19th January 2012: LLanasa (brisk)

When we reached Northop the group divided into two with Clive, Dave P, Ray and Martin going on ahead.  We followed the usual route up onto the Halkyns past the Britannia.  At Brynford Ray turned back as he had to visit his father in hospital.  The remainder continued along NCN Route 5 into a stiff westerly wind that made for hard going.  At a fairly early hour we arrived at Llanasa where an open fire in the Red Lion was a welcome sight.  The usual 2 for 1 offer was on offer and the food perfectly acceptable.  A little later the “slower” group joined us.  The route back took us along to Dyserth and then the scenic road around the side of the hill to Rhuallt.  At last we had the wind behind us, but this did not make the long climb up Rhuallt hill seem any easier.  Onto the tops and a straightforward ride back to Hawarden with a brief stop at Windmill to take in the view across the Dee Estuary.  43 miles and 1100 metres of climbing, arriving back at Hawarden by 2:45pm.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
MD