8th October 2009: Malpas

Another dry day with sun forecast for the afternoon, promises a good cycling day, so armed with the local OS map its off to the Gallery Coffee Shop for elevenses.  Half way up the hill in to Hawarden my mobile rings: its Dave calling to say he won’t be riding today as he intends to do a final recce of his Ribble Valley ride.  Ray’s bike is outside when I arrive with Brian Mac close behind.  The usual tea and toasted teacakes are ordered and before long Jim arrives to complete the group of four.  Ray is nearing his target but still chasing the miles while the weather remains good.  His plan is to ride south to Rossett, then down to Bangor on Dee and through Oldcastle Heath to Malpas for lunch.  Returning to Hawarden from there should give us about 45 miles but Ray has it in mind to continue further east to Wrenbury before turning for home.

We agree to ride together to Malpas for lunch and then leave Ray to continue while the rest of us return to Hawarden.  Leaving Hawarden we head off through Bilberry Wood and are soon in the lanes enjoying the countryside and chatting away.  At Hoseley House I stop for a few moments, as I always do, to take in the view.  We’re not that high but the view across the Cheshire plain is stunning.  Then it’s catch-up with the others before skirting Wrexham Industrial Estate and through Bangor-on-Dee where Ray stops at the basket-making centre to advise the proprietress on the finer points of café food and pricing.  With luck Bangor-on-Dee will have its own cyclist café the next time we come through!  By now the sun is out and the last few miles through the lanes to Malpas seem to fly by.

Lunch is taken at the Fire Station Café where we discuss the forthcoming Ribble Valley ride (14 of us registered) and last week’s 80 miler to Barthomley.

After lunch three of us head back through Tilston and Holt where Brian heads off for the nearest station leaving Jim and I to continue through Higher Kinnerton and the long drag back up to Bilberry Wood and Hawarden.  A great day out.

Distance from Chester and back 60 miles.

For route map and/or gpx file download.

BW