8th May 2025 : Loppington (mod)

It was a strange set-up for the Mods as we sorted out our arrangements over coffee in Chirk. Mutt and Jeff (Dave Matthews and Andy Whitgreave) were cycling back towards Chester, and Trevor and Mike Gilbert were undertaking separate, very hilly, training rides. Although Trevor and Mike made it clear that we were welcome to join either of them, Keith and I planned to ride in the opposite direction to The Dickin Arms, at Loppington. Our route soon saw us on the quiet lanes past Henlle Hall and Hindford before the so-easy riders’ scenic swoop down from Welsh Frankton to Lower Frankton. One of the two canal bridges to be crossed at Lower Frankton is ludicrously steep, and if not approached at a reasonable pace and in an appropriate gear could result in disaster. At Lower Hordley we turned off the main drag and headed up to Kendrick Park before crossing the A528 at Cockshutt on the A528 and drifting into Loppington via English Frankton.

The ‘mod plus’ group had just arrived for lunch before us on their slightly longer route. It was great to catch up with them and have an interesting conversation about current affairs. Keith was “havin’ a larf” with the pub staff who appeared as practised as Peter Mandelson in displaying amusement in the face of a nutter. The food, ambience and service at the Dickin Arms was “a cut above” as usual. I ordered an extra tea and began to think of ordering a taxi back to Chirk, but we eventually started our return on the narrow, well-surfaced lush lane to Lyneal. It was great to be in deep, green countryside in this weather, and with two old muckers together we had no demands regarding pace or finding the best route back. Colemere, White Mere, Lee, Tetchill and Welsh Frankton marked our progress. At the back of Welsh Frankton we briefly rode east to Perthy before crossing the old railway at Crickett. 

The return route had a number of steepish climbs but St.Martin’s was duly reached before the bit of a drag to the worryingly fierce A483 roundabout. The roundabout is like a neighbourhood Rottweiller which always growls menacingly as you pass its house, but has never actually got through the fence and ripped you apart; but you are aware it could happen. Keith went onto the roundabout when there was a gap, only to be loudly honked at by a car tearing around from the Chirk direction heading south. I remember us once before being nearly taken out by a car as we exited this roundabout, and I expected a punch-up to follow! Anyway, Keith sped up for the last couple of kilometres to Castle Bistro, and surprisingly, I wasn’t too far behind. 

The woman serving us in the morning had a face like thunder for some reason, but the young woman who greeted us on our return was very pleasant, so received a decent tip. We were too late to get back to Runcorn handily, so we indulged in coffee and cake in the sun at the rear of the bistro. Trevor sent a photo of his arrival at the impressive Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall. The much-missed Mike Morley led a long special ride to this waterfall from Manley Mere some years ago, and it was Trevor’s first ride with the club. We wish Trevor “all the best” for his upcoming coast-to- coast ride. Many thanks to Keith for his good -humoured support on our ride. A modest thirty-seven or so miles covered, but a thoroughly enjoyable day out.

DH