1st February 2018: Maeshafn (mod)

Hawarden, 1st February – St Brigid’s Day, the start of the pagan Irish festival of spring: Imbolc. Nothing spring-like today: cold, hail, gusts to nearly 40mph. Mod riders - a few brave souls: Andy B, Tom, Keith, Dave H and me, Steve. Where to: Maeshafn.

Into the northwesterly: to Northrop, Rhosesmor and Moel-y-crio. Steep climbs bring advantages – shelter from the wind - but heading south brings greater relief. South to Cilcain and beyond, then west up the valley towards Bwych Penbarras. Before Moel Famau car park, we turn left and down the opposite side to meet the A494.

“Straight on” I say. “Are you insane!” says Andy, knowing mod rides don’t do the double chevrons lying ahead. The hill beckons us on, steepening gradually, then fatally: Tom steams ahead, Dave and Keith fall by the wayside; Steve makes heroic effort to fail 10 yards before the top; Andy, slow and steady, makes it.

18 miles and 1900 feet climbed, recovery is needed – nothing could be better than The Miners Arms - warm, satisfying food and drink and very friendly (landlord did the coast-to-coast).

Easy now. A long downhill to Nercwys, into Buckley, down to Ewloe, “Goodbye Tom”. Harwarden reappears. Overall only 29 miles, but good going. Thanks Andy & Tom for navigational assistance.  Maybe spring will happen next Thursday.

See route map and/or gpx file download

SH

11th August 2016: Maeshafn (mod)

Clive had “pre-advertised” a 65 mile ride from Hawarden Rooms circling the Clwydian Hills. This sounded a bit long and a bit hilly to me, so I threw together a shorter 35 miler to Maeshafn trying to avoid the steeper hills.  However, at 10:20 in the Gallery Tea Rooms, all the riders were intending to follow Clive, excepting Jim and David M who were not out for a CER ride.  Dave P then arrived and decided to join me, so the two of us set off.

We started heading south out of Harwarden and took the steep lane leading to the A55 footbridge, and then on lanes south again skirting Penyffordd and Hope, to cross the Afon Alun by packhorse bridge into Caergwrle.  Then it was steeply uphill along the flanks of Hope Mountain to Ffrith, after which we followed the course of Offa’s Dyke to reach Treuddyn.  On again to Nercwys where we turned left up another steep hill and then right past a No Through Road sign.  This may have been a mistake. Before long we were faced with a deeply rutted, overgrown and boulder strewn track. The only choices were to retrace our steps or dismount and walk up it.  We chose the latter and several hundred metres later emerged. Lunch was only 2 or 3 miles away so we pressed on, but either I’d suddenly lost my leg strength or something was wrong with my bike. Upending it and clearing the mudguards and brakes seemed to make a difference and soon we were at the Miners Arms in Maeshafn.

Tucking into our lunch we noted that the menu had become fancier then previously and saw that the local CAMRA had awarded “the most improved pub of the year” award to our venue. 

The morning had been marked by very low cloud and some intense spells of rain, so we were hoping the afternoon would be an improvement. Our hopes were in vain as we soggily crossed the A494 to meet the Moel Famau road by the forest – no views today! Then north through Cilcain, over the A541, and up another steep hill to pass through Moel-y-crio and Rhosesmor. Then it was through Northrop and the familiar route through Ewloe back to our start point.

Just over 35 miles on the clock but the satnav showed almost 3,500ft of climbing, so not such an easy alternative to Clive’s ride.  There’s a lesson for me in that: pay more attention to the contour lines when planning a route. Nonetheless a very good ride, but one to be done in good weather to appreciate the views.

SH

13th November 2014: Maeshafn (mod)

With a mixed forecast for the day: dry in the morning but windy in the afternoon it was somewhat surprising to find a good turnout of members at the refurbished Gallery coffee shop, increasing as each minute passed.  At half past the hour we had 14 members present: more than any of the recent summer rides.  Even Brian Mac made an appearance after some three months of absence, many in foreign parts, although sadly he wasn’t riding today due to a bad cold.

Jim suggested that we head south so that the wind would be behind us on the return and suggested Maeshafn as a possible destination.  With no other suggestions Jim and I sketched out a route and 14 of us comprising Ray, Steve H, Jim, Dave H, Keith, Steve T, Clive, Tom, George, Ivan, Dave & Liz P and myself set off for Northop.  A short loop through the lanes brought us to Soughton for a fast descent down to the edge of Mold followed by the drag up to Gwernaffield.  Here the brisk group broke free and headed off for Four Crosses.  The remaining nine of us followed the original plan heading to Cadole and Maeshafn at a more leisurely pace.

We arrived at just gone 12:00 noon to the usual warm welcome and being the first customers of the day were quickly served with drinks including the excellent Theakston’s Old Peculiar.  Meals were ordered and the Landlord/Chef retired to the kitchen while we made ourselves comfortable.  Cooked meals were the order of the day and in surprisingly quick time we were all enjoying an excellent lunch.

Over lunch Jim planned the return journey with options of Hope or Buckley depending on the weather.  It had been warm and dry this morning but on venturing out of the pub after lunch it was clear the weather was on the change.  The temperature had dropped dramatically and a light rain was falling.  Undaunted we mounted up and set off before a cry from the back announced a puncture.  Wisely we headed back to the warmth of the pub while Dave H hunted for thorns on his deflated tyre.  Once repaired we started off again uphill this time but in significantly heavier rain.  By the time we reached the road down to Nercwys the wind had increased and was gusting across the road driving the rain like hail directly into our faces.  The descent down to Nercwys is always exhilarating but even more so today.  Hunched over the bars for protection from the stinging rain I tried to stick to the middle of the road for safety but in practice traced giant parabolas down hill as each successive gust of wind swept the bike across to the side of the road.  At Nercwys we thankfully turned right onto more sheltered lanes and then eventually left down to Leeswood Hall gates abandoning the Hope option.  George left us at this point to make his own way home while we headed for Buckley, Bilberry Wood and Hawarden by a roundabout route due partly to the Chinese whispers effect of relaying messages from the back to the front of a group of eight riders.  Sorry about that Jim.

We arrived back at Hawarden at 15:30 still smiling with 28 miles done (44 for those riding back to Chester), although it felt like more, after what was a most memorable day. 

BW

21st November 2013: Maeshafn

Clive, Dave & Liz P, Liz & Martin D, Ray, Steve and 3rd week-in-a-row Paul all met at Alyn Waters Country Park café.  I also went to Alyn Waters C P for the first time, only to discover no café; there are two parks on opposite sides of the valley and I was in the other one.  Ah well, they wouldn’t go without me as I had said that I would lead a ride.  Having found a useful 1:100,000 road map that shows every white road & chevron, I thought I would lead on what turned out to be a bright, sunny winter’s day.  I again re-cycled one of Bryan’s rides from two years ago, only this time going in the opposite direction.  

Using the clock-face analogy for the route, we went anti-clockwise from 5 o’clock, through Llay, Ffrith & Nercwys, round to 2 o’clock at Gwernyminydd; here we cycled The 2013 Tour of Britain, stage 4; well, all 200 metres uphill, as the photo shows. 

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

Here Dave & Liz took a short cut to the pub, while we continued past 12 noon (literally & metaphorically) to the ford at Gwernaffield.  The current here was too strong to cycle through this time, but the ford did afford a photo stop.

Continuing backwards round the clock, we stopped at “10:00” at The Miners Arms, in the old lead village of Maeshafn, where once again we had excellent beer & food.  Suitably refreshed, we headed south down a very steep winding hill into Llanarmon at “08:00”, past Four Crosses and then to Bwlchgwyn at “18:00”.  The village name translates to English as “white hill”, as snow falls first and last hereabouts; at 1,090ft, it’s reputedly the highest village in Wales, along with Torfaen.  

Continuing down the Steps, we finished back at Alyn, having completed a total of 3,171ft climbing and a very enjoyable 32 miles.

BMac

1st December 2011: Maeshafn

We were meeting at the Gallery Coffee Shop in Hawarden today so it was an easy, unhurried seven mile ride out.  Norman was already enjoying his tea when I arrived.  Before long we had taken over the café, with Clive, using the excuse of being hot, to strip down to an outfit suggestive of an S&M club.  With eleven of us riding (Martin, Norman, Ray, Dave M, Clive, Dave H, Jim, Dave P, Andy Ivan and myself) we decided to split into two groups with lunch at the Miners Arms in Maeshafn.  I had come with a meandering hilly ride of some 43 miles that I hastily shortened to give us the original route for the brisk group and a shorter 38 miler for the mod group.  Martin agreed to lead the brisk ride and I took the mod.

We all set off together and at the initial short but steep climb up to Bilberry Wood split into groups.  Dave M decided to do his own thing preferring an easy ride before a forthcoming long audax.  At the top of the Bilberry Wood climb Jim was clearly suffering and rightly decided to call it a day leaving Dave H, Andy, Norman and me to make up the mod group.  At the far side of the A55 footbridge we met Dave P who had been left behind by the brisk group while checking for stragglers!

From here we had a nice run down to Penyffordd, over to Padeswood and Llong before heading southeast past Leeswood Hall for the first real climb of the day.  A delightful fast descent down to Pontybodkin set the pattern for the rest of the day.  No more than a quarter of a mile on the main road and we were back on the lanes climbing the flank of Hope Mountain to Coed-talon then down to Llanfynydd, over the main road and up the chevroned climb to the stone zoo for a photograph.

The Stone Zoo

Photograph by Bryan Wade

Comments concerning my ability to seek out every hill in the vicinity were now becoming more frequent so I missed out the planned descent down to the ford, and associated climb back up, to take the flattish direct route to Graianrhyd and Eryrys.  From here on it eased off and we had a pleasant run to Maeshafn arriving just after 12:30 with 700 metres of climbing recorded!

Having arrived ahead of the brisk group we were able to order drinks and food in good time from the surprised bar staff who coped admirably with the unannounced arrival of five cyclists.  The brisk group delayed by a puncture arrived not long after, but behind two tables of locals, and fared less well in the swift delivery of food.  By 14:00 hours it was time to leave so we, the mod group, regrettably left the brisk group waiting for their food while we took to the road.  Dave P decided to swop groups at this point: rumour has it that it was the option of a pudding that was decisive.

The route back took us down to Llanferres and along the Alyn valley to Cilcain where Andy’s rear gear cable snapped at the lever.  With help from Dave H the cable was extracted and the rear mech stop was adjusted to give a middle sprocket to run on for the rest of the ride.  We then took the roller coaster route along the Alyn to Rhyddymwyn before joining the well-trodden route back through Soughton and Buckley to arrive back at the now closed Coffee Shop at 15:45 with 38 miles done.

It only remained to make the final stretch back to Chester in the twilight to complete a great day out with 52 miles clocked overall.  Thanks to Martin for leading the brisk group at very short notice.

BW

PS It can now be reported that after their relaxing lunch the brisk riders freewheeled back to Hawarden by the shortest route to to arrive at 15:15 hours in time to partake of coffee and cake.
BW

12th November 2009: Maeshafn

Today we meet for elevenses at the Tudor House Café in Caergwrle.  The café is already busy serving breakfasts when I arrive but Brian Mac has secured one of the larger tables.  Within a few minutes there are five of us tucking into toasted teacakes and tea.  Bryan suggests that as we are in Caergwrle he has in mind a short but hilly ride that should get us back to Chester in daylight and avoid the heavy rain forecast for later in the day.  After considering the proposed route the idea is agreed and we leave the café just as Dave arrives bringing the numbers up to six.

Bryan leads off along the main road before taking the first left and we are immediately heading steeply uphill towards the top of Hope Mountain!  This is not only steep but also unrelenting and it seems to continue on and on with no end in sight.  But finally we are at the top taking a breather and admiring the views.  After a brief rest we set off down the other side taking a sharp left half way down to Llanfynydd where we cross the main road and head uphill again to the Stone Zoo for another brief stop.  Continuing west towards Graianrhyd we cross the main road and take a steeply descending lane down to the ford over the River Terrig.  While Brian Mac struggles across, the rest of use the adjacent footbridge.  Then its more uphill work until in Graianrhyd we head north up yet another single chevron climb towards Eryrys.  Finally with the worst of the climbing behind us we can enjoy the fast descent down to the Maeshafn turn-off on a delightfully smooth newly tarmaced road. The Miners Arms is reached just as it starts to rain!

We settled down inside with pints of Facer’s Landslide to accompany the spread of food while discussing – no, not wheels, spd’s or gear ratios - but parsnips, beetroot and the advantages of raised-bed cultivation!  By 2.00pm its time to leave and we emerge to find it still raining.  The short route back to Caergwrle is chosen and we are soon heading down the back lanes to Nercwys and Leeswood where we stop briefly to admire the gates before pressing on to Pontybodkin, over the shoulder of Hope Mountain and onto the main road.  Here the group breaks up, some heading back to Caergwrle, others to Hope while I head back to Chester through the Kinnertons to arrive back just minutes before the heavens open.

It’s a while since we did so many hills but despite the hard work I have to admit that I really love this area.

Distance from Chester and back 42 hilly miles.

   

BW

6th August 2009: Maeshafn

The main question concerning today’s ride was “who would turn up?” Elevenses was at the Tudor House café in Caergwrle holding the promise of a ride into the welsh hills. As members arrived it became clear that this was to be a ride of the Daves. Regulars Dave H and Dave P were joined by Dave Hill (joining us for the first time) and Dave Mann (for his second time) together with Brian Mac and Mike. Dave Hill offered to lead promising an interesting and hilly ride.
Leading out over the southern shoulder of Hope Mountain the group headed for Ffrith, crossing the ford with only Dave H taking a plunge. From here it was on to Llanfynydd and up hill to a welcome stop at the Stone Zoo before continuing on to Maeshafn via Graiarhyd and Eryrys. After an excellent lunch the return journey to Caergwrle was made with a stop at the impressive Leeswood Hall gates before dropping down to Pontybodkin with the final leg over the northern shoulder of Hope Mountain. Here the group broke up as members peeled off to make their respective ways home.
Distance from Chester and back, a hilly 46 miles.

8th May 2008: Maeshafn

With elevenses at the Tudor House Café in Caergwrle and a glorious sunny day in prospect there was really only way to go; and so it was straight up and over Hope Mountain with a brief stop at the top. Unfortunately the summer haze limited the view somewhat but not enough to disappoint. Then it was down the other side following the back roads to Graianrhyd with the only other traffic being a single horse and rider. At Eryrys there was the inevitable debate: do we lunch early at The Sun Inn (a Bass house) or press on to The Miners Arms at Maeshafn (Theakstons)? Good sense prevailed and we continued to the delightful village of Maeshafn. To further reward our efforts the current guest ale was Adnams Explorer: just perfect for a hot summer’s day. From there it was down the lane to Llanferres and then on to Cilcain and the switchback road through Nant Alyn. Skirting Mold there was more climbing up to Soughton with afternoon tea at Soughton Hall (only the best for Chester Easy Riders) before returning to Chester via Northop, Connah’s Quay and the River Dee cycle path.
Distance from Chester and back 50 miles, hilly.
BW