It was going to be a hot day - about 28C in the afternoon.
Steve H, Bob and I arrived in the Chirk carpark almost contemporaneously. Steve
said he had a 50 miler to the Bradford Arms in Llanymynech which “involved
hills” (one of my earlier routes I think) and I had a 40 miler which didn’t
involve hills to the same pub. Bob preferred “no hills” to “hills” and thus the
choice was essentially made before we arrived at the Tea Rooms. There were a
lot of us, but Andy W and David M had “just” ridden over for coffee.
So the Magnificent Seven consisting of Andy B, Steve H, Bob,
Nick, Trevor, Mike G and myself set off via the aqueduct for Western Rhyn. This
way is my favourite way out of Chirk sliding down the little lanes that run
parallel to the A5. We turn downhill towards Gobowen and once around the
roundabout passing Derwen College to dive down onto NCR455 bound for Hindford
and Frankton. The sun is out, there are few cars, and it is a delight to be
idling along in the warm air. At Lower Frankton Andy picks up a thorn and a
puncture, which gives me time to appreciate his new Van Nicholas titanium
charger with Rohloff gears and rubber belt “chain” - a snip at several
thousands!
I try to ring the Bradford Arms but alas no phone signal —
so what’s new! We take the triangular route around Rednal airfield admiring the
downed Sea King helicopter and N. Korean Mark 1 rocket bodies (all part of the
paintball centre). I miss a turn in Haughton but decide to re-route on the fly
anyway — nobody will notice! It is a very pleasant diversion through rural
Eardiston arriving back on track in West Felton. I phone the Bradford Arms
again to find that there is no food today as they have a funeral party in. So
we agree on diverting to the Navigation Inn at Maesbury Marsh. The Navigation
Inn is deserted until we arrive. The ale selection is good and the food comes
quite quickly.
Steve and I agree that we need to add a few miles in as only
22 have passed so far. So we climb back up the main road to Woolaston Bank and
free-wheel down to Osbaston on our way the Maesbrook. It’s now northwards up
the tiny lanes to Maesbury - just a mile or so from the Navigation Inn! Through Ball and across the A435, we take the
Wat’s Dyke Way Lane into the back of Oswestry. I can’t resist inflicting a stop
at Oswestry Castle mound and a few of us climb up into the derelict bailey and
keep to understand why it has been built here, and to admire the views all
around including Old Oswestry (Iron Age hill fort). Out through the back
streets we are soon sliding by the hill fort and take part of our outward route
back down into Gobowen. We head north for Henlle Hall Golf club. Cresting the
lane, a brave trio dive down to Rhyn and the Ceiriog Valley - and the steep
slopes in and out. We four take the usual route back into Chirk accessing the
towpath by The Bridge pub.
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| Photos by Mike G |
Only 41 miles and 1400ft of climbs but a lot of new lanes
and excellent weather and company — no one could ask for any more on a
traditional summer’s day.
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