I arrived at Hawarden to find that a number of club members were already in
attendance occupying our usual corner. I walked in with Keith and as all the
chairs were taken we were directed by Spiros to a table on the other side of
the room. Here I bored Keith with tales of my cycling the length of the Leeds -
Liverpool canal while we drank our coffee. This is my excuse for not really
taking much notice of who was around. So no list of members present from me I
am afraid.
Dave H joined us and asked if I could put together a route to the Eagle
& Child at Gwaenysgor which would not involve steep climbs particularly
early in the ride. Not an easy ask but I quickly, for me at least, came up with
a plan. This moderate group consisted of Dave, Keith and myself. Not sure how
this happened - I must pay more attention in future. We set off following the
usual route into Wales through Ewloe, Northop Hall and Northop. To avoid the
steep climb up to Rhosemor we braved the traffic for the 100 yard dash on the
hard shoulder of the A55. Climbing steadily up to Pentre Halkyn I was telling
the guys that June and I nearly bought a house here but were put off by the
heavy trucks going to the quarry on the back of the mountain. Plenty were in
evidence today. Clearing the quarry traffic we continued our steady climb up to
Brynford. Crossing the golf course where the sheep considerably outnumbered the
golfers we crossed over the A55 and bowled on down past the abbey to Gorsedd.
In order to attempt to find some fairly level ground I decided that we would
cycle along the A5151. This is a good route for cycling with a good surface and
gentle up and down terrain. It was quiet during lockdown but busier today.
Unscathed we got to the Gwaenysgor turnoff and enjoyed a tranquil amble to
the village and the pub.
The pub was busy. Dave had thoughtfully booked ahead and we were shown to
our reserved table. Food and drink ordered and delivered in "cycling"
time. 45 minutes later we were back on our bikes. During a planning meeting,
over lunch, we agreed that we were ready for a few more hills on the return
leg. Leaving the village we therefore ran down the delightful little valley to
Llanasa where we took the long but not too steep climb heading for Trelawnyd.
Short of Trelawnyd we dropped off to the left to the hamlet of Axton where we
re-joined the A5151 to return to Gorsedd. To avoid covering any more of the
outward leg here I decided to cycle on to Babell. Just short of the village we
turned left and took the undulating lane to cross the B5121. The road kicks up
now and we dig deep to breast the top of the hill only to find another hill in
front of us going past the quarry. Fortunately no trucks around as we swing
right behind the quarry to finish our climbing on the summit of Halkyn
mountain. Although I cycle out this way regularly I never tire of the splendid
views across the Wirral to Liverpool and beyond. We turn right onto the B5123
to cycle along to Rhosemor. Here we turn left and free wheel down narrow
winding country lanes to Northop only disturbed by white van man, coming the
other way, who nearly took Keith out as the big van was travelling far too fast
on these narrow roads. This didn't detract from a thoroughly enjoyable ride in
amiable company. I left my companions at Northop so I am afraid I don't know
how many miles we cycled but not sure it really matters. 40 plus perhaps.
GW
Many thanks George, your local Knowledge made for a stress-free ride, and the more direct route out saved time, this meant that Steve Tan had only been waiting twelve minutes at the end of our decent-paced return ride.
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