8th May 2008: Maeshafn

With elevenses at the Tudor House Café in Caergwrle and a glorious sunny day in prospect there was really only way to go; and so it was straight up and over Hope Mountain with a brief stop at the top. Unfortunately the summer haze limited the view somewhat but not enough to disappoint. Then it was down the other side following the back roads to Graianrhyd with the only other traffic being a single horse and rider. At Eryrys there was the inevitable debate: do we lunch early at The Sun Inn (a Bass house) or press on to The Miners Arms at Maeshafn (Theakstons)? Good sense prevailed and we continued to the delightful village of Maeshafn. To further reward our efforts the current guest ale was Adnams Explorer: just perfect for a hot summer’s day. From there it was down the lane to Llanferres and then on to Cilcain and the switchback road through Nant Alyn. Skirting Mold there was more climbing up to Soughton with afternoon tea at Soughton Hall (only the best for Chester Easy Riders) before returning to Chester via Northop, Connah’s Quay and the River Dee cycle path.
Distance from Chester and back 50 miles, hilly.
BW