25th January 2024: Stretton (mod+)

Today’s meet venue was Maggie’s, which we virtually took over. There were approximately 18 of us, all raring to go, after what seemed like weeks of no cycling. The weather forecast was promising, with no rain expected until after 2pm, which Jim was concerned about, as he and Trevor had ridden to Maggies. I had a hilly-ish, Mod+ meander in mind that appealed to the usual crowd, which for today also included Fiona and Elwyn. We had not seen them for a long long time ( they’ve been busy, catching up on travelling, the whole world it seems - Lol). The rest of the group were Alan, Steve (I’m not very good with pliers, Hu- more about that later- Lol), Steve T, Shaun & Clive.

No sooner had we started when my route dropped out on my Garmin. It was a bit spooky in fact, as I had just led us the wrong way down the one way lane that leads to Holt bridge. Clearly the Garmin objected to that and gave up-Lol. Fiona then piped up, providing me a defence, “if it’s one way, why are there traffic lights at the bottom” - my case rests, thank you Fiona- Lol Lol.

Our lunch venue, unusually, was only 3 miles from our starting point hence, the slightly tricked up and planned meander that was aimed at the forecasted stiffer winds, which didn’t really materialise. The local meander was also out of necessity, because of several known lane closures. What wind was out there made for a fairly brisk start, according to some of group (not my intention- honest Gov- Lol). It wasn’t long before our first pit stop occurred, after losing touch with a few of the group. Somebody had stopped, just as we got into Platt’s Lane, after spotting a mudguard in the gutter, thinking it belonged to somebody up front of course. However, none of us had lost a mudguard, although Alan later noticed his mud flap missing.

Pit stop over, we set about trying to keep up with Steve Hu, who suddenly went on one of his customary surges. Once reigned in, we crossed the A41 and headed toward the Ice Cream Farm, as we were by-passing Tattenhall. We passed Old Ma’s, which I pointed out to the group, that there was a sold! sign outside. This prompted me to enlighten a few of the group on the status of a couple of other cafes in the area that have also gone to the wall. Fiona had informed me, only the day before, that Manorwood cafe had recently closed, which was news to me, as that was my original lunch venue- Lol. Again, only the day before, I also discovered, as I rode past, that the cafe in the field adjacent to Beeston Castle has also gone ( literally gone)- What’s happening, 3 local cafe’s gone?

Shortly after passing,  a somewhat unusually quiet ice cream farm, we turn right into our first bit of real headwind, once we called Clive back from going left- Lol (I reckon he should return those hearing aids-Lol). After a brief stretch of headwind we start to head up hill towards Burwardsley, at which point we met our second tractor, cutting hedges. You never used to see hedge cutting at this time of year.  I could go into the reasons for this and a few other things like the unusual local flooding, but the fun police might get on my case, so I will park those thoughts for now. 

No sooner had we got past the hedge trimmer when, yours truly, got a puncture, just as I turned into School Lane. Unfortunately, the puncture dragged on a little, as Fiona pointed out with great delight. She had decided to carry on at her own pace up over Harthill. So of course she had plenty of time, waiting for us to catch up. Far be it from me to cast aspersions, but the prime reason for the delay was the person on the pliers, trying to remove the thorn from my tyre. Once we got an engineer in charge of said pliers- job done- Lol Lol Lol (bless him). To be fair to Steve Hu, oh flip! Did I reveal ‘bless him’s’ name- Lol. He is always the first to lend anybody a hand, pick up stragglers or go back for missing people- bless him!

Photo by AO

Now on our way again ‘bless him’ pointed out that the last time I rode with CER, I’d had a puncture. This prompted me to consider if CER was a bad omen for me, as I have had  only 2 punctures over the past year and both with CER. When I consider that 80% of my cycling is on my own, I am forced to again ask, “what is going on?” Lol.

We picked up Fiona, as we all struggled over the top of Harthill- well I did at least.  Anyway, after a few short recovery gasps, we cracked on to Bickerton. I decide not to head over the ridge, as planned, via my favourite Goldford Lane, as we were now late for lunch by about 15 minutes. Instead, we take the much easier ‘Long Lane’, which was not only flatter, but also saved us a half mile. 

Despite this lane being relatively flat, the headwind was now having an effect on me and I called for somebody, who had some legs, to get on the front. With that, Shane came forward, however, he set a pace approximately 50 feet ahead of us, which sort of defeated the object- he’ll learn- Lol.

It was shortly after this that the ride became something more akin to a ‘Clive’ ride- Lol. Suffice it to say, that Coach Road was a mud bath, much to my annoyance, as I had ridden it the day before and it was clear (honest gov). The farmers had had a field day since then, so I do not accept responsibility for this.

I would also like it known, in this modern age of mutual respect and a need to be mindful of each other’s sensitivities/mental health, that I did not appreciate the tirade of abuse I received from some of the group. They shall remain nameless of course, because I have more respect and consideration- oh sod it! - It was Fiona and Steve Hu- Lol Lol.

So what if we got plastered in mud and water. What the group failed to realise was that our ‘journey’ was  supposed to be all about the memories and everlasting bonds forged through adversity and companionship. Those bonds should not only build partnerships but also encourage self esteem, thus empowerment leading to discovery and the pursuit of even greater endeavours. Do I hear some of you say “what a load of tosh”- Lol, Lol.

It wasn’t long before we were whipping along, down into Tilston and in to the Lost Barn, which was heaving. However, our tables were reserved. Granted there was a long queue, but it didn’t seem to bother anybody.  Lunch was lovely, if a bit expensive.

After a few queries to me as to what the run in to Holt was going to be, I discover that the whole group was abandoning me. Everybody seemed  to have their own idea on how to get back to Holt or head for home. My heart was deeply wounded of course- Lol.  It meant I could get another small hill in, via Carden Park and be home by 2:30- yipee!

So, there is no more to this story, which, no doubt, you will all be disappointed about, as I know how much you look forward to this diatribe- Lol, Lol. I got home, roughly around 2:30 with 40 miles on the clock and a few more upward mtrs than I expected. Hopefully, everybody else made it home without incident. This ride was in fact a new personal record for me, as I have lost several cyclists from the group before, as they all peel off for home or whatever, but this was the first time I had lost everybody!- Lol.

Great day out with some good banter as usual.  Thanks everybody. Remember folks, as the Chinese always say; “a good ride is made by the people involved and the journey they take”- Lol. 

Till next time folks- ‘Tales Of The Unexpected’ - Lol,Lol.

See route map and/or gpx file download

Neil

25th May 2023: Whixall Marina (mod)

Another week, another marina and, despite the good weather forecast, another low turn out. Only 8 members turned up at Cleopatra's on what promised to be a warm sunny day. Six of us intended to ride, these being Alan, Clive, Dave P, George, Ray and myself. Dave M had ridden out for coffee and was heading home afterwards. The 8th member was Peter, who was out to join us for coffee for the first time since suffering a stroke at the beginning of the year. Good to see that he is on the road to recovery and hopefully he will be able to join us for a full ride before too long.

As we were sitting outside in the sunshine enjoying our morning coffee someone pointed out that none of our usual ride leaders were present. I had my Garmin with me so I started looking through it to find a suitable ride and the first one I came across for Holt was a 40-miler which went virtually south to Bettisfield before turning back northwards for the return. So where was lunch going to be, I was asked, to which I had to shrug my shoulders and reply 'I don't know'. From the map my best guess was that it would be the Hanmer Arms but someone thought that it had closed again. Clive suggested Wixhall Marina which he knew was just a few miles from Bettisfield so it was decided that I would lead the ride with Clive leading the last bit to the marina.

The sat-nav doesn't show which way the route was originally ridden so for personal reasons, which will become apparent later, I opted to lead it in an anti-clockwise direction. The six of us set out across the Dee Bridge and as we passed the turning towards Chester it was immediately clear that the original route had been clockwise. Fortunately Garmin haven't introduced a voice which keeps telling you to 'turn around when possible' so we turned right, crossed the A534 and headed down through Shocklach to Worthenbury. Before reaching Bangor-on-Dee we turned left towards Holly Bush and then Penley. Passing through the village we turned right and passed through Breadon Heath and on to Bettisfield.

At this point my route turned us left but Clive took over and we turned right for Northwood. Here we turned left and then left again to Whixhall Marina at Dobsons Bridge. Whixhall itself is actually 2 miles away but what's in a name? The important thing is that it has a cafe where most of us opted for a panini. 

Photo by CER

After lunch we retraced our route back to Bettisfield then continued north to Hanmer. The Hanmer Arms was indeed closed and up for sale. Another sad loss to our list of lunch venues. After Hanmer we had just over a mile of A-roads before turning off at Eglwys Cross. A few miles later we had a long straight descent into Lower Wych. I barely had the time to pat myself on the back for missing this ascent by doing the route anti-clockwise when, shortly after passing through the tiny Hamlet, we started cycling up again on a hill which I'm sure was much steeper. To avoid a further climb through Malpas we turned left and after a short detour to avoid a one-way street (who puts one-way streets in the middle of the countryside?) we headed through Chorlton and Horton Green and into Tilston.

After turning left Dave cycled up to me and said that he and the others wanted to stop at The Lost Barn for coffee. Faced with this mutiny and being outnumbered I had no option but to agree. I must admit, though, that they do do good coffee. I was also quite impressed by their cycle rack. Much better on the wheels than the ground mounted racks that most places had.

Photo by TC

Soon after The Lost Barn there is a short cut along Wetreins Lane. Alan wanted to take it as he had ridden out from Flint and had a log ride home. He took it and Ray went with him. The rest of us carried on, crossing back over the A534 at Barton. We followed the winding lanes through Coddington to Churton. Here the route turned left for the final run to Farndon and back over the River Dee to Holt. However for Clive and I, who had ridden down from Chester, it was closer to home to turn right. (Aah, so that's why the anti-clockwise route was chosen). Checking that George and Dave knew their way back, I sent them on their way to complete what would have been about 47 miles while Clive and I made our own ways home.

See route map and/or gpx file download

TC

20th April 2023: Welshampton (mod)

The day started sunny and cool, with a stiff ENE wind. A good number of Easy Riders turned up at Alison's, including Jim. It was good to see him with his new steed on its first proper ride - an electric Ribble. George was there as well wearing new kit and with crank firmly attached!. We also welcomed Steve T back from south of France and Ray, recovered from his battery-less ride last week, who had this time remembered his battery. Four riders headed off to do a 'briskly moderate' ride, which left 9 to join me; in addition to the above mentioned - Dave H, Andy B, Dave and Liz. Given the wind, I had chosen a N-S route to Welshampton and to a  pub that we last visited to good reviews in 2018 - the Sun Inn.

We started climbing towards Harthill, but turned right to make for Brown Knowl. From there is was straight on to Hampton Heath, where Jim left us, still getting used to battery assistance. We continued southwards into No Man's Heath, where Dave H pleaded not to be taken into Malpas. Anticipating this, I headed back across the A41and then back again on good lanes to arrive at the other side of Malpas. We made for Higher Wych and and Iscoyd Park, where, warmed-up, dis-robing took place and pale knees were revealed.  The route went past Whitewell, over the two main roads and on towards Whixall. At one stage, waiting for us to regroup, Ray and I saw a group of young cattle charging up and down a field. On the other side of the hedge were two donkeys watching on from a mound which made a good viewing platform. Somewhere around here, the background map on the satnav disappeared and we took a wrong turn. Retracing our steps we passed a bemused woman standing by her gate for the second time. At Dobson's Bridge we took the track over the vertical lift bridge, which I'm told is called a bascule bridge. It would have been a good stop for a photo, but we were running short of our due time at the pub, so pressed on to Northwood. From here a was a quick 2.5 mile dash to the pub.

The Sun is quite a large pub, though was empty when we arrive at 1pm. In the sunny and now very warm weather we chose to sit outside - probably our first al fresco meal of the year. We discussed the challenges of keeping village pubs open especially at lunch times. Steve T explained that in France some form of subsidy exists to maintain shops and cafes in rural locations - there are no shop in Welshampton. 

Photo by Steve T

After a satisfying meal of mostly lite bites, though Steve T enjoyed the curry, we were back on our way. Our planned return route through Penley had included a couple of steep climbs, but for the sake of our digestion I diverted onto easier ground to Breaden Heath. A little further on we were brought to a halt by a couple trying to get two young horses into a horse box, but they were spooked, maybe by our arrival. Eventually they gave up and led them into a field, and we passed by. Fortunately Penley does have a general store because Dave H, who had forgotten his water bottle, was now feeling dehydrated.

Our route northwards continued to Holly Bush, Worthenbury and Shocklach. Here Andy left us to head home to Mold, and Dave and Liz expressed a desire for coffee. That seemed a good idea and the Lost Barn was on route, though we'd be lucky to get there before closing time. We pushed on through Tilston and arrived just before 4 o'clock. Coffee and cake was ordered, though at that time only available in paper cups and plates - we just about coped, though another cyclist who arrived too late was turned away.

On we rode through Stretton. Ray and Steve T in the lead, missed the small turn to Chowley and as we crossed the A41 again we were surprised to see them heading back down the main road from Handley. Back together in Tattenhall, we had completed an excellent 50 mile route through some beautiful countryside and reacquainted ourselves with a good pub. It's worth remembering that it is only about 3 miles from Ellesmere and therefore a good alternative to that destination.

See route map and/or gpx file download

SHa

1st December 2022: Tilston (mod)

It was overcast and grey as I left home to ride to Delamere Station Café, but, unlike last week, it was dry with almost no wind. At the café, there were 14 CER members, who eventually shook out into 5 ‘briskers’, 6 ‘mods’, with Electric Pete doing his own thing, Dave Matthews attending to some pressing family business and Andy B going home to attend an appointment with his wife.

My plan was a run down to The Carden Arms at Tilston, but I was slightly perturbed when Clive said he thought it might be closed. However, Steve Ha reassured me that there were a number of ‘Plan B’ options if that turned out to be the case. I was also anxious to ensure that we got back to Delamere in good time, as the light at this time of the year is falling very soon after sunset, which was due at 4pm.

So, the ‘super six’ (Steves Ha, Hu and T, Alan, George and Ray) set off to Hatchmere, where we turned left. Turning left again at Brines Brow Lane, I was confused to see that my bike computer had turned itself off, so we had to stop and re-load the route. Later on, Steve Hu explained to me that, in addition to loading the route onto the device, you have to ‘start’ the route, otherwise the thing just assumes that you don’t need it on.  This piece of information was added to the long list of technical support that Steve Hu has given me about my Wahoo computer and I will need a very large mortgage to pay off his invoices.

Things then went well and we passed quickly through Ashton, Oscroft, Waverton and Aldford. At Churton, we turned left into Pump Lane, which Steve Ha had warned me has a very poor surface. This turned out to be the case and it prompted a vocal complaint from Steve Hu. His ire was further inflamed when we lost him and Alan at the end of Aldersley Lane. They had stopped for a comfort break and didn’t see us turn left into Mill Lane, so they turned right into Coddington Lane. A quick phone call led to an agreement to meet up at The Carden Arms.

While they reached there via Barton, we went through the grounds of The Carden Park Golf Club, something we had done with Neil a few weeks ago. Steve and Alan were at The Carden Arms when we arrived at 12.10, but, although the sign over the door said ‘Open’, the doors were locked and the lights inside were not on. So ‘Plan B’ was put into action and we rode half a mile down Stretton Hall Lane to the Lost Barn Coffee Roaster café, which was a first for everyone except Steve Ha and T.

We had been there before, but only for a drink or ice cream towards the end of a ride. Their food menu was not huge, but their ‘Farmers Bap’ was popular and the service was rapid. Following, the traditional group photo, we left the café at 1.15 pm and re-traced our steps to Tilston. Ironically, the pub lights were on as we passed it and it looked like it was open – another time, perhaps.

Photo by Steve T

We turned left into Duckington Lane and ran through there to Bickerton, joining the A534 Wrexham Road for the short run down to the Bickerton Poacher, where we peeled off left onto Stonehouse Lane. This runs in the shadow of the Peckforton Hills which, by this time, were shrouded in mist, emphasizing the need to press on before darkness came. So on we went, through Spurstow, Bunbury and Alpraham. Here, it seemed that we might have lost Steves Ha and Hu, but it turned out that a ‘mudguard clearing’ exercise had been necessary, delaying them for a few minutes. It’s that time of the year, isn’t it?

The last miles took us through Eaton and Cotebrook to Delamere, where we arrived at 3pm, having covered 45 miles at a brisk (for the mods) speed of 13.4 mph. No rain and mud-free dry lanes made for a pleasant day out with great company.

See route map and/or gpx file download

ST

27th October 2022: Erbistock (mod)

This week’s ride venue was Cleopatra’s, on a day that looked to be potentially awful, from a weather perspective that is, however not a drop fell on our group all day or at least not from the sky that is- Lol. More about that later.

Firstly, there were 14 of us in total, by my head count, which included Dave & Liz P (on the tandem), Jim, who was doing a prescription ride to the chemist? And 4 or 5 fast boys. For the second week in a row, yours truly, got to lead the moderate group of 8 (2 on the tandem) My promise of an interesting meander to the Boat Inn at Erbistock, clearly appealed to the majority, although some probably lived to regret that decision for several reasons that I will endeavour to expand on later- Lol. Notably missing this week was Steve Hu (the wimp from last week- Lol) Turns out, bless him, that he really wasn’t well last week and still isn’t. Unbeknown to him, he was coming down with a bug that has made him very weak/ tired (including his wife, I later found out- their symptoms sound like the Noro virus to me, which is doing the rounds apparently).

Time for the off for what I intended to be a very interesting and scenic route (hopefully confirmed by the group) although I didn’t expect quite so many mucky lanes- seriously- Lol. We head out of Holt via the main road in order to allow us to quickly head south on the B5130 (the first bit is no longer potholed and narly- this would be the 1st of 3 lovely stretches of resurfaced lane, which didn’t go amiss by some).

It wasn’t long before we were at Cross Lanes, followed by Cock Bank, where we would turn off into, let’s say, “adventurous lanes”. These lanes were later stated as being worthy of a ‘Clive ride’ (what did they mean Clive? - Lol). Not only that, Steve T, after our our lunch stop, even threatened to have words with me if we came across anymore mucky lanes on the return leg.  I guess this was because I promised a lovely dry clean 20 miles back, which I believe it was - Lol. The mucky lanes were a consequence of my scenic detour through Erddig Park. Unfortunately, EP was unusually busy with cars, there must have been an event on, as I have never known it like that. So it wasn’t quite the peaceful scenic meander, as we had to stop a few times.  I did feel a little sorry for the tandem, as it’s not so easy to keep stopping & starting, even with an electric motor.

Once we were through EP we turn left and head towards the Boat Inn by way of Sontley Lane, which was a rather slippery muddy affair. It was shortly after this that we had to make a U turn, as I missed our left turn down to Park Eynton. “Oh no, we haven’t got to go back through that lane have we” was somebody’s cry. Fortunately, I had only over shot our turning by 100 meters or so, “no was my cry”- Lol. We had a half mile on the A539, before we head right up hill into Chapel Lane. This is a lovely steady uphill bit (nice views heading the other way - Lol) leading to a nice descent into Erbistock Vale & a final short steep descent into the Boat Inn, which lies, just 50 feet above the river Dee (somewhat idyllic spot, right next to St Hilary church).

After briefly admiring the river view and considering sitting outside, we find our reserved table inside, which didn’t seem warranted at first. However, by the time we left the place was virtually full. Once the prices on the menu had been digested- Lol, everybody set about their choice for lunch. The Korean roasted cauliflower was the most popular dish. Both Andy and I were quite taken by this. I also got the impression everybody else were just as satisfied with their choices. That said I think DH made a mental note to not come back- Lol. I believe I heard him mutter something about needing a mortgage to eat there. And he wasn’t the only one- Lol. I was so taken by the setting and food that I can only remember a brief conversation about my choice and the ensuing story I told of how I discovered a Korean vegetarian restaurant in the back streets of London, some 35 years earlier.

Lunch done and the temp getting even warmer, we set off to the comment of “we haven’t got to climb up that hill have we?” “There is only one way in and out”, was my response- Lol- Lol. No sooner said and we were at the Cross Keys pub, on the bridge of the river Dee. We turn right up a slightly longer and the only real climb of the ride. After a regroup at the top we turn left onto another lovely stretch of resurfaced lane that allowed us to detour Overton.  It wasn’t long before we were swinging downhill into Threapwood, after crossing Wych Brook, another favourite little stretch of mine and I think our 3rd river crossing, which is often a feature of my rides- Lol. The wet, muddy lanes before lunch were now becoming a distant memory as we settle into the promised dry lanes.

With Threapwood behind us and Tilston not far away, I canvassed everybody for a cafe stop at the Lost Barn, which seemed a popular choice, despite only being 3 miles from Holt. By this time DH had found his top gear and was now leading the charge. He was clearly feeling the need for a good coffee, even jumping the road works traffic lights at Tilston- Lol. We all decide to stop at the red! light- Lol and then chase after him, which was only a few hundred metres to the cafe. After a bit of shuffling of bikes, akin to musical chairs, we all finally settle on an outside table with the sun beating down on us all. 

What a lovely finish to our ride, as this was effectively the point where some of us departed for home. Both Steve Ha & I leave the others at the top of Wetreins Lane (only 300 meters up from the cafe) and set off for Tattenhall and in Steve’s case, Kelsall beyond. I got home with 52 miles on the clock and a surprising 570 metres of assent (I thought it was a flat ride- Lol). The likes of Steve Ha, Allan and Andy must have got a Grand Fondo in at least, as they all rode in further than I did - well done guys.

So, from what looked to be foolish to set off cycling at 9am, a great day out was born, if a bit mucky and slippery in places, made much better by the company- Lol- Lol- Lol. Thoroughly enjoyed the route, with some great scenery & even architecture (added an extra picture just for DH-Lol).

The route is even better in a clockwise direction, as the up & down bits work better with the views, in my opinion. Great to see you all as usual and look forward to the next ride.

NT

Photos by NT

See route map and/or gpx file download 

4th August 2022: Ellesmere (mod)

 For two reasons, it was with some trepidation that I offered a moderate ride to Ellesmere from Tattenhall. First, I was going to use my new bike computer for navigation. I’d never used if before and I hadn’t even got the route loaded. Secondly, I could see that the group was going to be very large and I had read about Trevor’s problems of last week in losing people.

However, after engaging the help of our resident ‘techie’ (Steve Hu), I had the route up on the computer and just before 10.30 there were 10 mods ready to go - Steves Hu, Ha and T, Daves P and H, Trevor, Andy B, Alan, Richard and Electric Pete. Then, just as we were about to roll, Neil turned up, gasping for breath. He’d gone to Meadow Lea, having mis-read the blog. He only realized his error when he got there, even though he’d passed Trevor going the other way. So, he’d hot-footed it the twenty odd miles to Alison’s arriving at 10.29.

There was light drizzle in the air as we set off, but the weather was forecast to get better as the day went on. We’d got as far as crossing the A41 when the cry went up to wait. Trevor’s chain had come off and it took a few minutes to rectify this. Fortunately, that was the only ‘mechanical’ we suffered all day.

The route took us through Clutton and Tilston to Malpas. As we approached Malpas, Neil decided to go his own way. He’d already ridden from home to Meadow Lea and Tattenhall, so another 40 miles was not appealing to him.

After crossing into Wales at Higher Wych, we were soon in the Shropshire lanes, with little traffic and (mostly) smooth roads.  A brief stop was made at Starks Bridge over the Prees Arm of the Shropshire Union Canal for a photo call.

                                                              Photo SHu

Passing through Lyneal and Colemere, we arrived in Ellesmere just before 1pm. There followed a degree of confusion about where we were going to sit (inside or out) and when we could order what (drink/food) and pay for it. The peculiarities of the system run at The Red Lion were baffling, but we eventually ordered and paid for our food and drink and the food arrived surprisingly quickly. We sat outside in the sunshine, batting away wasps which seemed to be attracted even to chips!

We left the pub along Church Street, taking the right turn into Swan Hill, where we paused for a second photo beside the unusual ‘Toad crossing’ road sign. Apparently, the road is closed between 19.00 and 05.00 throughout March and April each year to allow toads, which have been hibernating during the winter, to migrate to their traditional breeding grounds in ponds and the mere. Volunteers help them across the road.

                                                             Photo AO

Our route back took us through Penley and Worthenbury to Shocklach. As we turned right for Tilston by The Bull pub, Alan, Andy B, Richard and Electric Pete left us, heading for their respective homes. As we turned left at The Carden Arms, heading for Stretton, Dave P suggested a stop at The Lost Barn. It was set up in 2018 and has built up a strong reputation for their speciality coffee, which is roasted on site. Five of us stopped here, but Steve Hu pressed on as he still had plenty of miles to cover. 

Suitably refreshed, the ‘fabulous five’ pressed on to Tattenhall and our journey’s end.  My initial trepidation turned out to be unfounded as we didn’t lose anyone and my new computer took us around the planned route without any problems other than those I brought on myself through lack of familiarity with the new device. Thanks to Steve Hu for acting as ‘sweeper’ and to the rest of my companions for a great day out in the English and Welsh countryside.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download