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Retired, work part-time or shifts, enjoy being out in the countryside? Then cycle the lanes and byways of Cheshire and surrounding areas with Chester Easy Riders: you won't get left behind.
Chester Easy Riders is an independent cycling club affiliated to Cycling UK. We cycle every Thursday throughout the year with moderate and brisk day rides of 40 to 80 miles.

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Showing posts with label Coton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coton. Show all posts

Saturday, 17 July 2021

15th July 2021: Coton (mod)

As usual, there was a good turn out at Cleopatra’s. It was especially good to see Ken who’s making a good recovery – very good if his Strava posts are anything to go by! The mods today were Dave H, Steves Hu and T, Mike D and Alan, with Jim and Dave M accompanying us for the first few miles. Our destination was the Dog and Bull at Coton, somewhere that we haven’t been to since May 2018 when the ride had been led by Steve H, so a visit was well overdue.

The route out took us east to Tilston, Duckington and Cholmondeley before turning in a more southerly direction for Bickley and Marbury with the wind behind us. Jim and Dave M had left us when we reached Stretton Hall.

The sky was overcast, but it was still quite warm as we made our way into Whitchurch. At this point, Steve Hu left us, as he had to go home to take delivery of a new Colnago bike and to berate his builder about some ‘snagging’ issues with his new house. We threaded our way through Whitchurch and found the road out to Alkington without any difficulty. From there we followed the quiet lanes through Hollinwood to Coton, arriving at the pub soon after 1 o’clock with 27 miles completed.

Although the pub was quiet, there seemed to be only one member of staff who apologized in advance that he might take a while to get to us. In the event, the service was quick and, as we sat outside enjoying the food and drink, the clouds dispersed and we were bathed in warm sunshine.

Suitably refreshed, we made our way back through Whixhall, Whitewell, Tallarn Green and Worthenbury. The countryside was looking its best and the lanes were mostly quiet, although the silage cut was in full swing and we came across a few large tractors with even larger trailers full of grass cuttings. Happily, there were no incidents or difficulties with them.

On reaching Shocklack, Alan and Steve T had pulled ahead of the others, but the usual sprint to Farndon didn’t materialize, possibly due to the fairly stiff north westerly wind blowing down the road and the soporific effect of the warm sunshine.

We reached Cleopatra’s about 4 pm, having completed 47 miles and, surprisingly climbed 1850 feet. Thanks are due to Steve H for the route and to my companions for their company.

See route map and/or gpx file download

ST

Friday, 13 July 2018

12th July 2018: Coton (mod)


A good number of Easy Riders gathered at Cleopatra’s in Holt. The moderates were out in force: David M, Clive, Neil, Dave H, Dave P, Mike G, Andy B, George, Trevor and myself. The start of the day questioned whether the long hot dry spell was over: there was a very light drizzle on my ride to Holt, and Andy told us it had rained steadily in Mold the previous night. However we set off in dry and improving conditions with the Dog and Bull in Coton as our destination.

We crossed the bridge into Farndon, noting that it is due to be closed to traffic for 14 weeks from 16th July, and for some days in that period also to cyclists and pedestrians.  Then we headed to Stretton (where David M left us), Tilston and the Cholmondley Estate, before turning south through Bickley and Marbury, and then joining cycle route 45.  Here the more observant riders admired the Mercian Way statue. We entered Whitchurch on Black Park Road, which is closed to vehicles until 02/19 a sign said, possibly due to badgers undermining the carriageway, though we could squeeze through the barrier fencing.  From Whitchurch we took the road to Alkington, then through Hollingwood to arrive at our destination just before 1 o’clock, with 26 miles completed.
Photos by Mike G

We sat outside seeking shade from the sun at a number of wobbly tables, but the food and drink were fine as usual: we had last been here in May. Clive left early to make his own way back for an afternoon appointment, while the rest of us gathered for a photo.

Our return led us north and westwards to Tallarn Green where a scarecrow festival was obviously underway. We dropped down to Sarn Bridge and turned left to avoid the bank, and made our way on a lovely quiet lane into Worthenbury.  Then it was the usual route back, with half the party pushing on ahead in the traditional(?) race to the finish, this being at Lewis’ café.  We sat on the terrace, enjoying coffee, cakes and the afternoon sunshine, when Ivan stopped on his way home after completing the brisk riders’ route.

Our total distance was 48 miles, covering many lovely gentle lanes in improving weather.  The rain did eventually come, but later that night.


SH


Thursday, 24 May 2018

24th May 2018: Coton (mod)


Another fine day attracted a good turnout for both brisk and mod groups; Dave and Liz P were also out, but doing their own route (see below for more info). The mods were Keith, Dave H, David M, Andy B, George and myself, and our destination was the Dog and Bull at Coton (or as Google calls it the “Bull and Dog”).

Our route out involved a big swing eastwards, passing by Tilston, Cholmondley and Marbury, weaving along a variety of quiet little lanes.  We approached Whitchurch from the east on a “closed road”, squeezing past concrete blocks and wire fencing to enter the town.  Then straight through to Alkington and Hollinwood, to arrive at the pub just before 1pm, with 26 miles completed.

The Dog and Bull is a favourite and we were supplied with good substantial food and drink. We discussed audax and end to end rides.  We then debated why CER is not a full member of Chester and North Wales CTC, despite general approval of the new C&NW CTC shirt, which yours truly happened to be modelling.

Photo by Steve H

The return route was through Whixall and Whitewell, then avoiding Sarn Bank to enter Worthenbury and the usually competitively fast return through Shocklach.  David M broke away somewhere along the way to head direct for home.  The remaining five ended the ride at Lewis’ in Farndon enjoying coffee and cakes, where we discovered that the old Dee Bridge connecting Holt and Farndon was going to be closed to vehicles from mid-July for about 14 weeks, and closed to bikes and pedestrians also for part of the time – take note for future rides!  

Our total distance was 47 miles: a great moderate day out, with little wind, warm sunny spells, good food and good company.

(Note from Dave P: He and Liz rode out to the Plassey: a gentle ride of 24 miles.  They will be doing similar rides for the next few meets while they build up their fitness, and anyone who wishes to join them is welcome.)


SH

Sunday, 5 June 2016

2nd June 2016: Coton (mod)

It was a cool start, but the day promised to be dry, sunny and warm. I had two possible destinations in mind when I arrived at the Ice Cream Farm: the Joules Brewery Tap in Market Drayton and the Dog & Bull at Coton. The brisk group had separately chosen the brewery, so for variety I suggested Coton. Our group comprised Liz and Dave, George and Brian Macca.
We hit a problem immediately. My combination lock refused to open. After several attempts we gave up and Brian went to find someone with a boltcutter. However, just before one turned up, George put his hidden safe-cracking skills to work and miraculously it opened. Dumping the offending lock in a bin, we headed out through Bunbury and Brindley, then Marbury, before heading through Whitchurch towards Whixall. Somewhere along the route we met an escaped sheep and two farmers failing to get it into a field.  They told us to carry on, which we did slowly pursuing the ewe along the lane. Soon a quadbike roared past, overtook the ewe and turned it round.


Photographs by Brian MacDonald

With no more events, we hit the B-road between Wem and Whitchurch and soon turned into the Dog and Bull. We were the first customers and received a warm welcome and thankfully the TV loudly broadcasting “Loose Women” was turned off.  Good food and beer arrived and was consumed accompanied by reminiscences of Sunderland and the North East.
Our return took us back towards Whixall, and we almost immediately came across a couple riding a tandem tricycle. This excited much interest from our tandem and Brian, and after comparing notes; we left them behind heading west to Northwood, and then north through Hanmer before turning right in Shocklach.  At this point Dave asked whether we could pass a café on our return, and I had to admit that I hadn’t planned one, and the ICF itself wasn’t tempting due to expected hoards of half-termers. Dave & Liz knew of a small establishment in Tattenhall village, but this was closed. Old Ma’s was a possibility but would this be open after 4pm? As it happened the ICF was winding down, as evidenced by a great flow of cars on the roads leaving it.  We were quickly served with drinks, but in paper cups, and we weren’t allowed to sit in our usual area, so we finished the day on a bench outside in the fine afternoon.
A good day’s cycling on quiet lanes with few hills in good weather, we clocked up a little over 53 miles.

SH

Monday, 18 April 2016

14th April 2016: Coton (brisk)

Another good turnout at the Ice Cream Farm so two rides.  A rural ride to the Dog and Bull at Coton was the accepted Brisk ride joined by Clive, the two Johns, Paul and self.
We set off going through Tattenhall and on to Clutton where we joined the A534 for a short sprint to Barton before turning left for Kidnal. We were heading towards Hanmer and with the rain last night the farmers were making a good job of muck spreading the lanes. I even got accused of choosing lanes some what on par to Clive’s lanes!!
We drop down hill to Salters Mill, which looked beautiful with rolling lawns, mansion and a huge mill pond. CER have visited this location previous and after the down hill there is a bumpy uphill on an unmade track: fortunately rideable.
Turning left at the end of the lane head towards Whixall and on to Clotton. We had covered 30 miles to lunch at the Dog and Bull in arriving for 12:30 and were the first into the pub. Although not busy the food was good although a little slow in delivery.
The return route to the Ice Cream Farm was via Whitchurch, Malpas and Bickerton.  At Hart Hill the fitter of the brisks raced up to the top and had to wait for Clive and I. Here we picked up a Nantwich rider so heading straight down hill to Tattenhall the three raced off and the rear took the alternate ride via Burwardsley.
We said farewell to our new rider and Clive and I arrived first at the café followed by the three briskers who said they had waited for us thinking we were following!
It wasn’t long after that the mod’s arrived from their ride. We had covered 50 miles round trip and another minimum 20 to and from Chester so a good day’s riding on a dry day but muddy lanes.
ID

Monday, 6 July 2015

2nd July 2015: Coton (mod)

Another large turnout at the Ice Cream Farm saw us sitting outside in the early morning sun discussing possible destinations. I suggested the Dog and Bull at Coton, midway between Whixall and Prees, and with no other offers forthcoming it was agreed. The group consisted of Steve T, Steve H, Trevor, George, Keith, Dave H, Ray, Paul and myself. Liz and Dave P arrived on the tandem but with Dave wearing his wedding shoes by mistake they decided to just stay for the cake and coffee.
We followed a fairly traditional route out through Tattenhall, Carden, and Shocklach to Threapwood and the Wyches. The temperature was steadily approaching the 20’s that we had been promised but we also had a few short showers that were not due until later in the day. We made steady progress, despite me reading the satnav upside down at one point! and were soon climbing up past the Hanmer Arms towards Bettisfield and Northwood. A sharp turn to the east then took us to the run in for lunch through Dobsons Bridge and Whixall. The rain was beginning to become irritating at this point, so it was with relief that we parked our bikes under the sun umbrellas in the pub’s beer garden.
Service was good and the food reasonably priced and enjoyable as we watched the rain on the road outside. As we had hoped, we emerged to dry weather but wet roads and set off for the return journey. Our pleasure was short-lived, however, as the rain returned with increasing intensity, prompting some of us to don waterproofs. The temperature had by now dropped to 17˚C; still reasonably warm but not a pleasant summer’s day any more. 
We took the direct route north through Fenns Bank and Whitewell towards Malpas. I had planned to return via Harthill from here, but the rain suggested otherwise, and we continued north towards Tilston and our outward route.
The stronger group missed the turn in the village and continued on to Barton and Coddington, while the rest of us returned via Tattenhall. Though we had split into two groups, we were confident that once Dave got a whiff of the cake he would irrevocably find his way to the cafe and that was indeed the case.
Spirits dampened by the continual rain, we abandoned the plan of afternoon snacks, and continued homewards.
A good route, despite the weather. 46 miles, or nearly 70 for those from Chester. 
JD

Friday, 27 August 2010

26th August 2010: Coton

What a grey day!  I had taken the scenic route to the Ice Cream Farm through Brassey Green and up to the back of Beeston Castle so had a brisk 13 miles on the clock when I arrived to find Dave Heath unloading his bike.  Tempted by a slab of fruit loaf I sat down to enjoy a large pot of tea and was joined by Dave whose cake resistance had also crumbled.  In no time Ivan, Liz & Martin and a little later Liz & Dave Pipe arrived to be regaled by Liz and Martin’s tales of what sounded like a particularly grueling North to South JOGLE – mainly against the prevailing winds and incorporating practically every hill in the UK (According to Liz!).
No one had a route planned so I suggested a trip to the newly refurbished Bull and Dog at Coton near Whitchurch.  As Clive can attest there are obvious dangers of trusting Morley with a map or indeed any sort of directions but the first part of the route was very straightforward – out through Chowley Oak, Clutton, Tilston, Malpas and the Wyches to Painters Green.  All went swimmingly despite Dave Heath’s sabotage of the Pipes by having them heading off up a right turn that was not part of the route thereby causing the loss of any momentum they may have had for the approaching hill.
Once over the A495 the land is very flat and part of the NNR Mosses of Whixall and Fenns Bank – not terribly scenic on such an overcast day but good territory for making progress on two wheels.  We crossed the canal and pressed on through Whixall arriving at Coton in good time. The Bull and Dog is now resplendent following its refit and we were shown by Max to a large oval table presided over by a portrait of Max’s Grandfather, Sonny, who was married to Liz’s mother’s best friend – it’s a small world.  We achieved a hat trick of good food, service and beer and also Lime & Soda only £1.00 so a very good pub to put on the agenda to join those visited in the previous two weeks.
Time to leave and although no actual rain the atmosphere was very damp and what wind there was seemed against us whatever direction we were headed.  Over to Prees and under the A49 thence over the A 41 to Ightfield and up via Royals Green to Aston and Wrenbury.  I had elected then to have change from the Spurstow/Bunbury return route electing instead for the Cholmondeley and Egerton Green that would furnish us with a couple of decent hills to keep us warm in the increasing chill.  Just leaving Wrenbury by the scenic route along the canal we lost Dave & Liz – on seeking them I found them both searching the grass verge  - the Bike Computer had jumped off its mount bounced on the road and disappeared, sadly never to reappear!  The rest of the journey up the back of Harthill passed uneventfully and we just made it back to Newton in time for a large pot of tea, courtesy of Liz and Martin and cake courtesy of Ivan – thanks for that you guys.  A round trip of 51 miles that gave me a door to door mileage of 74 miles – a good grey day after all!

MM

Friday, 29 May 2009

28th May 2009: Coton

Now I have to admit that when Mike sent a tweet, earlier in the week, suggesting a ride to Coton I had no idea where it was other than somewhere south of Whitchurch. A detailed perusal of the OS map revealed that I had in fact cycled through it some years earlier on the National Byway route south to Shrewsbury. With Mike willing to lead, providing there was GPS backup, everything was in place for a good days ride. Thursday dawned with good weather in prospect so perhaps it shouldn’t have come as a surprise that ten of us turned up at Bellis Garden Centre Café for the ride with a further two, introduced by Jim, joining us for elevenses.
Mike led us out through Shocklach, over Sarn Bridge and through the lanes south of Wych Brook towards Painters Green and Fenn’s Bank. What a glorious day, probably the best so far this year: the sun shone and the countryside, just like us, appeared to be welcoming the coming summer. We made good progress with a constant buzz of conversation and I suddenly realised we had joined the National Byway with not much further to go. The Bull and Dog was almost empty when we arrived at 1.00pm. but with ten of us that soon changed. The pensioners’ special was hard to resist and Liz and Dave P both succumbed. The rest of us went for the “lighter bite” of a door step sandwich served with soup, chips and salad garnish! The non-availability of cask ale today was a disappointment to some, while Ray went without in protest at the exorbitant price of lime and soda.
For the return journey Mike led us back along delightful lanes past Whixall, Dobson’s Bridge and Bettisfield where we turned off to Penley via Tarts Hills. From here on Ray, with the route programmed into his Garmin, shepherded us back to Bellis by way of Bangor on Dee to arrive a few minutes after they had stopped serving for the afternoon. Never mind; it had been a wonderful day, with beautiful lanes we hadn’t ridden before, great weather and good company. What more could you ask for? Thanks to Mike for a great day.
Distance from Chester and back 68 miles.
BW