Carolyne at Walk Mill was every bit as hospitable on the day, as she had sounded on the phone. We were soon comfortably sat with our coffees served efficiently by the friendly staff. There was a good turnout, mostly of those who wanted to cover a decent mileage at a brisk pace. George, Big Ray and myself opted for a more modest course on a day that was likely to be quite wet. So it was, that we set out on a more exploratory route, with the idea of a fast, direct route back if the weather turned unpleasant. I’m not really sure of myself in this area without having to stop and check my map occasionally, so I was glad of my friends’ patience, and George’s familiarity with these lanes. We headed east to begin with before turning south for Burton, Hoofield and Huxley. George and I wondered if the 50p. shop was still operating. According to my phone, both the 50p.shop, and The Little Coffee Shop (Wed.-Sunday) were still open. After Huxley we were soon climbing up to Beeston Castle, and working our way across to Bolesworth Castle, and then climbing again to Broxton Old Hall. We then used the small, very quiet lanes around the listed Grade II Edge Hall, which is over three hundred years old. Ray was trying to cast us as Dad’s Army or Last of the Summer Wine characters, but despite the physical difference the only comparison that really caught the imagination was Ray as Private Pike! We criss-crossed the A41 to reach Hampton Heath on little used lanes. If we had taken the more obvious course to Malpas from Brown Knoll, we may have arrived dry for lunch, as it was, we didn’t. Still, it in the DNA of Chester Easy Riders, to explore, Harry-like at times, and it seems preferable to steaming down a busy, wet main road on someone’s back wheel.
The food was very good at The Old Fire Station, and Ray was his usual effervescent company, but it was raining when we unlocked our bikes. Our route back was as direct as possible, and after climbing up the Roman Road to Kidnal Hill it was fast to Tilston, but the streaming roads needed concentration. It was consoling to think that we didn’t have the flooded, hilly lanes, say from Loppington to Chirk to overcome, and we would have a relatively short drive home. We reached Tattenhall via Carden, Clutton and Chowley, and then pressed on to Hargrave and Greenlooms, before turning to Walk Mill. The journey back had only taken seventy-five minutes, despite Ray’s troublesome mudguard stay, which he must have fixed with chewing gum in the week. We still had time for coffee and cake; George very kindly treated me. Ray had wanted to get back to catch crabs at Moreton- on- Sea. Before we left, the Likely Lads of Steve Hughes and Alan popped in to say, “Hello”. They appeared happy with their ride despite the rain and diversions. Walk Mill had worked out fine. Trebles all round then!
DH
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