16th March 2023: Lymm (mod)

 As I went to turn into Meadow Lea, I realised that I should be at Delamere Station Cafe. On arriving at Delamere I knew that I must be late, because Dave and Liz were unloading the tandem. Trevor had returned from his travels and accompanied Jim, who was still waiting for his new Ribble  e-bike. Steve Tan had been asked about his holiday, which he had enjoyed despite a number of problems, which started with leaving two coats and his wallet on the coach from the airport! Ken and Clive were representing the Fast Lads, and Dave Matthews was visiting, but not riding. There was only time for a quick swig of coffee, before we set off for the Golden Fleece at Lymm. The moderate participants for the day were Alan, Andy Barber, Ever Ready Ray, Steve T, Dave and Liz and myself. My plan was for a  little lane scenic meander, with a shorter, fast return, particularly desirable if we hit heavy rain.

Our route out was via Norley Hall, Crowton and Acton Bridge. After passing Cogshall Hall we took  a very off-piste detour to the pretty duck-ponded at Higher Whitley, before heading for Bate Heath, and turning more directly toward Lymm via High Legh. After crossing over the M56 we took the rural back route to the centre of Lymm passing some very attractive properties before we crossed the main road and dived down to our lunch venue. The ride out had been dry and mainly wind assisted, with about twenty-four miles covered.

A young woman was already unlocking the beer garden on the canal in order for us to safely park our bikes.  The staff were very pleasant and the food was very good as we tucked in on our adjacent reserved tables. I was sitting with Dave and Liz, and it was just like old times. Dave and Liz did their traditional mix and match course orders, and Dave and myself finished up with apple and blackcurrant pie with custard and ice cream for pudding. Our choice was a pensioner's special which was great value at about 5s 6d for two courses.

Lymm Cross - photo by RB

The route back was via Swineyard Lane and the old Royal Navy world war two airfield. We also passed the private house that has a small hangar housing two vintage bi-plane trainers and a Willys Jeep, if I remember correctly. The owner flies the planes from the adjacent field. I was grateful for some draughting provided by the electrically assisted tandem at times. It had started to rain, so we kept to the straight route through Antrobus and Frandley to Little Leigh. 

The Lord of the Manor - photo by AO

The drizzle was not too bad, and we were nearly home, when Andy thought Alan, who had stopped in a field for a comfort break a little earlier, was behind us. Andy, to his credit, went back downhill to look for him, but then Steve and myself waited, and phoned Andy without reply. It turned out that Alan was ahead! A bit of a chaotic end then.  I blame the ride leader! 

Dave Pipe was correct in saying that we need to stay closer together. We should also have our mobiles turned on in case an unintendedly adrift rider has had an accident or becomes ill. Anyway, as we are not culturally old-fashioned CTC riders, there was nobody to admonish us and make us feel bad. We just need to self-correct for the future.

Andy finished up in the cafe at Delamere with coffee and cake before cycling back to Mold. Everyone seemed happy with the ride. The distance of forty-two miles was about right, including for the tandem, and overall the weather was much better than expected. As ever we all enjoyed the company.

See route map and/or gpx file download

DH

 

Ist September 2022 : Lymm (brisk)

Today, my neighbour, Chris  accompanied me to Ivan’s house where we also met with John W  and then all headed out to Rose Farm. There was an excellent turnout today with at least 14 riders present. The brisk contingent numbered 6, but Nick came  only for coffee and a short ride as he was  training ready for a Tri event at the weekend. So 5 brisk riders, the original 4 plus Clive, took  a route  devised by Ivan to the The Crown at Lymm.

Climbing on a rough road over Quarry Bank, we joined the A49 and headed past the old sand quarries of Nunsmere and Oakmere then turned onto quieter roads which lead us through to Acton Bridge where we  crossed the River Weaver. Once over the river we turned immediately right, the road zig-zaggged roughly north before crossing the M56 and then doglegged back eastwards before reaching Daresbury Technology  Park.  Although these roads were quiet traffic-wise, the noise from the main highways was an assault on the ears. Skirting  Stockton Heath, we crossed back over the M56 and M6 and then back over the M56 again before  passing by the picturesque Lymm Dam and arriving at The Crown in Lymm.

The mornings 45+km were trouble free other than a split mudguard on Clive’s bike which was easily fixed with some gaffer tape thus providing a temporary or a  permanent solution depending on the delivery time of his new bike. Lunch was served promptly in the beer garden where Ivan informed us that the return route was partially experimental but hopefully easy to follow.

Leaving the comfort of the beer garden, we once again crossed over the M6 and after several stop starts ,plus directions from 2 young boys on mountain bikes, we found a steep gravel footpath that led onto cycle route 62 - the Trans Pennine Trail. 

The trail, initially wooded, dropped on to the ship canal at Latchford Locks - a pair of large locks one for ocean going vessels the smaller for coasters, tugs and barges.We followed route 62 alongside the disused St Helens canal and River Mersey into Widnes where we crossed back over both waterways via the Silver Jubilee Bridge.

The next 20 minutes was a blur of residential and industrial buildings as we failed to pick up the new cycleway through Runcorn  and  eventually ended up in Weston grinding to halt outside an Ineos factory. From here we did  a dash along Weston Point Express to rejoin  the cycle route which guided us across the the M56 and River Weaver into Frodsham.

Although the posted route back to Utkington leaves Frodsham passing through Kingsley and Delamere, a total of 90 kilometres, we took the A56 back to Chester. However a proposed stop at The Chester Fields Pub was abandoned due to a wedding taking over the venue and  so we carried on into Mickle Trafford where we parted company with Clive and John. The remaining three musketeers carried on to The Bird in Hand but it was closed much to our disappointment.

So 110 kms was achieved today for Ivan, Chris and myself with John and Clive accomplishing around 120km. We averaged 24.5kmh. A ‘Liquorice Allsorts‘ of a route covering road, gravel, cycle paths and tarmac provided an interesting day out in good cycling weather and excellent lunch in a nice setting.

Thanks to all for their company today and especially their route finding skills. 

KP

See route map and/or gpx file download

Photo JW

7th December 2017: Lymm (mod)

Steve Tan and I arrived together by car at Delamere.  I cursed under my breath as a rich pensioner in a posh Mercedes got in our way as we tried to cross the bridge on our bikes. Keith had ridden from “not quite 'Upper'” Runcorn. At the station, Dave Matthews was operating a Christmas tree-trusser. I acknowledged some of our fast lads, but I'm not sure I caught them all as they moved like rapid wraiths to cafe tables bereft of calorific temptations. It was good to see Paul again, his super- slim form ghosting past our chairs on his way to the toilet. It was a reminder to the likes of Keith and myself of how you could move in a cafe without bumping into things, if you didn't possess the bulk of Big Daddy! The rich, Mercedes-driving pensioner entered the cafe in a classy coat and scarf, and announced that he couldn't be persuaded to ride. It was Bryan. I was in the dog house with Keith, as I had arranged to bring my bike rack to save him from a dangerous, dark ride home at the end of the day. I had left it in the garage, and he would just have to “go whistle”! I was having trouble fitting overshoes, having already given up on new Boardman XL items, that even Lynne couldn't zip up on me at home. Dave Matthews wouldn't touch them as they lacked graphene, pure silk or high modulus carbon fibre content, and their aerodynamics had not been refined in McLaren's wind tunnel. To be fair, he did recommend his BBB shoe covers which are just pull-on, and I later investigated their website. George and Bob had travelled together by car, parking at Mouldsworth in order to clock up an extra seven miles for the day. It's all about “small margins” as Dave Brailsford would say!  Dave and Liz then appeared in civvies having been holidaying in Cyprus. They thought that the strong winds would be a risk on the tandem, particularly if Dave had found it necessary to wear his vintage oilskin cape. You could do without a big yellow spinnaker when cycling in high winds! Steve took his chance with the fast lads, and Dave Matthews road to the first cross roads with us, but still had Christmas tree business to complete.

I had a rough idea of a route to Lymm and back, and I had booked The Spread Eagle Hotel in the centre for 12.30. I had in mind to find the odd new lane, and avoid any rural rat-runs. We were just four: George, Bob, Keith and myself. On our way out we went down a little lane to the west of Norley village, passing the attractive Norley Hall, before heading down to Crowton. We then cycled down Ainsworth Lane past some delightful properties, including that of Mick the master sweep. Our first stiff climb was under the main line to London, and past The Cliff, to Acton Bridge. Bartington was followed by the quiet Hall Lane with Cogshall Hall on our right, crossing Northwich Road at Frandley. We meandered to Arley Hall by the smallest lanes that I could find, and gingerly conquered the wet cobbles before the postcard pretty pond, and black and white properties at Arley Green. We cruised on along the narrow, tree-lined estate road, before reaching Cann Lane. We were soon over the M6 and then turned off, into the wind, on virgin lanes for Chester Easy Riders. On reaching Swineyard Hall we were on a more familiar back route into Lymm. We reached our destination almost bang on time, and were able to take our bikes to the private space at the back. We had a choice of where to sit and chose the snug, small room next to the bar with a roaring open fire. I had a skillet of seared chicken breast with a nice sauce, red peppers, onions, and rice and chips. The service was friendly and prompt, and we had our usual convivial conversation. Bob did include a disquieting story or two of an evil Welsh policeman in his village! As we unlocked our bikes, Bob announced that his lunch had been the worst he had eaten since joining the club! Keith wasn't too impressed either. I don't know if George was being diplomatic or throwing up in the corner! I must admit that I felt a bit deflated. 

We set off for Grappenhall, and our second set of cobbles for the day. We were sometimes alongside the Bridgewater Canal, before turning up toward Appleton Thorn. Bob was unfortunate to have yet another puncture despite his Specialized Thornsucker Puncture-Prone Mk.2 tyres being quite new.   
Steve Tan rang to let me know that he had returned to Delamere early, so was going to ride back to Runcorn. We passed the Young Offenders Institute and headed down Arley Road. Turning right at Barber's Lane, I decided that it would now have to be straight back in order to return in daylight, and beat the forecast wintry showers. We headed for Little Leigh, via Antrobus and Frandley, then Acton Bridge, and through my favourite hamlet at Onston. At Crumleyheath Farm, Keith had taken his leave for Dutton and 'not really Higher' Runcorn. He would have to pay penance by riding along rough surfaced Marsh Lane. The sun was slipping away below the tree tops as we climbed up Norley Bank. A wintry shower just caught us before Hatchmere, and I turned my back light to its 'Blackpool illuminations' setting. George and Bob carried straight on through for Mouldsworth.  I covered nearly 44miles, the others must have managed around 50 or more. The distance was just about the limit for a moderate ride on a short winter's day given our starting time, and the possibility of a puncture. As usual I enjoyed the company, and the lovely, quiet Cheshire lanes. I did, however, make a note to ring Jay Rayner, asking him to make at least two visits before I suggest a lunchtime venue in future!
                                                                                                                                             
DH

22nd August 2013: Lymm

Another lovely summer's day in prospect at Manley Mere.  Relaxing in the sun as I arrived was Bryan, Dave M and George. Dave M was in "not on my bike for some time" mode, but the good news was that Bryan was in CER cycling strip and had cycled out for coffee. Having been given the "you can get back on your bike" medical approval he was taking it steady for a while. Another pair of lost souls then arrived - Jim was out today as was Ivan back from his motor home summer peregrinations. "Where are we going?" is the cry – “50m to Lymm or 60m to Croft” - George decides on the basis that he is unsure where Croft is. To be honest, I hadn't prepared a ride today but just downloaded two routes from summer 2011. So with the Pike Pair completing the group of five bikes I lead out for Delamere. At Hatchmere Jim turns for home and we cut through Forest Lane and down the lovely Beech Lane bound for the Weaver. Out via Acton Bridge, we head for Antrobus and the winding lanes towards Lymm. A quick diversion to the koi carp pool in the centre of Lymm then finds us at the Crown Inn's beer garden tucking into "2 for £10" repast-and tasty it was!

Photographs by Clive Albany

The afternoon is warming up to the high 20s as we take a modified route back since I wanted to explore a short cut in Grappenhall. So we take the cycleway past the cricket pitch and circle Grappenhall Heys Garden to Fox Covert Cemetery. Down the third "No through" road, we exit at Appleton reservoir bound for Moore.

Runcorn has a maze of cycleways but I stick to the canal side complete with herons and canal boats. Out via Weston we decide to take a Costa Coffee in Frodsham. Here Ivan splits for home, then George and I do the same leaving Liz and Dave to wend their way back to Manley. So 50 miles in glorious sunshine with some panoramic views on the way and a recycled 2011 route to enjoy.

CA

18th August 2011: Croft

Although cool first thing this morning the temperature had risen to a pleasant 19°C by the time the group of 13 met for tea at the Manley Mere Windsurfing Centre.  Bryan announced that he had planned “a bit of a mad ride” to visit territory we had not tried before.  The plan was to cross the Mersey and make a circuit of Warrington threading our way through the lanes just to the south of St. Helens, Newton le Willows and Golborne returning via Lymm.  Dave H would meet us on the outskirts of Runcorn and guide us over the Runcorn/Widnes bridge.  For lunch Bryan had identified a number of possible pubs, with the General Elliot in Croft being top of the list. So just after 10:30 the group of Bryan, Omry, Martin, Liz D, Trevor, Alan, Clive, Norman, Ray, Dave & Liz P set off.  Ivan and his grandson were there to see us off, while Dave M planned to ride with us for the first half hour and then head back.

As usual, from Manley Mere, we started the day with a stiff climb up to Riley Bank and then down to Frodsham to join the main road to Runcorn.  Here Dave M left us, as we met up with Dave H to take the scenic route up to the Runcorn/Widnes bridge and across to join the Trans Pennine Trail on the other side.  We then followed the St Helens Canal for a couple of miles before taking the second bridge to cross into the Moss Bank industrial area heading north along the eastern edge of Widnes to Clock Face.  Here Norman’s local knowledge proved invaluable in guiding us through Clock Face Country Park.  Once back on the lanes we made good progress through Burtonwood and Winwick to Croft where we quickly found the General Elliot.  The newly refurbished and upmarket pub provided a warm welcome and friendly service with a Senior’s Special menu (starter and main) for £6.50.  The food was all you could wish for in quality and presentation and with Timothy Taylor’s Landlord on tap provided a perfect lunch.  With 12 of us to cater for one might have expected some delay in getting back on the road: but not today.  Within an hour of arriving we were back on the road conscious of the need to get back before the Windsurfing Centre locked the gate to the car park.

Culcheth marked the halfway point and from here we turned south to Glazebrook and Rixon where we crossed the Manchester Ship Canal for a brief excursion into Trafford District before returning to Cheshire for a short stop in the centre of Lymm.  Back on home ground we headed for Antrobus and Acton Bridge.  Dave H left us just before the crossing, to make his own way back to Runcorn.  The rest of us continued up past the Maypole pub to Hatchmere and the forest route back to Manley with Omry peeling off along the way.  Then with less than 100 yards to the Windsurfing Centre Liz P was stung by a wasp!

What an interesting day: exploring the northern fringes of Cheshire on lanes we haven’t ridden before with plenty of variety en-route.  Thanks to Dave H and Norman for their help in guiding us through the area and to The General Elliot for their friendly and efficient service combined with a great lunch.

Total distance from Manley Mere was spot on 60 miles with some 75 plus miles for those riding from Chester.

BW 

24th March 2011: Lymm

Spring has sprung! – sunshine, shorts and bare arms – the first opportunity of the year. There was a cyclist’s dozen soaking up the sunshine at Manley mere as we set off for Lymm – exact pub to be defined when we arrived there. The original plan was to access the Trans Pennine way from Runcorn all the way to Lymm. However serious stroking of beards effected a reversal of the planned route – i.e. we would go out the way I had planned to return and find another way back from Lymm. 

Trevor was sporting his new Scott Speedster and the rest of us (Mike G, Mike M, George, Liz and Martin, Dave H, Andy, Ray, Dave M and myself) all set off to access route 70 via Delamere, Pickering’s and Dutton’s Locks and Acton Bridge along the Weaver canal. Heeding Trevor’s plea not to get his new bike too dirty, we sped down quiet lanes to Little Leigh with Dave M having now peeled off to get back to fitting his kitchen. On through Antrobus and ignoring Arley, we accessed Swineyard Lane via the edge of the old airfield to Sworton Heath. Over the M56 we joined the A56 top road through Lymm. The Crown was offering “2 for £10” so that would do nicely and nicely it was – even better since it was a certain doctor’s very big birthday – cheers Martin! 

After lunch the warm sunshine enabled us to motor back quickly via cobbled Grappenhall, and on through Appleton and Stretton. It was all going too well but Andy helped us out with an unexplained puncture. The wheel was changed in lightning speed, and we were soon through Hatton and across the A49 and in the outskirts of Moore. The Bridgewater canal provided a very pleasant route passing the Daresbury Laboratories and also a way under the M56 at Preston Brook. There is no pretty way back to Frodsham and the Cottage Tea Shop, but the warm sunshine even made the Frodsham bike by-pass aka cycleway 5, pleasant. Mike M eschewed tea and cakes and made off home to Delamere. Out of the town towards Helsby, there was a request for the novelty route through the geological park off the Old Chester Road. Last time it was unrideable, but this time Martin and Ray made a brave attempt to cycle to the top.  A final push up the hill past Alvanley and a fast run down back to Manley mere was in prospect. A round trip of 47 miles in sunny and warm conditions – the first of many hopefully.

CA

9th September 2010: Dunham Massey

Trevor’s return was a heart-warming sight, after his tough baptism on the steep Welsh climbs of Mike’s exhilarating Pistyll Rhaeadr route.  Another welcome newcomer was Peter, bravely riding a fixed wheel vintage Viking, which he’s kept so long that it’s now retro cool.  Also good to see Kate back with her beautiful, warm smile.  However it’s been so long since I’ve ridden with Brian Mac, that I swear that he didn’t recognise me at first!  I appreciated Clive’s diligent efforts to plan something different, but I was already ‘pencilled in’ to lead this week and had a route in mind, which, as it happens, was not a million miles from Clive’s. No need for arbitration then!
After the first steep climb up New Pale we meandered along the narrowest lanes through Kingsley, then followed the twinkling Weaver to Dutton Locks and beyond. The warm wind wafted us along as we drifted past Cogshall Hall, up to Frandley and through Antrobus. We were soon circling Arley Hall on Back Lane, careful over the smooth cobbles to Arley Green, with its pretty pond and black and white timbered buildings.

Photograph by Kate Williams

We continued to flit through quiet, undisturbed lanes up to Hoo Green, and Booth Bank with its Wesleyan connection.  Lunch is at ‘The Swan with Two Nicks’ in Little Bollington. The food, drink and setting are fine, but Dave and Liz were not totally convinced about the attitude towards customer service. Dave had to settle for begging, whilst seriously considering strangulation, in order to obtain cutlery! Mike Morley was just sublimely satisfied to be supping good ale, as ever.
After lunch we squeezed over the Bollin footbridge and climbed over the wall into delightful Dunham Massey. Dave showing off his muscle power, and once again proving that there is very little off limits for determined tandemists.  Kate managed to persuade a friendly couple to take a group photograph, with sunbathing deer in close company.  Off through Dunham Town past Lavender Barn Tea Shop at Dog Farm – a great place for a break if you’re in a cycling group which doesn’t have alcohol dependency.  We are soon spinning along the Trans-Pennine Trail, and slip into Lymm village via a very Ray-repelling grassy bridleway.  A brief stop, a couple of half drunk cappuccinos (my thanks to Brian Mac), sat next to the ducks and lurking, large fish.
Then we wind our way back, across the derelict Admiralty WW2 Stretton Airfield.  We are usually sheltered from the headwind by lush high hedges. Kate spots a pattern: left, right, left, right – a steady rhythm of back lane turns. Like a shoal of fish, colours catching the sun as they constantly deflect from danger – in our case main roads and juggernauts.
Eventually The Big Effort looms – the steep bank up from the Weaver a taste of what’s to come. A little more light, rhythmic pedalling along Ball Lane, then, the beginning of the end: up through Kingsley, up Hollow Lane, up and up to Newton Firs. The new lads are feeling it: fifty miles up and hard climbing, Peter without gears, Trevor with a heavy frame and wide tyres – who could blame them.  But they’ve stuck at it, and we have covered many pleasant, easy miles today to look back on. Someone says, ‘We’ve all been there!’: some of us surprisingly recently, when we first joined, often using a bike, gearing and a pair of legs that were less than ideal. That tandem’s made it again, although Dave has been cautioned for over-use of the whip.
Finally a whoosh down to Manley with just a couple of short, steep bits.  Nevertheless, the vastly experienced, allegedly intelligent, and normally likeable Bryan Wade is caught out in completely the wrong gear turning left up the bank at Simmonds Hill.  This is due to bad Karma for flatly refusing to carry any of my maps earlier in the day.
The weather was great, the company was great, and we’ve covered about 54 miles of lovely, traffic-free lanes.  Can’t wait for next week!

DHeath