7th March 2024: Caerwys (mod)

Quite a crowd of us met up at our first visit to Gladstone Library, Hawarden, with its lovely architectural features and good coffee. Jim and DaveM had cycled out before a return home. The Brisk contingent consisted of Clive, Ken and Ivan who were off to investigate the north Wales terrain, Steve and Alan of the Mods+ were to visit Llandegla and the remaining 6; Andy, DaveH, George, Electric Tandem duo Dave & Liz plus myself eventually forming a group and would go with Dave’s planned ride to the Piccadilly Inn, Caerwys. Our route out via Northop Hall and Northop was largely wind assisted and we did not feel too cold. Dave & Liz then demonstrated the advantages of electric assist by taking us to Rhosesmor where gradients of 16% plus encountered. We thought Dave was trying to get the record for the most climbing in the fewest miles. The wind was with us as we progressed via the ‘Big Dippers’ on Halkyn Mountain to Babell. The lunch at the Piccadilly Inn was quite pleasant the group having a variety of sandwiches and cottage pie. Discussions took place on the Bert Bailey 100, recent Budget (that lasted less than a minute) and other topics.

Dave didn’t have a route for our return. So Andy came up with a cunning plan, which we dutifully followed going through Babell, then picking up the route we came out. Unfortunately, it was against a very cold strong southerly wind. It wasn’t helped by the low cloud. And we suffered. At Rhosesmor Andy decided to head home in Mold, the remainder of us returned to Hawarden via Steve Tan’s lane, Northop and Northop Hall. We survived, even though we had to stop whilst we navigated around one of those modern tractors that take up the whole width of the lane. We returned safely to Hawarden having covered 31 miles and all looking forward to getting warm. 

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Mike G

23rd November 2023: Caerwys (mod)

There were three groups in the Pursuit cafe at Hawarden on this a windy but surprisingly dry Thursday in Nov. Dave H, Jim and Trevor had ridden in from Mickle Trafford. Briskers, Ken, Richard & John M were looking at a route back to Chester with Ken wanting to maybe divert through Llay. Lastly and the subjects of this blog were the daft group of mod plus riders who fancied the hills: Shane, Steve T, Alan and Steve Hu. What did Brian Wade say? “We go to Wales for the hills” , well we certainly cycled them today all 3800ft of them. 

This was a hybrid route of Steve Hu out and Alan’s return. The group set off through Hawarden then climbing towards Drury and Buckley. It was at this point the wind started to make its presence felt. A quick plunge through Alltami and we were on the quiet lanes through Soughton. As we left Soughton the quality of the roads deteriorated. A local farmer was digging out a ditch which prior to seeing him we had been riding up what felt like a stream. At the junction of Green Lane and Cefn Eurgain Lane, Steve Hu made a leadership decision to tackle the Col du Green lane in favour of its clean tarmac. This was met with a mix of incredulity and resignation from Alan and Steve T. Shane was blissfully unaware of the calf burning section to come. 

The downhill into Wen y Gaer was memorable as Steve T commented “how often do you have to pedal just to go downhill” such was the wind! As we crested the hill at Moel Y Crio we knew we would have been better ditching the bikes and flying a kite. 

Using Alan’s local knowledge we navigated tractors cutting hedges and were soon safely ensconced at On The Corner Cafe at Caerwys. The service was as usual excellent, marred only by Steve Hu & Shane trying to send the table mats back thinking they were menus, as Neil would say LOL. 

Speaking of Neil Tanner, Neil had promised a route for today, the trouble was his route went from Meadow Lea, where he patiently sat wondering where the CER contingent were. Neil has form for going to the wrong venue, so we shouldn’t be surprised. It was agreed a laminated list of 2024 dates and starting venues zip tied to his handlebars may help. 

Alan's return route was as always well planned and with a tailwind over in a short time. A pernicious thorn in Shanes front tyre and Steve T’s rear mudguard making a bid for freedom were the distractions from an otherwise wind assisted ride. Alan peeled off at Northop leaving the three musketeers to roll into Hawarden. Thanks to Alan for the route a very challenging 43 miles with plenty of climbing thrown in. 

Photo by Steve Hu

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Steve Hu  

5th October 2023: Caerwys (mod)

A rainy morning in Hawarden resulted in eight hardy CER rider ready to tackle the Welsh Hills. Matt, Dave H, Steve T, Dave M, Alan , Electric Ray Andy B and Steve Hu all met in the bustling Pursuit cafe. If you have visited please do so the staff are really friendly and clearly want the new venture to be a success. Alan had a number of options, the consensus was Caerwys. The weather gods initially smiled on us as we plunged down Gladstone Hill towards Queensferry. At the blue bridge Dave M bade us farewell as he returned home via Saltney. 

Alan used his local skills to navigate use around Flint and Bagillt. Popping in a new section of cycleway he took us to the start of the climb up to Holywell past the aptly named Holy Well. However this time instead of tackling the busy road climb of Greenfield Rd, Alan took us up a cycleway to the left of the river. This is a super route and pops you out by Tesco in Holywell. 

By now it was raining with a passion and the long road slog to Whitford Road seemed longer than usual. In Whitford Al decided against a muddy (Clive preferred) lane and stayed on Whitford road. Soon we were passing over the A55 and rolling into Caerwys with 26 miles under our belts. 

The Corner Cafe excelled in providing excellent fare at keen prices. Andy B remarked he could safely scald his mouth on any item from his “Jumbo” breakfast, such was the freshness of the food. 

Armed with full stomachs and only slightly distracted by Steve Hu losing his flow yellow glow in the dark lock bag, which had made a bid for freedom. The rain continued to pound us as we rode through Babell and then rose up on Halkyn mountain. A brief shelter in a bus stop did nothing to abate the cold wind on the tops, however the solution was soon forthcoming as we swooped ever downward to Northop. 

From Northop it is only a short jaunt to Tinkersdale Car Park, however our intrepid band of five were thwarted by a road closure and two fire engines attending an incident. This led to another four “extra” miles being accumulated by Steve T & Dave H as they wove a weary way around Hawarden and back to their car. Our reporter on the ground Steve T advised it was a fire at the local pub, information the Daily Post did not have on their website some 60 mins later.

Photo by Alan O

A tough ride for this time of year with nearly 3000 ft of climbing and just over 40 miles. Thanks to Alan for planning the ride and most importantly the members who turned up on such a wet day

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Steve Hu

16th February 2023 : Caerwys (brisk)

The recent spell of dry warm weather provided an ideal opportunity to enjoy riding some of the lanes in North Wales.  As I hadn’t been able to have a long ride this week, I suggested  a ride out to Caerwys to the brisk group. Thursday morning was dry and warm and 6 riders, John’s M & W, Ivan,Richard & Nick met me at Rossett for our foray into North Wales.

The first 16kms was on quiet roads which meandered through Hope and skirted  around the cement factory at Buckley and on towards Mold. We stayed above and to the west of Mold town rather than taking the more direct busy traffic route through its centre. On entering Mold, we turned onto  the first climb heading up  towards Nercwys when one comedian piped up that according to his Garmin “this is the first of nine climbs today and this one is 2 miles long”. I quickly  enlightened  him that there were  more than 9 hills  on my route profile.

Turning off the main road below Nercwys, we traversed above Mold through Gwernamynned to Gwernaffield where the snowdrops at Fron Hall were putting on a super display in the morning sunshine. Unfortunately around this point, John W dropped behind because he was struggling with back pain and decided to abort the ride and head for home. Ivan chose to accompany John and they rode off via Shotton back to Chester.

Our now depleted group carried on into Cilcain arriving via the steep climb up from the River Alyn which according to Richard’s Garmin was rated at a 22%. It was all downhill from here to  the valley bottom where a short section of main road had to be endured before we could turn off  onto the quieter lanes towards Nannerch. John M excused himself from this section because his bike was too highly geared for climbing the hills through the village so he opted to stay on the main road and meet us in the cafe for lunch. The stiff climb through Nannerch village soon gave way to a descent back to the valley road and the start of the long climb up to Caerwys and lunch.

The Corner Cafe turned out to be a very popular meeting place but fortunately I had heeded Clive’s advice and booked our table. Once seated our orders were taken, the food arrived promptly and was as good as I remembered from my previous visit. During lunch Nick showed us pictures of the damage that had been inflicted on his sister’s house (in New Zealand) by recent storms. The house is uninhabitable as they have no water or power and it will several weeks before the utilities are restored. 

Lunch over it was back on the bikes and it felt quite springlike in the sunshine as we climbed over the Halkyns with views opening up towards the Dee estuary and the Wirral peninsula beyond. We then climbed the undulating  but good quality road surface through villages of Pentre Halkyn, Halkyn to descend into Rhosesmor. 

Turning left by the church in Rhosesmor, we entered a narrow steeply descending lane towards Northop. This road surface had a generous coating  of mud and debris so both caution and concentration were required. Unfortunately, Richard’s front wheel slipped away from underneath him and he ended on the floor. Fortunately he escaped serious injury and soon recovered to sort  his bike out . 

We set we off again paying even more attention to road surface we all safely  arrived down at the valley bottom. Our route now took us on familiar roads past the Horticultural College and onwards through Northop and into Hawarden. Here Nick and I turned off towards home, and John and Richard carried on towards Chester via the riverside cycleway from Saltney Ferry.

Today's ride was ridden in near perfect conditions, warm with light winds, and sunshine. The  ride totalled 75 kms with nearly 1200 metres of ascent but everyone completed over 100kms of riding when going back to Chester. 

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KP

27th January 2022: Caerwys (mod)

There was a good turnout again at The Gallery Coffee Shop, comprising 4 briskers, 8 mods and three just doing their own thing.  The mods were Steves Ha & T, Alan, Roy, George, Daves H & P and Liz. Although Spiros had set tables apart and had put up some screens, I’m not sure that we were exactly abiding by the ‘rule of six’ still in force in Wales. So, there was some apprehension when a couple of Wales’s finest Heddlu came in, but it turned that they’d just come in for a coffee too!

After some discussion of where to go it was decided to use a previous route I have to go up in the hills to The Piccadilly at Caerwys, a place we haven’t visited for some time now. This was the plan….

All went well to begin with as we went into Ewloe and climbed up to Buckley, after which we went down through Bryn-y-Baal and New Brighton to Sychdyn. As we were riding along, George told me that he’d been out walking the day before and that the lanes around Mynachlog were very muddy and slippy. So, we decided to re-route to avoid them, turning down the hill at Wat’s Dyke into Northop. Here we picked up the road past the horticultural college which runs parallel to the A55. At the roundabout for the services, we joined the A55 for the 200-yard dash to the Halkyn exit. 

Climbing up the hill to The Britannia pub, we had the choice of continuing straight up the steep hill to the B5123 or following the less steep Pen Lan Lane to its junction with the B5123…which is what we did. We’re called the ‘mods’ for a good reason! We were now ‘off piste’ and needed to get back on our planned route.

Doubling back towards Rhosesmor, we took the right turn off the B5123 and followed the road over the Halkyn Mountain to Rhes-y-cae, where we re-joined the planned route. Now back on familiar roads we passed through Lixwm heading towards Babell, climbing still further as we did so. We then had another ‘off piste’ moment, when I missed the little lane up to Pant and we continued through Babell and down what became a narrow and muddy lane running directly to Caerwys. 

At this point, Alan, Steve H and myself were a little ahead of the others, but we were not worried as George was with them and this is his backyard. However, it was quite a few minutes after we’d arrived at the pub before they turned up. It transpired that Roy had suffered a puncture about a mile away – hence the delay.

The Piccadilly had put us on two adjacent tables in their Dining Room, which in the end we had to ourselves. Food was ordered using their complex ‘tick box’ menu, but it arrived quite quickly and was of good quality and in large portions.

Leaving the pub at about 2.15, we took the lane round the back of The Piccadilly, heading towards the A55. But less than a mile along here, I picked up a puncture in my front wheel. Roy and Alan whipped the wheel off and Roy had the inner tube out before I could get my tyre levers out! He found the offending thorn with his finger (ouch!) and set about removing it. It turned out to be really well stuck in and it resisted the combined efforts of Roy, Dave H and Dave P for twenty minutes until it had been bludgeoned into a blunt, frayed and benign version of its former self.

With the puncture repaired, but about half an hour lost, we reached Pen-y-cefn, where we decided that time was pressing on and to miss out the loop to Whitford and Gorsedd and head back through Babell to Pentre Halkyn, where we picked up our intended route once again.

From here we took the usual route over Windmill to Halkyn and then down the infamous Middle Mill Road to Northop, where George took his leave. From there the B5125 took us past Northop Hall to Ewloe, where Roy waited for his lift and the rest of us continued back to the car park at Hawarden.

Photos by AO

36 miles covered and 2540 feet climbed on a bright, sunny day with only light winds. Our legs were tired from our first venture into the Welsh hills for some time, but it was worth it. Thanks go to Roy and Daves H & P for fixing my puncture, to George and Alan for navigational aids and to everyone else for their company.

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ST

26th August 2021 : Caerwys (brisk)

It’s trendy these days to have an algorithm  - mine is Hills vs Distance vs Speed: = I can do two out three, but not all of them so I try to perm just two out of the three.

So today’s route was going to be hills and speed (for the Brisk Group) but not distance. I think the last time I was at Hawarden was about year ago, so my ride over the Halkyn’s today would allow me to revisit some of the old lanes.

Ken, John W and Matt agreed to look after me today as we set off out of Hawarden up the curiously named Level Road towards Burntwood Hill. We rush through Buckley, then down the hillside to Llong and along the hillsides to Nercwys Road. The short sharp double chevron on Fford Pentre Bach catches the two younger members of the group out though. At Gwernymynydd, a left and right takes onwards and upwards towards Cilcain.

We then enjoyed the very sharp downhill  run to cross the Alun river, but the chevroned climb out catches my chain out as it comes off otherwise I would have burnt up this hill in seconds. In reality it was a struggle when I set off again after the trio now resting at the top. Exiting Cilcain northwards, there is a largely downhill run to the A541 (Mold to Bodfari) road. 

We motor along it until turning into Nannerch, then finding more chevroned lanes to climb down and out of before rejoining the A541 just before the Caerwys turn. There is a 1 km drag up into Caerwys which is the lunchtime venue. We decide on "On the Corner"  cafe which John tells me is very much a cyclists' cafe. We sit outside with our filled babs and coffee allowing our legs to recover from all of the hills.

After lunch, I had decided that I had enough of tiny gravel-strewn lanes so re-route on the fly to Gorsedd to rejoin the planned route at Pantasaph. It’s too early to stop for a coffee at the friary alas, so we motor on ever upwards to ride through Holywell Golf Course. I also decide against turning down to the Pet Cemetery cafe at Brynford as it is still too early to stop, so onwards and upwards to Halkyn Mountain topping out at 900ft.

The usual way back from here is down the deep lanes from The Bluebell to Northop. John and Matt need to motor on, so Ken and I take the more relaxed route back via Brookside. The route round is a modest 38 miles but with 2900 ft of climbs featuring several chevronned hills. Ken heads for home as I do which I reach at 1500. 

A satisfying day all round having re-visited those Welsh hillsides after a Covid-forced exile. The trio of support riders did a great job in dragging me round though.

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CA

9th January 2020: Caerwys (mod)

No ride report provided


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18th July 2019: Caerwys (mod)

By 10:15, The Gallery coffee shop was packed out. In addition to the 15 (yes, 15!) Easy Riders, there was also another large group (walkers?), so you could barely hear yourself think, let alone hear what anyone was saying to you. We split into Brisk (5), Moderate (7) and Leisure (3) groups, the ‘Mods’ consisting of yours truly, Andy B, ‘the e-bikers’ (Bryan and Graeme) Dave Pipe and Neil, who had brought with him a guest rider, Fiona, who normally rides with Marford Gresford Velo Club.

After some discussion about possible destinations, steepness of hills and distances, it was agreed to ride out to The Piccadilly at Caerwys, one of our favourite pubs. So we set out by our usual route, climbing up through Buckley and Sychdyn, which got everyone nicely warmed up in the morning sunshine. On reaching the narrow lanes around Mynachlog, we deviated half way up the very steep climb, going left along the lane to reach the B5123 at Tyddyn-y-gwynt. This lane is less steep, but you still have to climb the same amount in the end! We paused to re-group near Rhosesmor (re-grouping was quite a thing today), only to find that Dave P was ahead of us and not behind as I had thought!

Climbing further through Rhes-y-cae and Pen-Ucha’r Plwyf we had finally gained enough altitude to give us a nice downhill run across the B5121 and then up the little short-cut lane to Babell, where we re-grouped once more. At Pant we go straight on to avoid the steep hill near Caerwys Hall and approach Caerwys from the north. Incidentally, Andy asks how steep that road really is; perhaps we’ll go that way next time.

For once it was warm enough for us to sit outside at The Piccadilly – see photo taken by a friendly waiter. As usual the food was good and the ‘light bites’ substantial. 

Photo Steve T

Suitably replenished, we head north-west from Caerwys, crossing the A55 at Pen-y-cefn by zig-zagging through several layers of Armco barrier as we do so. This has to be one of the most awkward road crossings that we use. Passing through Chwitfford and Gorsedd, we pressed on through Brynford to begin the climb up the Halkyn Mountain. Reaching Windmill, we pause to admire the views over the Dee estuary and the Cheshire Plain. We start our descent down Middle Mill Road, passing the now-famous location of my ‘off’ 16 months ago. Another minor diversion from the usual route takes us over Wat’s Dyke and on to the minor road leading into Northop.

From here we take the road past Northop Hall and down to Ewloe. In the process, we lose Fiona, as she gets stuck behind some traffic coming around a mini-roundabout. Re-grouping at a bus stop, Neil and Fiona head for home and the rest of us decide to go for a cuppa at The Hawarden Estate Farm Shop.

‘Only’ 40 miles, but with 3000 feet of climb and at an average (moving) speed of 12.5 mph, this was quite a strenuous ride for the ‘mods’.  The batteries of the e-bikes still had charge left in them, even if the legs of the rest of us did not. Thanks to Neil for introducing us to Fiona; we hope that she enjoyed the ride and that she’ll come along again soon for a ride with ‘the OAPs’!

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ST

21st February 2019: Caerwys (mod)

The weather forecasters had been predicting warm sunshine for several days now, but everyone gathering at The Gallery said that it had been really cold over recent days, so there was some doubt that we’d put on the right clothes for today’s ride. Would we be warm enough? We were eleven at the café, but Jim, Trevor and Macca were doing a ‘leisure’ ride, so that left Dave H, Steve H, Keith, Neil (back for the first ride since illness over Christmas), Nick (the lone ‘brisker’), Andy B, Ray and myself for the Moderate ride.

For selfish reasons, I had planned a route out to The Piccadilly at Caerwys, even though the Moderates had last gone to Caerwys only last November (although not to The Piccadilly). This was because the return route, over the Halkyn mountain, would take us down the lane where I had my accident last March and I wanted to see if I could meet up with some of the locals who helped me in my hour of need and who also gave comfort and cups of tea to John and Ivan that fateful afternoon. A kind of redemption ride, if you like.

We set off out of Hawarden by the usual climb through Buckley and on to Sychdyn, which got everyone nicely warmed up in the morning sunshine. Then on by the narrow lanes at Myachlog and the very steep climb to Rhosesmor. By this time, layers were being stripped off and breath being gasped for, as several of us have not attempted serious hills for many months. Ray left us near Brynford, as he had an appointment to attend.

We went on via Babell and Pant to avoid the steep hill and to approach Caerwys from the north. The Piccadilly was almost empty when we arrived at about 12.15, so we were quickly served with drinks and food. Everyone agreed that this was excellent, once again cementing this as one of our favoured lunch stops.

Suitably refreshed, we headed north-west from Caerwys to cross the busy A55 by negotiating several layers of Armco barrier. We passed through Chwitffordd and Gorsedd, then south through Bryndford and over Halkyn Mountain. The views from here were stunning (see photo) with both Liverpool cathedrals and Beeston Castle clearly visible.

Photo by Steve T

The descent took us through Halkyn village and then on to the track by The Bluebell Inn which leads to Middle Mill Road where the accident took place. Whilst at The Piccadilly, I had called John Sigsworth (thanks to John M for the number) and arranged to call to see him at his home at Midlist Farm. So I was able to thank him for his help that day. Unfortunately, his neighbour, Ian, was not in, but we did speak to the lady who lives in a house at his farm and who had also been present that day.
Redemption achieved, we carried on down to Northop and the busy roundabout at Ewloe before reaching the car park at Hawarden. Along the way, Keith had peeled off for Guilden Sutton, where he had left his car. It seems that the 40 miles and 2264 feet of climb that the rest of us had done was not enough for him!

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ST

10th January 2019 : Caerwys (brisk)

Today's brisk riders comprising of Nick, Ivan, Ken and myself set off from the Gallery Cafe towards the Welsh hills expecting a grey but mild dry day. It soon became clear that the forecasters had got it wrong. Persistent showers, poor visibility and  slate coloured skies were the order of the day.

However our spirits weren’t dampened as we knew we would soon be warming up on some of the steep inclines ahead on a circuitous route to Caerwys. Firstly, we motored on through Ewloe and Buckley followed by a short blast along the Mold Road before turning off at Llong. We soon passed Gwernymynydd and Loggerheads and as planned eschewed the main road to Llanbedr DC to "enjoy" the  two mile climb to the top of Bwlch Penbarras. Our only photos of the day give a good idea of the lack of visibility at the top. Anyway, having imagined the glorious view of the Vale of Clwyd we launch ourselves into the mist down the pass. It's on hills and in conditions like this that you thank God for disk brakes!

 Bwlch Penbarras

The relatively flat 8 mile run along the vale was uneventful but proved a good test for our winter kit. I regretted my lack of overshoes (damn those those weather forecasters). However, the main problem was viewing the route on the garmin through steamed up and wet specs that no amount of wiping would clear!  Needless to say the view of the Clwydian Hills to our right was more illusory than real.  It was as we stopped to check directions in Llangynhafal that Nick pointed out the enticing Golden Lion Pub which he assured us was wonderful and well worth visiting. Wondering if this was a subtle hint and, becoming concerned about a mutiny on the climbs still to come, I pondered out loud if we should call a halt, have lunch and find an easy way home.  I should have known better as Easyriders are made of stern stuff. My ruminations were given short shrift! We rolled onward and, on reaching Bodafari, sharply upwards! 

 We admired, but were not tempted by, the vision of the alluring Dinorben Arms. Knowing that lunch at Caerwys was tantalisingly close, we began the two mile grind over the shoulder of Moel y Gaer and up towards the appropriately named Sodom. Here the severity of the slope caused front wheels to lift from the road followed by loss of traction of the rear! Ivan and I lost all forward momentum and came to a halt.  We found it almost as difficult to walk 30 metres before being able to remount. Nick and Ken and manage to wobble on.  Eventually we crested the top and  after a couple of miles more arrived at Caerwys only to find that our planned lunch destination at the golf club was closed. (apparently awaiting new management). 

Plan B was the Piccadilly Inn where we were warmly welcomed by staff, a roaring log burner and customers admiring  our fortitude (actually they thought we were completely insane to be out cycling).

The place was busy but we were soon served some good food and beer. Ivan's choice of beef and onion baguette was sufficient for 2 but he was man enough for it. Our mood was good as we set off in for the shorter and relatively easier return. There was a bit of a hill up to Pant along a narrow muddy lane,  followed by the run through Pant Asaph and along the undulations of the Halkyns. For the first time since Steve Tan’s accident, we ventured down Middle Lane where Ivan and I pointed out the field were the air ambulance had landed and the spot were Steve came off and lay stricken on the floor. We are still none the wiser as to what caused such a catastrophic crash.

By chance Ian, a local, who had called the ambulance, came out of his house and we had a conversation about the events of that fateful day. We learned that his 4 year old son had seen everything and unfortunately had been quite traumatised for a day or two afterwards. Ian was delighted to hear that Steve is recovering well and asked us to pass on his best wishes. With the light failing we continued down to Northop and along the usual roads to Hawarden where Ken turned off to cycle home in Gresford and Nick returned to his car.  Ivan and I cycled along the river back to Chester and clocked around 64 miles for the day.

The main route was 45 miles and according to RWGPS should have been 3200 ft of ascent but Garmin recorded 4200ft (for my whole ride to and from home) and it certainly felt like the latter. Given the weather, readers may think we had a less than enjoyable day but, the reverse was true. We accepted the weather for what it was and enjoyed the challenge of riding our bikes supported by the company of  good humoured friends. How euphoric will we be when we return to this loop in the summer sun?!

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JM

Photos by ID and NH

22nd November 2018: Caerwys (mod)

This was a cold day with a frosty start and an easterly wind (‘blowing in from Siberia’ in the favourite phrase of the forecasters). Six moderates turned up at Hawarden: Dave H out only to collect Xmas lunch monies; Trevor who had ridden out to test his new rear mech and was then riding back; and the day’s riders: Bob, Andy, George and myself.  There were no brisk riders – maybe they were put off by the cold weather, but more likely they were either recovering from an epic ride earlier in the week, or had separately planned a longer even hillier route from another start point.

I’d suggested a ride out to the Piccadilly Inn at Caerwys, though someone mentioned a café in the same town so we chose to head there instead. Starting by climbing up to Buckley to warm everyone up, we then headed to Sychdyn and the steepest climb of the day to Rhosesmor. It had turned into a fine day, cold by bright with good views and some sun. The east wind was slight which would be good news for our return.  We travelled on over Halkyn Mountain and through Babell to approach Caerwys from the north. The café in on the corner of the main road as you travel south through the town, and it’s called “On the corner”!  It is a small busy place with a typical menu of good value food and large mugs of tea: two of us chose from the ‘all day breakfast’ options.

Returning we said goodbye to Bob at the café as he was heading directly home.  The rest of us made for the A55, with a small detour to avoid fresh hedge clippings.  We wheeled our bikes across the busy road and headed to Chwitffordd and then back south to Pantasaph and Windmill.  Here the weather took a change for the worse with murky cloud descending and the temperature dropping. Andy left us to head home before we dropped down towards Northop, which left George and I to make our way back to Harwarden at the height of the school traffic rush hour. It had been a good day’s ride in reasonable conditions which covered 40 miles.

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SH

26th October 2017: Caerwys (mod)

Six Easy Riders gathered at The Gallery in Hawarden on a grey, overcast morning. Brian Mac was in civvies, as he’s come back from Oz with a bad knee, which needs replacing. Bryan W was intending doing his own thing, so that left four of us to carry the banner. But where to go? In the end, a type of democracy prevailed; Dave H said we should go to The Piccadilly at Caerwys (unanimously approved), Steve H found the route on his phone (we last did this only in July) and Steve T undertook the write up. Andy B provided all-round support.

So off we set, following the usual route out through Ewloe and Buckley. After a brief respite from climbing as we ran down Buckley Mountain, we crossed the A5119 at the traffic lights at New Brighton. Dave had been concerned that his brake blocks were almost down to the metal and was being ‘gentle’ with their application. This is the only explanation Andy and I could give for the fact that he ran a red light here! On reaching Mynachlog, we started some serious climbing. It’s only a short distance up to Rhosesmor, but you certainly know about it when you eventually reach the top.

Running along the ridge towards Babell, we pass close to Licswm. Andy says that, according to the locals, this is so called because miners from Cornwall settled here when they came to work in the lead mines during the 19th century. When asked what their place was like they said that it was ‘likesome’ which, in their dialect, meant ‘pleasant’.

Arriving at the Piccadilly Inn, we were greeted by the manager and his staff. One lady said to Dave ‘You look hot’, to which his instant reply was ‘All the girls say that’!  Some good-natured banter with the staff followed throughout our meal, a real pleasure in this day of political correctness gone mad. The food was excellent and the service first class, further cementing the Piccadilly Inn as a favoured lunch stop.

Over lunch, Steve H was looking at his map to see if there was a bridge or underpass in the road which crosses the A55 at Pen-y-cefyn. We decided to take this route only to find that neither are there, so we had to cross the busy dual carriageway on foot – not to be recommended! On reaching the crossroads at the A5151, another problem presented itself in the form of a ‘Road Closed’ sign. On the basis that most times, such roads are passable on a bike, we decided to press on. Our optimism was well-founded as the obstacle was merely a van and some workmen installing new cables – easily passed on our bikes.

Our route back took us on NC5 via Whitford, Gorsedd and Pantasaph, where we resisted the temptation to stop for tea, past the golf course at Calcoed and over the Halkyn Mountain. Crossing our outward route we speared off to Northop and then followed the usual route back to Hawarden via Ewloe. 41 miles and 2444 feet of climb on a day when, to quote Smokey Robinson, there was ‘no wind, no rain or winters cold’ which, appropriately, comes from the song titled ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’.

ST

20th July 2017: Caerwys

Thursday had dawned cold and wet, but promised improvement and this promise had enticed 13 Easy Riders to meet at the Gallery Tea Room in Hawarden.  The rain ceased but the skies remained overcast with a cool westerly blowing.  Bryan W and Trevor were doing their own thing, and Clive was only joining the ride for a short time before leaving for fun and games in Norfolk.  This left 10 of us, Dave H, Steve T, Keith, Paul R, Ken, Tom, John M, Ray, Andy B and myself, on a ride to the Piccadilly Inn at Caerwys.

We rode out through Ewloe and Buckley before entering countryside and some steep climbs to Rhosesmor.  Once the height had been gained we ran along lovely open lanes towards Babell.  At one point Dave suggested that the faster riders should go ahead to the pub, and after some debate about navigation, this is what happened.  Both groups had arrived at the Piccadilly by 1230 and were made very welcome. Most ordered sandwiches which came with chips and were made of the thickest slices of bread we’d ever seen.

Photos by John M

 Well please with our stop we saddled up for the return. About two miles north of Caerwys I took what the map showed to be a narrow yellow road, pausing briefly to discount a “no through road” sign, to cross the A55.  It wasn’t long before this deteriorated into a broken-surfaced track running beside a farm with plenty of mud and cow pats.  We persevered through to the other side and cleaner lanes.  As one of us said: it’s an Easy Rider tradition to travel on such tracks.

Next we passed through the village of Chwitffordd on the way to Pantasaph. After completing all of 7 miles since lunch, Dave suggested a stop at the Franciscan Friary’s St Pio’s Café.  This was well received and for many of us this was our first visit.  We received a friendly reception and sat outside in a warm and sunny spell enjoying our drinks and for some our sugary treats.  Google tells me that people have been coming to Pantasaph for 125 years on a constant spiritual journey. In 1852 the church of St. David’s, in Pantasaph was completed and, together with other buildings and surrounding land was given to the Franciscan Friars who arrived at that time.

Remounting we cycled over familiar ground across Halkyn Mountain, crossing our outward route on the way to Northop and back to Hawarden.  The ride totalled 42 miles, relatively short for the summer, but seemed just about right with the company, a couple of excellent stops and improving weather.

John M in addition to taking the above photos, has also produced this Relive! link which is well worth looking at and where you’ll find a couple more good pictures: 

"EASY RIDERS CAERWYS AND CAFES!" 

SH

23rd June 2016: Harwarden to Caerwys

I was already warm after cycling up to the Gallery Coffee Shop and the expectations for the day were high with no rain, plenty of sun and a little breeze.  This had encouraged a good turnout of 13 moderate riders: myself, Bryan, Keith, Dave & Liz, Charlie & Jane, John Mills, Dave H, Kate, Steve T, George and Trevor. But where were the brisk riders? Rumours that they had worn themselves out with their trip over the Lakeland passes last week were probably untrue.  Despite the turnout no-one had a route.  Reluctantly I found one to Caerwys on my satnav, and as this was to the Piccadilly Inn our enthusiasm grew.  Twelve of us set off, with Trevor deciding to make his own way back.

The route out skirted the north of Bwcle and through Sychdyn, and then came the grinding climb up steep hills to Rhosemor. With the hardest work done, we crossed Halkyn Mountain and passed

Photo by Steve T

through Babell before a joining the busy B5122 for the final mile to the pub. Due to our numbers we had phoned ahead to alert the pub and we received a warm welcome as the landlady seated us in their restaurant.  Good beer and good food followed, justifying the Piccadilly’s place in our list of favourite lunch stops. Conversation covered several topics from satnavs to, inevitably, the referendum with various reports on the nature of polling stations that morning.

On our return the group started to fragment.  John wanted to try out his new satnav and would make his own way back – we assume he made it. The rest of us headed back up the B-road before turning left to cross the A55 at the daffodil fields, now looking bare and ragged. We then looped round for a couple of miles on the main road to Lloc, before taking to the lanes again through Pantasalph, and up towards Halkyn Mountain. On the way we met a bemused motorist as we took a short cut, the wrong way up a one way street. On the mountain Dave H realised that he was a risk of missing his appointment in Warrington and left us speeding ahead. When Keith noticed Dave had gone, he realised that his lift had gone with him, and pelted off to catch him up!

Three riders down, we continued to Rhosemor and retraced our outward route down the steep hills, meeting oncoming vehicles at just the wrong moment. Then on to Northrop where we said goodbye to George. The eight remaining riders crossed the A55 and said farewell to Kate, Jane and Charlie as we headed back into Harwarden. Here Steve T and the tandem dropped off, leaving Bryan and myself to ride back into Chester, but not without first re-fuelling at the Hawarden Estate Farm Shop – well worth stopping at.

Overall, a total of about 42 miles with quite a few hills, a fine day, a good pub and excellent company.

SH

17th December 2015: Caerwys (mod)

On a damp but very mild December morning we assembled at the Gallery Tea room.  Jim was only there to wish us Bon voyage and so Clive, Ken, Mike McC, Dave H, Steve T, Steve H, Keith, Bryan and yours truly set out.  Clive led us through Buckley, and on towards Northop utilising an ingenious set of back roads and country lanes, most of which even a local such as myself was unaware of.  As we approached Northop we all knew that the hard climb up onto Halkyn mountain lay ahead.  Undeterred we dug in and after 20 minutes or so of steady, occasionally testing terrain we got to the summit above Rhes-y-cae.  

A short team meeting concluded that we form two groups at this point.  Clive, along with Ken and Mike McC would push on to Holywell and the rest of us would aim for the Red Lion at Llanasa at a more leisurely pace.  This pace proved even more "leisurely" than we had planned and a further team meeting decided on a change of lunch venue.  Prompted in part by Dave H's rumbling stomach.  The Piccadilly in Caerwys was our chosen venue.

Photograph by Steve Tan

Despite a full car park the bar area was quiet.  Drinks were quickly served and at a £1 a pint for lime and soda the omens were good.  Friendly staff had our food orders sorted and our meals arrived speedily.  The only negative comment came from the potato chip enthusiasts amongst us.  The pub has succumbed to the latest affectation of serving chips in a small wire basket.  A cunning plot to give you less chips was the verdict.  While eating Steve T had a message from Clive to say that the Red Lion in Llanasa was closed.  The cycling gods were smiling on us today.

Suitably replenished we left the pub turning first north and then west.  This convoluted route designed to get us to one of the few crossing points over the A55.  As we approached the top of Rhuallt hill we noticed the field of commercially grown daffodils were well clear of the ground, a mild winter indeed thus far.  Over the A55 we turned east on quiet well surfaced, if a little "clarty" lanes.  I managed to achieve my objective of keeping us off the main A5151 as long as possible.

A short burst took us to the roundabout where the A5151 turns south to join the A55.  We carried straight on through Gorsedd to Pantasaph.  Re-crossing the A55 we cycled past Holywell Golf Club avoiding the suicidal sheep wandering freely on the common land and after a further steady climb regained the top of Halkyn mountain.  The weather had cleared and we bowled along the summit enjoying the fine views across the Wirral.  Retracing our steps down the lanes below Rhosesmor we regained Northop village where I left the five musketeers to make their way back to the start via Northop Hall re-crossing the A55 for the final time.  An enjoyable 42 miles to finish this year's forages into Wales.

GW

7th August 2014: Caerwys (mod)

Enjoying the hills and the splendid views of the Welsh mountains but not be able to keep up with the brisk group in this sort of terrain on the tandem we came prepared to lead an easy ride. With the other “easy” riders away on holiday or otherwise committed we set off at our own pace towards Northop and up into the Halkyn Mountains via Rhosesmor, Moel y Crio and Rhes y Cae. Here the map showed a narrow tarred road to the left that looked interesting and which certainly was. Quite rideable but very narrow and rapidly grassing over: an ideal diversion on a summer’s day. A return to higher ground and more open views and a quick look at the time confirmed we should head for the nearest pub that was the Piccadilly Inn at Caerwys.

After lunch we found a new narrow track (road) up to Babell and then a similar beauty down to Brynford. From here a relatively gentle run with a slight tailwind along the side of the Halkyns and a climb over Windmill Hill with its splendid views and open moorland before dropping back down to Northop and tracing the route to Hawarden.

35 enjoyable miles at just over 10 miles an hour which seems to be our pace in the mountains these days.

Pub Review

The Piccadilly Inn, Caerwys on the main street at north end of the village Tel 01352 720284 Open 12 noon – midnight all week. 

Recently fully refurbished and is now a busy modern eating-place with a good range of draught beers. Food from the lower price menu looked good and the Faggots and mash at £7.95 did not disappoint; nor did the Old Speckled Hen. 

DP

22nd April 2010: Ysceifiog & Caerwys

A bright clear sunny was in prospect for the meet at the Gallery Tea Shop in Hawarden.  A posse of bikes greeted me when I arrived and inside there was Bryan, Brian, Mike, Ivan, Dave and Liz P, Dave Hill and an inappropriately dressed Liz.  Liz explained that she had four days of undisclosed physical exercise and therefore was only a social member today!  Bryan explained that I had suggested a route and he was happy to defer his Denbigh ride until another time.  Everybody else was in sheep mode.  Given the location and excellent weather, the only route was up and onto the hills and mountains behind Hawarden.  The scenic route to Northop was employed (courtesy of Ray H for showing me this way on the Gronant ride).  Dave Hill peeled off at this Northop Hall leaving seven of us to continue the ride.
Out of Northop via Green Lane we were busy warming up the thighs as we climbed up to Rhosesmor.  There were a few dropped chains on this climb but nothing fatal.  Onward and upward along Wern Road took us through Rhes-y-cae and to the outskirts of Lixwm.  Lixwm was bypassed using a very narrow lane with just enough tarmac to be called a road.  Crossing the B5121 took us down to the potential lunch stop of the Fox Inn at Ysceifiog.  Dave H had suggested the Fox, as an early stop if the planned lunch stop at the Blue Bell Inn in Halkyn was a hill too far.  Well it was shut; so we elected to take the double chevroned back road out to Caerwys.  All made the hill successfully although Bryan doubted it was a proper double chevron more like a 1.5 version.  Into Caerwys to find the Piccadilly pub, only to find that this was also closed.  The second back up from Dave Hill of the local golf club proved successful and we had a sandwich lunch at a very quiet 9-hole golf club.
Off again up hill, we made the welcome turn eastwards to get the wind with us for the long largely straight up hill run back to Halkyn and a potential stop at the Blue Bell Inn.  The views from Windmill hamlet on Halkyn Mountain were stunning in all directions with no hint of volcanic ash to spoil the panorama.  Pulling up at the Blue Bell we found that was also closed.  Three pubs all closed: has Wales gone teetotal?  A fast descent back via Northop to the Gallery Tea Shop ensued and all of us, except the tandem (who had a puncture somewhere in Buckley but urged us onwards) tucked into welcome afternoon comestibles.  A very fast Ivan-led run downhill back towards Chester finished off a very enjoyable and satisfying day – not a lot of miles on the circular route from Gallery Café  (about 35 miles) but some 3000 ft of ascent and descent with a maximum altitude of just under a 1000ft. Distance from Chester and back just over 50 miles.

CA