28th May 2015: Overton (mod)

Temperatures were more like late February than late May when six hardy souls left Manley Mere into a fresh westerly wind.  We had a duopoly of leaders with Steve leading on the electronic side and Brian with a back-up with the C19 paper version.  We were joined by Bryan, George, Keith and Andy and decided to head into the wind first.  The outward journey was uneventful via Waverton, Aldford and past Hildegard’s that looked very closed awaiting new owners.  Onwards via Cross Lanes, Bangor on Dee race-course and up the only incline of the morning to arrive at The White Horse pub in Overton (01978 710 111 Lunches 12:00 – 14:30).  A cracking Joules brewery outlet, it was my first visit but I’ll be back.

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Both lunch & beer was served promptly, efficiently and pleasantly and was at a good price.  The usual varied CER topics of conversation ensued without any mention of Maggie Thatcher, but every other political persuasion was covered.  The return again was uneventful, which is always a bonus and we arrived at the Ice Cream Farm for tea having travelled via Shocklack, Tilston & Tattenhall.  Big mistake – we were overrun by schoolkids on half term.  Why do children have to be continually entertained these days?  Are they not permitted to climb trees by themselves and wander aimlessly through the countryside anymore?  Why am I sounding like Victor Meldrew? After tea, the Chester and Welsh contingency went off while Steve, Keith and I returned to Manley.  The outward cycle was at 13 mph average, but the return to the Mere was 14.5mph, totalling 55 miles round trip. 

See route map and/or gpx file download.

BMac