14th August 2025: Loppington (mod)

 There was an encouraging turnout at Castle Bistro considering that it was the height of the holiday season. Steve Tan was unavailable, and Big Ray was bursting the buttons off his shorts on another over-fed cruise. I knew Clive was going to turn up because I met his charming wife and himself in WH Smiths in Chester on Wednesday; he was looking for an electric bike magazine!

Keith arrived with me in the old banger Berlingo. It was good to have Mold Andy and Dave Pipe back on board for the moderate ride. Dave Matthews had made the considerable effort to turn up but was riding home. Dave Pipe had forgotten his wallet; as someone noted for leaving things by mistake, my empathy stretched to lending him some dosh and waiving my normal payday loan rate of 1,500%.

We set off on familiar lanes to Hindford passing the long-closed, canalside and characterful Jack Mitton Inn which some of remember visiting over ten years ago. The well-surfaced rural lane south from Welsh Frankton is always a delightful downhill cruise. The extremely steep bridge crossing the canal has to be attacked at speed, or you risk coming to a halt just before the top and falling on your nut. It’s a fast, easy run to Bagley Marsh and all very enjoyable, although the huge, unmarked grey shed we pass en route gives me a shudder at the thought of the mass slaughter and butchery of animals inside. I intended to clock a few more miles by reaching down to Stanwardine in the Fields before heading north-east to Cockshutt. A “Road Closed” sign, and Andy coping with penicillin and a frayed gear cable deterred me, so we turned left, passing the moated Stanwardine Hall on our way to Cockshutt and across to Loppington.

Lunch was excellent at The Dickin Arms, as ever. There was a great deal of reminiscing over past rides and personalities over lunch as some of us could go back over sixteen years with the club. We should be more assertive and order food before drinks when we arrive though, as we were there for ever. Dave Pipe had swigged down a couple of pints before we were ready to go. When I got to the till, Dave had spent his loan and required a further sub to pay his bill. It crossed my mind that Dave would probably forget that he had borrowed money by Friday, and I decided I wouldn’t be asking for it: I hadn’t acquired a copy of the bill anyway. The true gentleman that he is, he rang me and transferred the correct money into my account the next day. Oh! Me of little faith!

Our way back was by way of Kenwick Park and up a lane never used by us before, crossing Tetchill Moor to Tetchill village. The grass centred lane was eerily empty with just the odd farmhouse. Much as I love the countryside the thought of living a life along this isolated lane spooked me. At Tetchill I was able to confirm our location was correct with a local resident, nevertheless, it is obviously very easy to miss the turn to Onston, because we did. We decided to cut our losses and follow our outward route from Horley. Rain suddenly battered down somewhere north west of Welsh Frankton. We huddled under big trees, but the prospect of the downpour passing seemed remote for a while. Keith and I had a laugh watching Andy assisting Dave with his ancient but totally waterproof yellow cape. The cape may have been waterproof, but the back was a bit tangled, so torrential rain was being funnelled down Dave’s bum!  The rain eventually eased and we were quite warm before long, even those who hadn’t bothered bringing a waterproof. Andy had coped amazingly well without any low gears all day and Dave said that he had enjoyed the ride, but unfortunately, I hadn’t time for a coffee at Castle Bistro where other club members had also returned. Keith had kindly agreed to drive my wife’s car home for me if we could get to a specialist garage I use near Malpas before it closed. A rapid cross- country drive from Chirk meant we were just able to make it, and after I paid a king’s ransom of a bill, get both cars back to Runcorn without Keith ramming me from behind. At least we were able to relax on a bench in the sun at Peacock Farm waiting for the garage owner to return, watching horses being groomed and reflecting on another successful CER outing.   Thanks to the guys for their company and support.

DH

8th May 2025 : Loppington (mod)

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

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

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

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

DH

17th April 2025: Loppington (mod+?)

 I had planned to follow a route down to The Dickin Arms at Loppington, last done with Alan and Steve Hu just over a year ago. At 47 miles it would extend me as I gradually recover some degree of cycling fitness after a long lay-off. Arriving at Maggies, the place was jam packed with CER members (Neil said he counted 21!), but as you will see from this and other reports, not all would be riding today.

Originally, my group was to be me, Alan, Steve Hu and Shane, but Steve arrived on his motorbike as he’d arranged emergency dental work to deal with a root canal problem. Shane was dog sitting and had to be back sharpish, but as I wasn’t sure how soon we’d be back as I couldn’t guarantee riding at a full ‘mod+’ rate, he chose to go with the mod+ group that Neil was leading to Wrenbury.

So, Alan and I set off in bright sunshinethrough Farndon and Tilston, where we caught sight of the briskers disappearing around a corner. We were riding into quite a strong south westerly wind and, as Alan pointed out, steadily uphill, which slowed our progress somewhat. Continuing through Threapwood and Fenn’s Bank we climbed gradually past Whixhall, arriving in Loppington about two hours after leaving Holt.

As usual the fare on offer was good with both of us choosing the lamb tagine which was delicious, although a little expensive – something we’ve noted in recent times. The food came quickly and we were ready for the return journey with 45 minutes of our arrival. We paused to take a photo of the wisteria which was in full bloom outside the pub before re-mounting our steeds.

The return route was via some lovely quiet lanes through English Frankton, Lyneal and Welshampton. There was so little traffic that it came as quite a surprise when two large 4x4s came around a corner. I think they were as surprised as we were to come across other road users.  As we arrived in Penley, my Wahoo computer was showing the chequered flag, indicating that we’d reached the end of the journey! It looks like the full route had not been downloaded, but fortunately Alan had also downloaded the full route onto his computer, so we were able to use that to continue.

We were soon through Worthenbury and Shocklach, arriving back in Holt to find Dave H, Keith and Andy B in Maggies, where we joined them, having covered 47 miles at an average speed of 13 mph – somewhat below a ‘mod+’ pace, but, for me, a step towards improved fitness. Thanks to Alan for his company and patience with my slow pace.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download 

 

11th August 2022: Loppington (mod)

 I set out late due to someone taking my bathroom slot at home, and I was soon executing a three-point turn, as the police had closed the main road to the M56. Next up was Frodsham Market, and then three sets of roadworks between there and clearing Helsby. Just to cap this un-promising start to my journey to Chirk, I became stuck behind two humongous, yellow combined harvester type vehicles which ground slowly toward Mickle Trafford. Were any moderates likely to arrive at Chirk this week? Apologies had already been made by some, from those that were out the region, to those that thought their Malibu Factor20 wouldn't cut it for a day in the forecast intense heat. I reached the A55 at Chester, with doubts of being able to arrive at The Castle Bistro before riders, (if there were any), had left. I decide to go for it! 

I walked through the door at Chirk at 10.20a.m., and was pleased to find Ivan, John, Ken and Dave Pipe sat out the back. It is very pleasing to see Ken, apparently fully recovered, now regularly out with the Fast Lads again. So, unless he had a lasso, or had a GTi pacemaker fitted, it looked like Dave would have to settle for riding with me. In true easy rider fashion, we ordered another coffee, whilst outlining an intended route. We eventually headed out over the A483 and down the little lanes, passing Ebnal Hall and reaching Hindford. I missed a turn left, so to avoid the main road, we retraced our steps. Being just two of us, we could easily agree. This assertion does not necessarily apply to long-married couples. At Welsh Frankton we passed the now familiar line of coloured mobility scooters for sale, believed to be the biggest collection outside of Llandudno. We swooped down to Lower Frankton with a pleasant breeze welcome in the increasing heat. This is the lane with the two ridiculously steep hump-backed bridges, which you have to attack in the correct gear, or else. I had intended to take a southerly loop via Rednal and Wykey, but setting off a little late, and considering the searing sun, caution won over in order to ensure reaching lunch in good time, and limiting our mileage. We turned right to Lower Hordley, and then sought out a narrow lane past Kenwick Park and then through Cockshutt, English Frankton and Brownheath. Dave had left his Garmin behind, so Yozza's input was definitely missed, as I scratched my head for the correct direction, in some of these small villages with a number of little lanes out. 

 The Dickin Arms was excellent as ever: friendly, efficient service, excellent food, and really good value. We both enjoyed our Moroccan lamb tagine with couscous. Dave exclaimed that his was, “Tasty, tasty, very, very tasty!” Dave also enjoyed a favourite Bishops Castle, Shropshire ale. It felt like ten years ago chatting to Dave. Bryan and Jim would have enjoyed it. Come on Jim, try that ebike of Andy's! We set out back past the grounds of Loppington House, which led to one of my favourite well-surfaced, quiet lanes to Lyneal. Drifting along this lush summer lane encapsulates the essence of easy-riding. Passing Colemere and White Mere, it is surprising just how large and attractive these meres are, with plenty of sailing available on both. We climbed up to Lee and carried on to Tetchill, before heading alongside the Hardwick estate after negotiating a small section of main road. The disused railway line was crossed at Crickett and we were soon heading for St.Martin's and back to Chirk via the Cyclists' Suicide Roundabout. The terrain is quite lumpy and the heat was full on. We had agreed to give the Pont-y-blew wooded gulch a miss, but Dave suggested using the canal tow path in order to avoid the last main road upward grind. It was nice to finish crossing the spectacular Chirk Aqueduct 70 feet above the beautiful Ceiriog River. The path up to the road required maximum effort in order to stay on, particularly in the face of two young mountain bikers heading down. Dave fancied an iced coffee, but I needed to beat the traffic to Runcorn, and take the dog out in the local woods. I went in the supermarket for bottled water, but the shelves were bare, so bought a large bottle of cool pop, and slaked my thirst in the car park. Not quite forty miles covered at a guess, but in trusted and relaxed company, and the heat had no ill-effects. Just another beautiful Chester Easy Riders day on the bike. No pictures, because we didn't think people would be gagging to see a picture of one ancient gent, taken by another.

  DH 

16th June 2022: Chirk to Harmer Hill

 It promised to be a fine and very warm day as we gathered at The Castle Bistro. Only four ‘mods’ today, Steves T and Hu, Alan and Andy B. The plan was to go to The Bridgewater Arms at Harmer Hill, a ride we did almost exactly one year ago, but, as we’ll see, the best laid plans…

We left Chirk via Castle Road, crossing the Ceriog River at Pontfaen, then climbing the steep hill into Weston Rhyn. Threading our way through Oswestry, we were soon on the road to Maesbury and Maesbury Marsh, crossing the A483 at Mile Oak. Heading for Eardiston, I missed the turning and as a result, we ended up at the side of the A5, at an extremely dangerous point. After a consultation with a local farmer we returned back along  the lane to the correct turning and soon found ourselves at Weirbrook, were we crossed the A5 to a gap in the hedge and the road out towards Wykey. The lanes between here and Baschurch are delightful, being quiet (except for a huge crop spray tractor coming down the lane) and smooth, although there are some steepish sections  along here to test your fitness.

By now it was seriously warm and we were eagerly looking forward to some food and drink. Passing through Bomere Heath we reached the A528 where I offered the group a ride straight down the A road to the pub or a slightly longer route along Shotton Lane. The answer was unequivocal – straight to the pub!

At The Bridgewater Arms, Steve Hu went inside to get menus, but he returned with a long face saying they were not doing food today. What to do? As the intended route was to take us through Loppington, we opted to ride the 6 or so extra miles to The Dicken Arms, our lunch stop of only three weeks ago.

We arrived there hot and very bothered, but food and drink was soon ordered and arrived with great alacrity. Once again their lamb tagine was popular and very tasty. This place is very deserving of ‘favoured lunch stop’ status.

Photo by AO

Our route back took us through English Frankton, Cockshutt, Lee and Tetchill. We crossed the Llangollen Canal at  Onston, we soon reached the A495, but turned off this busy road before we got to Welsh Frankton. We went across country to reach the B5068 where we turned towards Ifton heath and St. Martins. At the school we took the usual B road down to the busy roundabout on the A5 which was negotiated quickly and safely.

At The Poachers pub we turned of the road to take the canal towpath along Chirk Bank. This route has the benefit of avoiding steep hills into Chirk and also giving Steve Hu and Alan the opportunity to cycle across the Chirk Aqueduct, where the team photo was taken.

Photo SHu

We arrived back at The Castle Bistro at 3.40, having covered 52 miles at an average speed of just under 14 mph. Once again the Shropshire lanes had delivered – quiet and mostly smooth in some delightful countryside on what was probably the hottest day of the year.

Thanks to Steve Hu, Alan and Andy for their support, company and patience, as I navigated my way around the route. One to be done again, I think!

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

3rd March 2022: Loppington (mod)

 Carol had warned us that we were likely to be wet all day. Maybe her smiling delivery led us to believe that it could turn out a bit better than forecast. So it was, that five optimists, or masochists, or moderate riders with poor judgement, made the trek to Chirk.  The Unholy Trinity of the Steves, Alan and myself were soon enjoying the warmth and coffee inside Castle Bistro. Steve Haywood, as both reliable and enterprising as ever, had sussed out a 44ml. route to The Bull and Dog at Coton. I felt that this appeared a bit ambitious on a wet day, and had a not too resolved alternative plan to circle around to Ellesmere in order to have a short dash back if the weather became dire. I remember doing this with Keith once, on the day of a storm advancing from the south. The Fast Lads had been smart that day, cycling from Chester early to have breakfast at Chirk, and then chasing back north in front of the bad weather. Keith and myself knew we would get a bit wet before the end of our ride in the area, but leaving lunch until our return to Chirk, and not going too far, meant that we had made the best of things.  Anyway, as ever, we sorted things out, with Steve Haywood leading out on his original route to St.Martin's, and then by way of quiet lanes to the western edge of Ellesmere.

Steve Hughes was surprised by how soon we had arrived at Ellesmere, but a contrived loop to the Red Lion via Welshampton, Lyneal and Colemere would have added additional riding time, and a few scenic miles. We headed north, past The Mere and toward Hampton Wood, before reviewing our options. In the end, the call of excellent food and a straight forward route to the Dickin Arms at Loppington  became our preferred destination. Steve Hughes rang the pub to book a table.The fine rain had not bothered us for the first fifty minutes or so, but it became heavier, and we were pretty wet on reaching lunch.  After ordering food, I went out in the rain to pull some cable through on my rear brake, this, however, was not the easy solution I had hoped for, and my return journey was completed with virtually no brakes at all! Lesson learnt: don't leave your essential maintenance until the day before your ride, in case your  time disappears under unforeseen demands. Anyway, the food, service and value at The Dickin Arms was outstanding again.

 

Our route back was via Cockshutt, Lower Hordley, Welsh Frankton, Hindford and Henlle Hall. The route was scenic but direct. Alan commented that he hadn't seen the lanes so wet, as we surfed through a number of flooded sections. I nearly came off as I hit a well submerged, large hidden pothole. I had to use my feet for brakes at the A5 roundabout.

Photos by SHu

 We were certainy wet and muddy by the end, and had covered 34miles. The Filthy Five were excellent and helpful company throughout, and it easier to avoid losing someone in this ideal group size. It was heartening to have people drive down to Chirk , and “ make a go of things” despite the iffy forecast. I hope that, once we had showered and changed back home, we were all glad we'd made the effort.

DH   

See route map and/or gpx file download