8th May 2025 : Loppington (mod +)

To think only seven days ago we were basking in twenty seven deg C temperatures at the beginning of May. One week later and it felt like autumn, a full twenty degree change to nine deg C.

Only one brisker today, so Nick joined Alan, Kevin and myself to form a small group. I last rode this route in Nov 2021. I believe its either a Clive route (as there is plenty of grass growing in the centre of the lanes) or a Steve T.

The mods were displaying a fragmented approach with at least four different groups leaving the Castle Bistro. Our route avoided the plunge down Castle Hill by turning right towards Brongarth. We passed Trevor who was embarking on a challenging ride to Pistyll Rhaeader. This lane meanders towards Weston Rhyn before bearing right towards Hengoed. 

The lanes in Shropshire are synonymous with the spirit of CER, quiet (apart from two huge tractors), and safe (apart from the girl racer that tried to run Nick over!) . Gobowen was soon passed on our left as the road continued to Whittington. It was at this point that most of us realised where we were! A little headwind appeared here, so we were very lucky the wind whisperer wasn’t riding with us today otherwise he would have turned around and headed home - LOL. 

Soon the village of Loppington appeared and the Dickin Arms welcomed us to a well-earned lunch. No sooner than having ordered than Keith & Dave H appeared, so a very pleasant lunch ensued with Trumpy providing no end of conversation as usual. 

As we bade farewell the mods, we headed north and circled White Mere, I incorrectly advised the group we were by Ellesmere! These lanes were sublime, quite scenic and thankfully dusty, not the mud-strewn condition Chirk rides often afford. 

St Martins was busy with lots of mums collecting children, we reflected that the 20mph speed limits must be “what ever the old speed limit was PLUS 20mph” such was the pace of the motorists. 

As we crossed the A483 for the second time today, I made a rare navigation error and instead of following the canal into Chirk over the viaduct, we retraced our outward route. Everyone was polite enough not to complain. 

So a pleasant 42 miles at 13.5mph with great company and a scenic route.

See route map and/or gpx file download

S Hu 

Photo AO