishop Monkton, with the wind assist pushing to two PRs, for the final snack and then the climb of Moor Road to rejoin the A61 and the reverse of last Saturdays outward ride. 50.82 miles 1939ft climbed 13.3mph avg
Given the NNE wind climbing the east facing Humps and a hill in the heat of the day was not an attractive proposition and I did subsequently join the cycle route with its steep but shorter climbs hidden in the trees ahead.
Onto Knaresborough, and on the decent of the A59 their was a sudden clatter and I halted outside Mother Shiptons but nothing amiss.
North to Farnham with the lane of that name looking like a cycle highway, The two in front were somewhat slow on the level and descents but quicker than me on the climbs
On towards Staveley I decided there was enough of a decent and level section to overtake without them overtaking me on a climb although judging by the Varias alerts that might have been a close thing. Through Minskip and Boroughbridge
Stopped at the riverside park for a snack, suppose it has ecological benefits but the lack of a view of the river is unfortunate. Decision time given the wind, via Cundall and Asenby to Topcliffe or the A168 and Rainton. Decided on the latter as the A168 would have greater opportunity to adopt a drops position. What I had overlooked was the extra climbing involved, fundamentally through Kirby Hill (um, clue in the name maybe…)
A windsock between the A168 and A1(M) seemed to be pointing to Harrogate.
Paused at Rainton for a further snack and then to Topcliffe and the A167 north. This was more tedious than the A168 with little to guide on how was left battling the cross head wind.
Eventually reached the A61 and turned east towards Thirsk and soon the first objective of the ride - a V pubname.
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/abc-of-pubs-and-cafes-2024.295234/page-13#post-7201084
Ride then reversed but continuing on the A61 over the A1(M) and onto Ripon for the W pubname.
Then direct to Bishop Monkton, with the wind assist pushing to two PRs, for the final snack and then the climb of Moor Road to rejoin the A61 and the reverse of last Saturdays outward ride. 50.82 miles 1939ft climbed 13.3mph avg
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EltonFrog
Legendary Member
A lovely day for a ride.
The Fragrant MrsP needed something from Abingdon again, so I thought I’d take the Brompton this time, I haven’t ridden it for a couple of weeks.
Followed the mostly traffic free route from the village, via Didcot, Sutton Courtney, when I got to the edge of Abingdon I detoured down a road to the river to explore, I’ve never been there before, I didn’t go anywhere except to the marina, and to a green space, I thought there might have been a path along side the river.
Once in town I went to the bank, then to the store to collect the item I was sent to collect.
More or less the same route back, save a few diversions.
Stopped for some photos today.
This is Brompton bike hire hub.
About 22.5 miles.
The Fragrant MrsP needed something from Abingdon again, so I thought I’d take the Brompton this time, I haven’t ridden it for a couple of weeks.
Followed the mostly traffic free route from the village, via Didcot, Sutton Courtney, when I got to the edge of Abingdon I detoured down a road to the river to explore, I’ve never been there before, I didn’t go anywhere except to the marina, and to a green space, I thought there might have been a path along side the river.
Once in town I went to the bank, then to the store to collect the item I was sent to collect.
More or less the same route back, save a few diversions.
Stopped for some photos today.
This is Brompton bike hire hub.
About 22.5 miles.
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
A mid-afternoon chance for a ride was taken and I took the Raleigh out for a blast on a very lazily selected route. I thought that the clockwise version of my longer Acton Burnell route would fit in with the wind direction, although it was quite light so I'm not sure it made a great deal of difference.
The bike went well and I felt enthused to press on wherever possible. Not too much traffic on the A49 on the way out but a stream of vehicles overtook on the way to Condover. Lyons Lane was mostly quiet as was the lane past Berrington Hall. I used the A458 which was alright. It was nice to have a clear run to Cound Stank and I just met the one car on the lane to Cound, although it would have to be at the narrowest point.
Flag of the day was a yellow one with a smiley face on. I had one of the residents stop me on the way up to Harnage to ask if there was a funeral taking place at the church - she was about to mow the lawn but didn't want to cause any disturbance. I said I hadn't seen any activity down there and it wasn't until afterwards that it occurred to me about the flag not being particularly appropriate if there had been a funeral.
During the climb here, the sun broke through what had been an overcast day and it warmed up quickly so I was able to take off the fleece I'd had on from the start.
The long straight to Cound Moor was marred a bit by having to pull in for some vehicles to pass. After Acton Burnell I fairly flew up the long gentle climb to Frodesley and enjoyed the descent the other side. Longnor to Ryton was good and I made the most of the dash through Condover and back to the A49, which again was fairly quiet. If only it could always be like that.
23.5 miles at 16.2 mph average. Strava says 1012 feet of climbing. Great to get out and it was one of those rides that left me with a buzz afterwards.
Just the one snap today, taken a little way after Harnage:
The bike went well and I felt enthused to press on wherever possible. Not too much traffic on the A49 on the way out but a stream of vehicles overtook on the way to Condover. Lyons Lane was mostly quiet as was the lane past Berrington Hall. I used the A458 which was alright. It was nice to have a clear run to Cound Stank and I just met the one car on the lane to Cound, although it would have to be at the narrowest point.
Flag of the day was a yellow one with a smiley face on. I had one of the residents stop me on the way up to Harnage to ask if there was a funeral taking place at the church - she was about to mow the lawn but didn't want to cause any disturbance. I said I hadn't seen any activity down there and it wasn't until afterwards that it occurred to me about the flag not being particularly appropriate if there had been a funeral.
During the climb here, the sun broke through what had been an overcast day and it warmed up quickly so I was able to take off the fleece I'd had on from the start.
The long straight to Cound Moor was marred a bit by having to pull in for some vehicles to pass. After Acton Burnell I fairly flew up the long gentle climb to Frodesley and enjoyed the descent the other side. Longnor to Ryton was good and I made the most of the dash through Condover and back to the A49, which again was fairly quiet. If only it could always be like that.
23.5 miles at 16.2 mph average. Strava says 1012 feet of climbing. Great to get out and it was one of those rides that left me with a buzz afterwards.
Just the one snap today, taken a little way after Harnage:
a.twiddler
Veteran
19/5/24
Hot day ride on the Linear Recumbent.
Plan: NCN 551 past the back gate to Nantwich. NCN 451 to Wrenbury. NCN 45 from Wrenbury, then Cholmondeley, Bickerton, Burwardsley and back via Tiverton. Didn’t actually work out that way, as I hurtled downhill past the turn off for NCN 45 to Burwardsley and ended up in Tattenhall instead. I then followed NCN 45 backwards and followed NCN 70 to Beeston, past the Shady Oak pub on the Shropshire Union Canal and turned for Tiverton after that.
So...
I got started late this morning so by the time I’d done various jobs I didn’t get out on the bike until after lunch. It was already pretty warm so after slapping on a load of sun cream I took it easy. I’d had a plan to include some Chester Greenway today but due to shortage of time I trimmed it back. Maybe next time.
As I headed towards Wettenhall there were signs relating to the Nantwich Triathlon, and markers pointing out the worst potholes on the route. I was passed by a few cyclists along the way but I couldn’t be bothered to make even a token semblance of speed. If they wanted to get all overheated and sweaty, that was their choice. I was going to stay chilled as much as possible, dude.
As I passed under the Crewe-Chester railway line then heaved over the bridge of the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal I noticed that the Wettenhall Marina was open, under new management. I took a detour therein as I fancied an ice cream even after just the few miles I’d done. Sitting in the shade eating my ice cream I could see that the fine weather had brought the crowds to the outdoor tables. Boats chugged through the lock, walkers passed along the canal, water birds gathered to receive their due from their admirers. Overall, a busy scene.
In due course, I got under way in pursuit of peace and quiet. Through Cholmondeston, the surface had been extensively re done, and as I came to a dip over a bridge I was able to get a run up where previously I would have been rattling about over some impressively gnarly potholes. The surface was improved as far as the junction with the Chester-Wrexham road outside Nantwich. Once I’d crossed over into Welshman’s Lane I was back into filling-rattling eyeball-vibrating territory again. There was little traffic so I was able to use most of the road in the interests of a smooth ride.
There were shady spots so I dawdled my way into Nantwich. Not much traffic about, I was able to take in the quaintness of Welsh Row as I trundled leisuredly through and right into the gradual uphill road that leads to the steep canal bridge that heralds the Wrenbury road.
I found myself speeding up a little as I headed down into the dip which climbs back up again to Ravensmoor. I found myself heating up so eased off but then attacked another dip to get momentum up the other side, climbed a couple of humped canal bridges then stopped in a lay by in the shade to have a drink of water. As I set off again I saw a “beware hedgehogs” sign which I photographed.
Nearly in Wrenbury. I was tempted to stop at the post office shop for an ice cream but there was little shade so I carried on. A couple of very suntanned mature ladies on mountain bikes came the other way and one muttered, “you ought to have a flag”. Really? I don’t think so.
I came to the Llangollen Canal with its lift bridge so stopped for a photo and walk about.
Beyond that the lanes were pleasantly shady encouraging steady trundling. I soon reached the A49 which I crossed.
I came to the entrance to Cholmondeley Castle Gardens. Although there were staff there the signs said “Gardens Closed”. Two of the staff were having a heated argument which wasn’t a good look. I raised my (fortunately invisible) eyebrows as I rolled past. Once past that bit of discordancy it was pleasant as the road slowly climbed through the mature trees thereabouts. There were occasional unwelcoming signs stating “Private Property”, Keep Out” and so on. I didn’t see anything actually saying “Trespassers will be shot” but that seemed to be the general idea.
I stopped at one of the closed entrances, opposite the lane to Malpas, to have a drink and take a photo or two. I had the feeling that I was on someone’s CCTV. “I say, Smithers, if that blighter takes another step in that direction, be a good fellow and unleash the hounds”. “Roger”.
I finished my drink and took the hint to clear orff as we don’t want your sort round here, apparently.
I remembered the lane to Malpas from several years ago when I was scoping out routes to Shrewsbury and Newtown, trying to find the least hilly route. I soon scrubbed off any route involving Malpas as it’s on top of a hill from most directions. I was grateful not to be going that way today. Bickerton was going to be my next waypoint.
The route was up and down but not very steep. Is the NCN losing its touch? I carried on through Bickerton, then came to a crossroads with the A534.
I got across, then double checked my map. Definitely on the right road for Harthill. The road was easy going for a few miles then it reared up steeply. The Linear managed it no problem, with plenty of gears to go.
I stopped at the top of the hill next to a graveyard. There was a distinctive family tomb next to the road. The road continued steeply down the other side. I gave in to gravity. Just a mo, shouldn’t there be a turning for Burwardsley on the right here somewhere? Yep, there it went, hurtling by. I was enjoying the downhill too much to turn back, rushing down between the high hedgebanks. I knew that I could rejoin the route at Tattenhall. However, another short sharp hill raised itself in front of me before I could relax a bit on the Cheshire Plain. The Linear polished that off without too much drama. Then there was a flat stretch for a few miles before turning right at a T junction to Tattenhall. Right again in Tattenhall.
I was enjoying the Georgian ambience when a boy on a mountain bike said, “wanna race?” I replied, “well, you’d have to have started about thirty miles ago if you wanted to catch me up”. He hung on for a while then said. “how are you actually riding that thing, anyway?” “Practice”, I said. Next time I looked in my mirror, he’d gone.
I carried on and eventually came to my turn off. Distant glimpses of Beeston Castle became closer. It all crept up very slowly then suddenly there it was, towering above.
My left turn came, and everything arrived at once. A steep railway bridge, a neck crickingly high canal bridge near Wharton’s Lock, the Shady Oak pub. I turned into the pub car park to look at my map. One of the best views locally of Beeston Castle is from outside this pub. Unfortunately it was crammed with people this fine evening, so I didn’t take a photo.
I carried on gradually uphill to the T junction with the road between Huxley and Tiverton. NCN 70 goes left, my route went right. Feeling a bit weary, I decided to press on to Tiverton before having a break. Another pleasant Cheshire village to enjoy passing through.
At the junction with the A49 there is a long layby which is a turning point for large vehicles which need to take an alternative route due to a low bridge a little further on. What it lacks is a bench. I ate a packet of crisps while walking up and down, followed by a couple of jelly babies. There is an uphill to a set of traffic lights. My intention was to turn right at the lights then continue to the village of Tilstone Fearnall, then take a previously untried left turn which would bring me out in the lanes not too far from home.
So off I went, more or less rejuvenated, at a steady pace. Right at the lights no problem, arriving at Tilstone Fearnall sooner than expected. Should I take this left turn? Or the next one? This one looked promising, so off I went.
It seemed to be bearing right, which was the way I needed to go, then wound about a bit, which was disorientating. There were no junctions on it, until I came to a T junction with Common Lane. Common Lane was the name of the road leading straight on from the traffic lights at which I had just turned right. Twit! Twit! And thrice twit! Next time, take the next turning. I’d hoped to avoid taking this road as it is narrow and often has fast traffic.
Just got to make the most of it now, hopefully this junction is most of the way along it towards the village of Eaton, which is where I needed to turn off. I got going at a reasonable speed on the downhills though it undulated a fair bit. There wasn’t much traffic. After reaching Eaton I gratefully turned off.
Last time I came this way, in the opposite direction, it seemed a long uphill drag through the lanes. Today, as a bonus, there was a lot of downhill so the speed more than made up for any unpleasantness from the last stretch. I soon came to the junction where I’d have expected to come out if I’d taken the right lane, and it was still easy going, probably due to a following wind.
Before long I was turning left into Hall Lane en route for Darnhall bridge. Down the dip on green, steadily up the other side.
Then the final stretch. Gone 9pm, no street lights on yet. Little traffic about. I would normally have lights on by now but, I’m home.
Distance 42.28 miles. Max 28.5 mph. Average 8.5 mph
Ascent 1260 ft.
Hot day ride on the Linear Recumbent.
Plan: NCN 551 past the back gate to Nantwich. NCN 451 to Wrenbury. NCN 45 from Wrenbury, then Cholmondeley, Bickerton, Burwardsley and back via Tiverton. Didn’t actually work out that way, as I hurtled downhill past the turn off for NCN 45 to Burwardsley and ended up in Tattenhall instead. I then followed NCN 45 backwards and followed NCN 70 to Beeston, past the Shady Oak pub on the Shropshire Union Canal and turned for Tiverton after that.
So...
I got started late this morning so by the time I’d done various jobs I didn’t get out on the bike until after lunch. It was already pretty warm so after slapping on a load of sun cream I took it easy. I’d had a plan to include some Chester Greenway today but due to shortage of time I trimmed it back. Maybe next time.
As I headed towards Wettenhall there were signs relating to the Nantwich Triathlon, and markers pointing out the worst potholes on the route. I was passed by a few cyclists along the way but I couldn’t be bothered to make even a token semblance of speed. If they wanted to get all overheated and sweaty, that was their choice. I was going to stay chilled as much as possible, dude.
As I passed under the Crewe-Chester railway line then heaved over the bridge of the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal I noticed that the Wettenhall Marina was open, under new management. I took a detour therein as I fancied an ice cream even after just the few miles I’d done. Sitting in the shade eating my ice cream I could see that the fine weather had brought the crowds to the outdoor tables. Boats chugged through the lock, walkers passed along the canal, water birds gathered to receive their due from their admirers. Overall, a busy scene.
In due course, I got under way in pursuit of peace and quiet. Through Cholmondeston, the surface had been extensively re done, and as I came to a dip over a bridge I was able to get a run up where previously I would have been rattling about over some impressively gnarly potholes. The surface was improved as far as the junction with the Chester-Wrexham road outside Nantwich. Once I’d crossed over into Welshman’s Lane I was back into filling-rattling eyeball-vibrating territory again. There was little traffic so I was able to use most of the road in the interests of a smooth ride.
There were shady spots so I dawdled my way into Nantwich. Not much traffic about, I was able to take in the quaintness of Welsh Row as I trundled leisuredly through and right into the gradual uphill road that leads to the steep canal bridge that heralds the Wrenbury road.
I found myself speeding up a little as I headed down into the dip which climbs back up again to Ravensmoor. I found myself heating up so eased off but then attacked another dip to get momentum up the other side, climbed a couple of humped canal bridges then stopped in a lay by in the shade to have a drink of water. As I set off again I saw a “beware hedgehogs” sign which I photographed.
Nearly in Wrenbury. I was tempted to stop at the post office shop for an ice cream but there was little shade so I carried on. A couple of very suntanned mature ladies on mountain bikes came the other way and one muttered, “you ought to have a flag”. Really? I don’t think so.
I came to the Llangollen Canal with its lift bridge so stopped for a photo and walk about.
Beyond that the lanes were pleasantly shady encouraging steady trundling. I soon reached the A49 which I crossed.
I came to the entrance to Cholmondeley Castle Gardens. Although there were staff there the signs said “Gardens Closed”. Two of the staff were having a heated argument which wasn’t a good look. I raised my (fortunately invisible) eyebrows as I rolled past. Once past that bit of discordancy it was pleasant as the road slowly climbed through the mature trees thereabouts. There were occasional unwelcoming signs stating “Private Property”, Keep Out” and so on. I didn’t see anything actually saying “Trespassers will be shot” but that seemed to be the general idea.
I stopped at one of the closed entrances, opposite the lane to Malpas, to have a drink and take a photo or two. I had the feeling that I was on someone’s CCTV. “I say, Smithers, if that blighter takes another step in that direction, be a good fellow and unleash the hounds”. “Roger”.
I finished my drink and took the hint to clear orff as we don’t want your sort round here, apparently.
I remembered the lane to Malpas from several years ago when I was scoping out routes to Shrewsbury and Newtown, trying to find the least hilly route. I soon scrubbed off any route involving Malpas as it’s on top of a hill from most directions. I was grateful not to be going that way today. Bickerton was going to be my next waypoint.
The route was up and down but not very steep. Is the NCN losing its touch? I carried on through Bickerton, then came to a crossroads with the A534.
I got across, then double checked my map. Definitely on the right road for Harthill. The road was easy going for a few miles then it reared up steeply. The Linear managed it no problem, with plenty of gears to go.
I stopped at the top of the hill next to a graveyard. There was a distinctive family tomb next to the road. The road continued steeply down the other side. I gave in to gravity. Just a mo, shouldn’t there be a turning for Burwardsley on the right here somewhere? Yep, there it went, hurtling by. I was enjoying the downhill too much to turn back, rushing down between the high hedgebanks. I knew that I could rejoin the route at Tattenhall. However, another short sharp hill raised itself in front of me before I could relax a bit on the Cheshire Plain. The Linear polished that off without too much drama. Then there was a flat stretch for a few miles before turning right at a T junction to Tattenhall. Right again in Tattenhall.
I was enjoying the Georgian ambience when a boy on a mountain bike said, “wanna race?” I replied, “well, you’d have to have started about thirty miles ago if you wanted to catch me up”. He hung on for a while then said. “how are you actually riding that thing, anyway?” “Practice”, I said. Next time I looked in my mirror, he’d gone.
I carried on and eventually came to my turn off. Distant glimpses of Beeston Castle became closer. It all crept up very slowly then suddenly there it was, towering above.
My left turn came, and everything arrived at once. A steep railway bridge, a neck crickingly high canal bridge near Wharton’s Lock, the Shady Oak pub. I turned into the pub car park to look at my map. One of the best views locally of Beeston Castle is from outside this pub. Unfortunately it was crammed with people this fine evening, so I didn’t take a photo.
I carried on gradually uphill to the T junction with the road between Huxley and Tiverton. NCN 70 goes left, my route went right. Feeling a bit weary, I decided to press on to Tiverton before having a break. Another pleasant Cheshire village to enjoy passing through.
At the junction with the A49 there is a long layby which is a turning point for large vehicles which need to take an alternative route due to a low bridge a little further on. What it lacks is a bench. I ate a packet of crisps while walking up and down, followed by a couple of jelly babies. There is an uphill to a set of traffic lights. My intention was to turn right at the lights then continue to the village of Tilstone Fearnall, then take a previously untried left turn which would bring me out in the lanes not too far from home.
So off I went, more or less rejuvenated, at a steady pace. Right at the lights no problem, arriving at Tilstone Fearnall sooner than expected. Should I take this left turn? Or the next one? This one looked promising, so off I went.
It seemed to be bearing right, which was the way I needed to go, then wound about a bit, which was disorientating. There were no junctions on it, until I came to a T junction with Common Lane. Common Lane was the name of the road leading straight on from the traffic lights at which I had just turned right. Twit! Twit! And thrice twit! Next time, take the next turning. I’d hoped to avoid taking this road as it is narrow and often has fast traffic.
Just got to make the most of it now, hopefully this junction is most of the way along it towards the village of Eaton, which is where I needed to turn off. I got going at a reasonable speed on the downhills though it undulated a fair bit. There wasn’t much traffic. After reaching Eaton I gratefully turned off.
Last time I came this way, in the opposite direction, it seemed a long uphill drag through the lanes. Today, as a bonus, there was a lot of downhill so the speed more than made up for any unpleasantness from the last stretch. I soon came to the junction where I’d have expected to come out if I’d taken the right lane, and it was still easy going, probably due to a following wind.
Before long I was turning left into Hall Lane en route for Darnhall bridge. Down the dip on green, steadily up the other side.
Then the final stretch. Gone 9pm, no street lights on yet. Little traffic about. I would normally have lights on by now but, I’m home.
Distance 42.28 miles. Max 28.5 mph. Average 8.5 mph
Ascent 1260 ft.
iandg
Legendary Member
- Location
- Dumfries and Galloway
A wet ride out to Crichton Central cafe in Dumfries for the Wednesday Wheelers meet. Picked up my prescription, did the shopping and cycled home. 25kg total load - 6.7kg in each pannier, 5.4kg in the saddlebag and 6.2kg (dog food) in the milk crate on the front carrier. Used the ebike to make it easier
www.ridewithgps.com/trips/180951248
www.ridewithgps.com/trips/180951248
EltonFrog
Legendary Member
A wet ride out to Crichton Central cafe in Dumfries for the Wednesday Wheelers meet. Picked up my prescription, did the shopping and cycled home. 25kg total load - 6.7kg in each pannier, 5.4kg in the saddlebag and 6.2kg (dog food) in the milk crate on the front carrier. Used the ebike to make it easier
www.ridewithgps.com/trips/180951248
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Is that an e bike?
iandg
Legendary Member
- Location
- Dumfries and Galloway
EltonFrog
Legendary Member
Just looked it up, that is a nice looking bike, and doesn’t look like an e bike. What I couldn’t see is where the battery goes.
