22nd September 2022 : Malpas (brisk)

You could tell we have enjoyed a long hot and dry summer by the fact that as we sat in the early Autumn sunshine at Alison’s, no one fancied a too long a ride because of rain forecast for the afternoon. In a few months time, we’ll be glad of a rain free morning!

The brisk group, Clive, John and myself didn’t have a route planned so I, somewhat rashly, offered to lead an unplanned route along known roads. Unsure of where we would be around lunchtime, that venue was left for when we felt hungry. 

So off we set on a roughly clockwise circuit, firstly heading northwards through Huxley, along the nicely twisty lane from Hoofield (slowing to admire a road sign we thought that John had recently cleaned-up for the President’s Ride) on to Clotton. This was followed by one of Cheshire’s finest rough lanes to Utkinton, potholed and uphill.

Turning south took us through the car madness of Tarporley, cars randomly shooting off in various directions for parking places. But turning right by the Texaco garage we were soon back on quiet lanes heading past the Shady Oak pub towards Beeston Castle. From there it was on very familiar roads to Bunbury and south towards Faddiley. Without even needing to slow down we crossed the A534 towards Chorley (not that one). Over the whole ride we saw remarkably few cars. Tractors however are appearing in numbers, as maize cutting is commencing. One tractor travelling at a ridiculous speed and taking up the entire road width, force me off the road, fortunately onto short smooth grass.

Approaching Cholmondeley, we turned left towards Wrenbury but then took the next right towards Norbury and Bickley Moss on some of the best lanes to cycle on, flat (ish), often straight and reasonable condition. Crossing the A49 towards Bickley, a short dip southwards took us to a cycle track to cross the A49 towards No Man’s Heath.

After crossing the A41, the cycle track took us to No Man’s Heath, I was going to go one way, but Clive took us left, on a lane bypassing the village just to the south, and one which I had never been on before, and a better route. Every day is a school day!

We soon found ourselves in Malpas and parked up outside the glorious Huxley’s, a traditional village bakery. Lunch consisted, at least for two of us, a meat pie followed by a custard tart – delicious. 

Due to the impending rain, we decided on the direct route back to Tilston, funnily enough where I happen to live, so unable to continue with Clive and John to Chester via Farndon and to get a soaking for the last half hour as the forecast rain made its appearance. 

For me total of 40 miles, for John and Clive, about 60. (Sorry!). Average pace, just under 16 mph.

See route map and/or gpx file download

NH