14th May 2026 : Mersey Circular and Beatles Tour (mod+)

After a 70+ miler to Sandbach on Tuesday, we three, aka Ivan, Chris and myself, discussed a ride from Ness consisting of a reprise of the “Beatles Tour of Liverpool” coupled with a “Mersey Estuary” circular ride. I offered to cobble a route together based on some original gpx files and some of Ivan’s routes.

These routes have featured in CER ancient history. July 2012 was the Original Macca's Beatles Fab Four Tour following on from our President's Mersey Circular in April 2010. I then led a Beatles Reprise tour in Sept 2019. You can read the blogs by clicking on the orange highlighting. Ivan and I road all three.

I was the first to arrive at Ness but the numbers swelled to eight riders consisting of Trevor, Jim, Ray, Mike, Ivan, Chris, Toby and myself. All of us had enjoyed the brief shower including the micro hailstones and cold rain. Trevor and Jim were doing their own ride back to Chester, whilst Ray and Mike were off somewhere around the Wirral. 

We set off behind Ray and Mike but catch them up on their way to Raby and as we power on towards Clatterbridge. I’d deliberately designed the route to get to Birkenhead Central station by the most direct route via Kings Road. Popping up in James Street, we head for the promenade which was not too busy. The obligatory photo is take of the Fab Four CER rides with the Fab Four in support.

CER's Fab Four outclassed by the Real Fab Four

We follow the promenade southwards towards the end of Brunswick Dock thence heading inland and uphill on our way to Ringo’s birth home at 9 Madryn Street. This area of early Victorian two up two down back-to-back housing has been beautifully restored for modern living. There is a small sign on No.9’s door evidencing that this was his birth home. The family moved just around the corner for the rest of his childhood.

Ringo's birth home

The pleasant run to George’s home is through Princes and Sefton parks, and runs up Penny Lane and skirts Greenbank Halls of Residence for Liverpool University and Wavertree Playground, another large green parkland. We arrive at 12 Arnold Grove where there is a Blue Plaque celebrating his life from 1943-2001. The area is pretty tatty really now as we leave for the long run down to John’s home. 

George's boyhood home

Approaching the Strawberry Fields gate stop, there is the inevitable Beatles Tour coach party admiring the now replica gates. The original gate is now within the Salvation army building which occupies “Strawberry Fields” for ever. John’s Auntie Mimi’s house “Mendips” is just around the corner with its own Blue plaque celebrating his life from 1940-80 as he lived here from 1945-1963. 

Strawberry Fields Gate ( modern copy) 

John's boyhood home

Onwards to Paul’s house, which like John’s is part of the National Trust (link here). We meet up with the same Beatles Tour coach party from Strawberry Fields and now at Forthlin Road. 

Paul's House in Forthlin  Road

 

Time to move onto the Mersey Circular part of the route as we cycle passing Allerton Cemetery on the way via a massive traffic queue, to skirt John Lennon airport. There is longish section of road to Hale where we briefly stop to visit the “Childe of Hale” statute and his grave in the nearby church yard. He was reputed to be 9ft tall and was presented to James 1’s court.

It’s getting a bit late for lunch now but I can’t resist getting to the Runcorn bridge along the Mersey riverside path. It’s an easy ride except for the long staircase section where there is no choice but to carry the bikes up the side of the bank. We are soon on and over the bridge and into the ’Spoons Ferryboat pub in lower Runcorn at about 1400

The stairway to Runcorn -from the top!

Young Chris's Hair comparison with the Childe of Hale

As ever ‘Spoons doesn’t disappoint as pizzas and other “highly nutritious” food is ravenously devoured along with a decent cold pint. Setting off again, the plan is to take the cycleways around Runcorn to Chester Road near Sutton Weaver. This we do, but not on the intended route - but we got away with it.

The final part back to Chester was the usual up and down 10 mile drag through Frodsham and Helsby. The return route uses the Greenway at Mickle Trafford to speed you onto Ness, but we all just dropped off  home in Chester area.

So 60 miles all round for us Chester lads, and a cracking day remembering the Fab Four. Paul and Ringo have new solo albums out soon I believe. A well-worth homage ride  by the CER Fab Four to the undeniably world-class talent of the real Fab Four.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA

Photos ID

7th May 2026 : Ellesmere ( Mod)

I was rocking along in the old Berlingo on the way to Holt when I ran into yet another road closure, this time at Saighton. When I eventually arrived at Holt, Maggie’s staff were very busy serving our riders. It was good to see that Jim had made it but he wasn’t out for the day. Trevor, Keith, George and me appeared to constitute the moderate group for the day, but Dave Pipe popped up to join us late doors. I had an intricate, quiet route planned to the Boathouse at Ellesmere. Fiona was in my face about not voting Green in the elections that day if I was keen on petrol cars. On checking their policies today, she has a point, but they are unlikely to impose their aims until I’m pushing up daisies.

So, we set out for Tilston via Wetreins, losing Dave Pipe on the way. He explained to George that he was still feeling the effects of a longish Tuesday tandem ride, also his bike’s battery was not fully charged. Through Farndon two of our group had galloped ahead to the B5130, so I think he felt that it was a pace he couldn’t sustain. I could have explained that once we settled in, the pace would be very moderate with me leading! I’ve been in touch with Dave since, and he had enjoyed a relaxed solo tootle down the lanes, so no harm done. 

It was another of those days when it was hard to know what to wear; we were into a cool wind starting out, but the afternoon was likely to be warm. Freezing fingered Krazy Keith was lusting after my woolly Widnes market gloves that are so unfashionable as to be street cool . We were soon flowing down the lacey lanes from Tilston to Threapwood and beyond. It was reassuring to have Trevor’s caravanner’s navigating nouse together with his Garmin Edge interstellar on-board computer that can even measure his glucose level and guide him to the nearest cake shop if it needs a lift. My own prosaic paper navigation system needed swopping at Hamner as I moved to my Shrewsbury area map. I had used Bryan Wade- like highlighter markings made the night before to indicate the intended route: pink outward, yellow for the return. Keith was keeping us entertained with his usual unprintable jesting, courtesy of our immense tolerance. 

We passed the old railway engine and the attractive station house just before the Llangollen Canal at Bettisfield. We then turned up Knowles Lane, and left along Rowe Lane to take a peaceful, deserted dog-leg in a sea of green growth and flowering fecundity. We emerged at Balmer Heath alongside the canal. It was here that I once lost Mike the Voice and Dave Pipe who then took the wrong turning, before they eventually joined us at The Mere for lunch. This time we managed to stay together and find all the correct turns through the lush little lanes around Lyneal and Colemere in the direction of Spunhill before rolling up at The Boathouse. The food was fine, and the view across the sun- spangled water was perfect. 

While we waited for lunch, I stupidly asked George how the proportional representation was going to work after the Welsh Senedd elections. If I remember rightly, George was involved with the setting up of the Welsh Assembly back in the late nineties. George’s explanation would have been too much for Laura Kuenssberg to take in never mind our puny brains. The lesson is; if you need time to eat don’t ask a mate about his Mastermind specialist subject. 

After lunch we took the quiet lane, left past the cemetery, on our trundle up toward Penley. We passed Woodland Park Lodges site which is hidden in Lion Lane Wood, and which I can recommend having spent a few days there with my wife and daughter not long ago. The ride back was direct through Holly Bush, Worthenbury, Shocklach and Crewe-by-Farndon. 

It was a brisk return by mod. standards, warmer and shorter than the outward ride, topped off by a wind assisted semi- sprint on the usual four or five mile stretch to Farndon led by Keith. About forty three miles covered, and probably sixty by Trevor and Keith. Great weather and great company.

DH 

7th May 2026; Dobson's Bridge (Mod+)

With the Senedd elections throughout Wales , the elections for the Scottish Parliament and Council elections in England there was only one subject on everyone’s mind when arriving at Maggie's for coffee. 

Yes that’s correct, how cold it was! six degrees in my case, thus I and many others were significantly underdressed ! 

We had a good turnout with Dave P and Last minute.Chris reinforcing their reputation by arriving at 10:25. Our erstwhile regular leader from Maggies, the Wind Whisperer was recovering from a minor op and second lieutenants Clive and Steve T were also absent. So as schooled by Clive, I spent 10 minutes researching our old rides to find a Brisk route of Ivan’s going back to August 2023. 

So warmed up and refreshed, our energetic group of Elwyn, Fiona, Nick, Ray, Chris, Alan and myself set off on a 49 mile sub brisk route. We followed Ken out from Holt through Fardon where he found another gear riding up Worthenbury Road and reminded us what a brisk pace really means! 

Soon the lanes of Shocklach and Higher Wych hummed under our wheels. The group of seven seemed to be on form with everyone keeping up a spirited pace , possibly to fend off hyperthermia. The wind appeared to be on our nose all of the way south and certainly made the short climbs even harder. 

As we crossed the border into Welsh Wales, the busy polling stations were evidence of todays big vote. Soon the signs for Whixhall started to appear which seemed to placate Alan and Ray who’s stomachs were advising that food was needed. Whixhall Marina never fails to meet our high standards and whilst it was so busy we could not all sit together, our food came promptly and was nutritious. So much so that Nick and Ray disappeared off for what in the past might have been a crafty smoke , in today's case they seemed to be inhaling energy bars. LOL 

On turning right from the Marina on Rack Line I was disappointed to see we still had the wind in our faces, how can this be? However at Coton the switch to a northern return was rewarded with a nice tailwind. The B road to Steel Heath and Tilstock maybe a bit busy but the tarmac surface was smooth and our average speed of 14.1 mph took a turn for the better as we powered into Whitchurch with Fiona on the front completing what would be a stellar ride for her today. 

The roads became quieter as we ventured through Marbury and Bickley Brook . A school boy error of not listening to Nick and Ray resulted in us following the route right through the centre of Malpas. Unleashed Ray and Nick led us homeward only stopping by the Carden Arms for a group photo (thank you Elwyn). The plunge down Wetreins lane brought us all safely back into Holt. 

Despite the cold start, an excellent day of camaraderie with 49 miles covered at an average speed of 14.8 mph. Thanks to Ivan for the route and Clive for posting the blog. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve H.

30th April 2026: Winsford (Whitegate Way)

What a cracking sunny day at Rose Farm, with approximately 15 members keen to ride and DM in civvies. I believe 3 groups formed (2 Mod and 1 Mod+). I don’t believe there was a fast group, despite a few fast boys being there. I think the arrival of Ivan frightened them off-Lol. However, Nick was just there for coffee and Clive fancied a spin with ST’s group (once he saw Ivan arrive -Lol).

There was bike trouble before we even got started, with Keith visiting the bike shop around the corner, in order to solve a slipping seat post. Notable absentees this week were; ‘the thief’, on his hols in Scotland and TT2 ( Teflon Toby), which was particularly vexing, as I had carried a book  under my top that he had loaned me. Fortunately, if you’re reading this Toby, DM fancied reading it, so he has it now.

 

I had a real wind whisperer’s route, due to the forecast for as much as 30 Kph of wind by 1pm and it was already fairly stiff on the ride over, as F&E can  attest to, after 21 miles of cross headwinds to get to RF, just 10 for me, but yes, I did notice the SE wind- Lol.

 

My group became RR (Rapha Ray, on his new steel stead, with wireless SRAM gears and 32mm tyres) Chris (Lastminute.com), who was on time -Lol. And the CB’s of course. Before we got going and just as I was grabbing my helmet, I noticed a thin wallet on the floor, which on further investigating, was a wad of credit cards belonging to our new member, who was just mounting his bike, when I re-united him with said cards. A somewhat unusual way to introduce myself to Anthony-Lol.

 

We set off right out of RF and quickly covered the first few miles as we were running with the wind, to the NW via Willington, Oscroft and Little Barrow, in order to swing east and take advantage of the protected lanes through Manley and Delamere forest. The lane past Manley Mere, which used to be a shocking bumpy ride, has been resurfaced by the way. Despite most of the club being frightened away from Delamere last week, due to the road closure, I chose to lead my merry band through the crossroads at Hatchmere, as I had heard there was an improvised pedestrian way. The road works are massive, which are going to be there for some time, it would appear.

 

So, no problem getting through as we progressed to Norley and my usual favourite little uphill lane (Gallowsclough). It’s then only a mile or so before a rapid descent into Cuddington and a right turn into Waste Ln, where Chris and I got to practice our bunny hopping-Lol.

 

Waste Ln is the entry point onto the Whitegate Way (WW), with several speed bumps. I planned to ride WW all the way to Winsford - almost 7 miles of lovely woodland track (disused railway track in fact) and on this occasion, directly into the wind, but you would never have known it as it is shrouded in trees of course.

 

After almost a month of virtually no rain and stiff winds, it was a perfect day for it.

Roughly 4 miles later we reached the perfectly placed Station House cafe and stopped for lunch.

We parked up next to the recently established bike service station, which was a stand of tools, including track pump, all nicely secured by cables (can’t trust anybody these days-Lol)

This gave us the opportunity to have a gander at RR’s new bike, which seemed very light weight. I remarked that he must be enjoying the comfort of the steel frame and more importantly the 32mm tubeless tyres, which he confirmed with a smile.

 

Anyway lunch came quickly and at a good price for a change (clearly makes a huge difference when charity based, not sure in what way, but I think the staff are volunteers at least). Lunch conversation was varied with no major discussions about wars or AI- Lol, pretty much like an everyday coffee morning really -I won’t say women’s coffee morning, but you know what the ‘chatter box’ can be like. And true to form, it took a while to get him going, then he decided he needed the loo, after everybody had already been while waiting for him-Lol.

Lunch at Station House Cafe

We eventually got going again and continued SE on the WW, only to be brought to a halt, after a mile, by the bridge being out.  Not just because of a barrier for maintenance, but no actual road over the bridge. There were just support beams, spanning the road below, which you could see (Dalesford Ln / Whitegate Rd). This completely scuppered the ride plan. 

 

After consulting my Garmin, there was no alternative whatsoever. We couldn’t even get down off the WW into the adjacent fields. No tracks remotely nearby either. So, there was no choice but to back track to the cafe and take the usual Clay Ln, when leaving the cafe. This meant we lost the final 4 to 5 mile loop around the western suburbs of Winsford.

 

So, the next 10 miles or so I winged it on a meander to Bunbury and beyond, in an attempt to make up the mileage, which panned out fine in the end, as nobody needed to get back to RF. So, in another change to the plan we simply carried on toward Tattenhall via Beeston, as everybody either needed to get back to Waverton or Chester.

 

We eventually got going again and continued SE on the WW, only to be brought to a halt, after a mile, by the bridge being out.  Not just because of a barrier for maintenance, but no actual road over the bridge. There were just support beams, spanning the road below, which you could see (Dalesford Ln / Whitegate Rd). This completely scuppered the ride plan. 

 

After consulting my Garmin, there was no alternative whatsoever. We couldn’t even get down off the WW into the adjacent fields. No tracks remotely nearby either. So, there was no choice but to back track to the cafe and take the usual Clay Ln, when leaving the cafe. This meant we lost the final 4 to 5 mile loop around the western suburbs of Winsford.

 

So, the next 10 miles or so I winged it on a meander to Bunbury and beyond, in an attempt to make up the mileage, which panned out fine in the end, as nobody needed to get back to RF. So, in another change to the plan we simply carried on toward Tattenhall via Beeston, as everybody either needed to get back to Waverton or Chester.

 

After a regroup at the right turn to the Ice Cream farm, just a couple of miles from Tattenhall, somebody suggested that we should stop for one. I then suggested that we pulled in to the drive-through and grab a deck chair outside, around the mini lake, complete with fountain, which we duly did (see pic) .

 

After telling the guys that one simply scans the QR code on the posts all around the lake to order, they proceeded to find it not so simple- Lol. Steve Hu decided to bin it and go inside and order, only to find he still had to order from a screen -Lol. However, less than ten minutes from ordering, our ice creams were delivered to us in a refrigerated golf cart- perfect!

Quick service suited KK aka CB1 aka Alan- Lol, as he needed to get back by a specific time. 

No sooner was I beginning to enjoy my deckchair and the stunning chocolate ice cream with stickie crunchie, when the boys all decided to race off with KK, leaving me to enjoy the peace alone-Lol.

 

After 10 minutes I set off for home, just 3 miles away and got there with 53 miles on the clock and an AV speed of 14.2 MPH, which was not so bad considering my very slow 10 miles to RF in the first place. I figure the group probably averaged 14.5 MPH at least, despite the stop-start day.

 

Yet another cracking day with CER. An uneventful day, bar the route being scuppered-Lol. Great company and a novel finish to the ride, with more than a few groans from everybody trying to pay for ice cream via an app-Lol, Lol.

 

Till next time ladies!-Lol

 

Neil, aka ‘the wind whisperer’

30th April 2026: Aston

 Let’s start with the weather fantastic sun and a bit of a breeze strong at times but helpful in the temperatures so that’s one positive from the ride .

 I started my journey from Frodsham (due to the road closure at Hatchmere) along roads that have drivers that are usually using me as target practice ( first moan: as the road at Hatchmere is closed, you would of thought, hey let’s carry on and resurface the forest road  and not leave it half arsed so that it shakes my teeth and wobbles my belly riding along it ) .

So I arrived at Rose Farm awaiting all the other mob - Ray S, S Hughes’s plus his carer Alan, Neil, Fiona and Elwyn, Ste Tan, Dave Heath, Ray B - the lucky one (it will be explained later), new rider Anthony, Clive, Chris ( with his beard it’s growing, just wish the hair on my head would grow like that), Ivan arrived in ‘I’m having that record back mode’ as on Wednesday evening, after many years holding a record on a stretch of Mow Cop, somebody had beaten his Strava time by 3 seconds, so that's what he was gunning for.

So, myself, Ray B and DH started our ride out to a place we seldom use - the Bhurtpor, or now The Burty. We set off the usual way to the A49 crossing, heading out towards Oulton Park, where the Bank Holiday British Super Bikes meeting is at and where the riders were getting laps in early. We then headed towards Wettenhall, where Ray got lucky as he overtook two horse riders, giving them a wide birth. A juggernaut came around the bend and on seeing Ray and the horses, he slammed on, making his trailer skid and almost jack-knifing and just getting it under control before he was level with me and Dave. (my thought straight away was, yes Dave is getting pushed to save myself, well wouldn’t you all), Anyway, disaster averted, which Ray was oblivious about, we cracked on towards Acton, Ravensmoor , Sound, Wrenbury and then our destination at Aston, The Bhurty . We ordered our lunch talked about the usual topics again. As most weeks, I listened but it went straight through the gap between my ears. So, after a decent refuel, we started to head back via Holtridge, Chorley, Faddiley, on towards Bunbury then Tiverton. Here things got rather messy, as the A49 was closed for road works, causing everyone in a motor vehicles to divert up the Huxley road heading, as we were, to Tarporley .

Here I saw a cyclist needing assistance. Ray just carried on towards the congestion in the town. At first glance I thought it was Neil, as the rider had the same top as Neil had been wearing. I then thought maybe they did a swap of shirts like football players, as, in fact, it was a maiden in distress. So  me and Dave tried helping the lady out as her chain had jammed behind the front mech. Anyway, she decided to walk home as she lived just around the corner. Me and Dave, who’d arrived just after myself and was of the same mind always to help fellow cyclists, rode on into the pandemonium in Tarporley, which was completely grid locked, but easy for cyclists to push through. Even the road out towards Rose Farm was awkward due to buses and lorries trying to pass each other. Anyway, we arrived back after  42 miles for Dave and ‘Lucky Ray’. I had another 8 miles to my car, so I clocked up 59 overall . 

KB

30th April 2026: Audlem

There was a good turn out on a fine, sunny, but windy day. Once everyone had sorted themselves out, there would be three rides today: Neil was heading for Winsford (really?), so that the wind would be behind him on the return journey; Dave H was headed for The Bhurty at Aston (where else) and I had planned a ride to go to The Lord Combermere in Audlem, a venue we haven’t been to in nearly three years. I was joined on this venture by Clive, Fiona, Elwyn and Anthony.

As usual, we set off down to Cotebrook and around the Oulton Park race circuit where we could hear the roar of engines on what would be a ‘track day’. We were soon whizzing down Winsford Road through Wettenhall and Cholmondeston and across the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. At times the gusty east wind was quite strong and so I was grateful to Clive and Elwyn for their stints at the front to take the wind off me.

As soon as we reached Nantwich, we turned away along Chester Road, but turned off at Acton to head down to Ravensmoor and Sound, where we crossed the A530 Whitchurch Road. Another five miles along the country lanes saw us arriving in Audlem at about 12.15, with 23 miles covered.

The last time we came to the Lord Combermere was July 2023 and it was a disaster. Service was slow, the guy running the place couldn’t use the card machine and Andy B couldn’t even get a cup of tea. We were all convinced that the place would close. However, when I looked on Google recently, I saw that the pub was taken over by a young couple at the end of 2023 and that they had an attractive looking lunch menu offering, amongst other things, sandwiches or wraps plus a drink for £14 which, these days, is quite good value. When we arrived, the pub was quiet. We were seated quickly and food and drink ordered. Clive and I had their sticky beef wrap and a pint of local beer, Elwyn abd Fiona went for the halloumi wrap and a large pot of tea and Anthony had the BLT sandwich which was huge! All in all, it was a great improvement on our last visit and well worth a return.

The Lord Combermere is named after Field Marshal Stapleton Cotton (14 November 1773 – 21 February 1865), a distinguished British Army officer, diplomat, and politician. As a junior officer, he participated in the Flanders campaign, the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, and helped suppress Robert Emmet's insurrection in 1803. He commanded a cavalry brigade in Sir Arthur Wellesley's Army and later took overall command of the cavalry during the latter stages of the Peninsular War. His impressive career continued as he served as Commander-in-Chief in Ireland and later in India, where he famously stormed Bharatpur—the battle that inspired the name of The Bhurtpore pub—an impressive fortress once considered impregnable.

Well fed and watered, we set off back, forgetting to take a group photo. We put this right when we reached the canal at Wrenbury.

At this point, we had to divert from our planned route, as there was major tree surgery works going on at the start of Cholmondeley Road. So we took a left and went via Gaunton’s Bank and Holtrideg before re-joining Cholmondoley Road. After that, everything went smoothly, helped in no small way by the wind being mostly behind us. Reaching Bunbury, Fiona and Elwyn decided to pick up one of Fiona’s old routes back to Lavister and home. Fiona later told me that they’d done 80 miles in the day – good training to the Bob Cliff and Vets 100 which they’ve signed up for.

Clive, Anthony and I pressed on. At Tilstone Bank, there was an unusual amount of traffic, much of it being fancy cars and SUVs. A Porsche Taycan almost had a mirror off as he squeezed past a truck and trailer and 100 yards further on came to a Mexican Stand-off with a Mercedes SUV. These lanes were built for cars more like an MG Midget or a Morris Minor than the leviathans on the road today.

Reaching Tilstone Fearnell, we braved the busy A49 for a short distance before turning right along Lodge Lane. Clive told me that a few years ago, this lane had been closed due to water damage where it crosses Wettenhall Brook. You can tell which bit has been repaired as it is smooth as a billiard table!

Reaching the top of Tarporley High Street, Clive took his leave to head home. Anthony and I carried on to Rose Farm, with the last 100 yards up John Street consuming the last dregs of our energy.

 My thanks to Clive, Fiona, Elwyn and Anthony for their company on a lovely spring/summer day. 47 miles done and a good lunch stop re-discovered.

ST

See route map and/or gpx file download

23rd April 2026: Jodrell Bank

 A very sunny day in prospect, albeit with a chilly start and light winds,  which brought nine riders out to Delamere Station cafe. Dave H’s email regarding the Hatchmere crossroad closure had no doubt put a few riders off driving out, but as you will see, those who persevered were treated to a gem of a ride.

I had a penchant to ride to Jodrell Bank Observatory. We had been there previously in 2011 then 2013 and 2014 - how time flies!

I’d taken half a wind-whispering lesson and arranged the outward 25 mile leg to be against the wind with the 20 mile return hopefully being wind-assisted; and I think it worked. So here is the august list of riders: Steve T, Toby, Alan, Ray S, Chris, Dave P and a new rider, Anthony. Andy B was also at the cafe, but I don’t know if or where he rode to.

So we ride off to Jodrell Bank Observatory in the usual direction to scotch the rumour that Hatchmere crossroads are closed. Station Road was eerily quiet as we slid over its partially smooth surface. There was a serious amount of heavy construction equipment at the crossroads but pedestrian and bike access was available in all directions. We cycle on towards Kingsley to take Forest Lane and then Beech Lane downhill towards Crowton. My plan was to take the Weaver canal path to the swing bridge and very pleasant it was too in the sunshine and wild flowers.

The quiet suburban back streets of Weaverham allow us to move onto to Tata Chemicals Industrial park with the sharp uphill Soot Hill giving glancing views of the Anderton Boat Lift. Marbury Park is the next target and some riders hadn’t been there before and for others it was a long time ago. The pretty bit over, we pedal up through the Wincham industrial estate taking a right at the crossroads then the next left to Wincham Village.

Idyllic countryside beckons as we ride the back roads through Plumley to Lower Peover. We cross the A50 at Boots Green where the satnav points us down a clearly marked “No Through Road”. We stop to take stock, and an executive decision is made to take the No Through Road as Plotaroute confirms that bikes can pass this way, plus the fact that the alternative is a longish diversion via Goosetry and its nearly lunchtime!

Withington Lane, as it is named, is a pleasant tarmacked lane with large properties alongside but after about a mile tarmac gives way to gravel which then soon gives was to a woodland path. This was fine as a helpful notice confirms access to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. We exit after a bumpy half mile which was fine in the dry weather, but not recommended if it had rained!

Jodrell Bank looms into view at just a mile away. The car park is pretty busy with quite a few large double decker coaches so I am now concerned about the length of the lunch queue. I needn’t had been as the cafe is at best half-full. Service is brisk and we are soon seated and eating our repast under the cleverly sun-shaded outside space.

Time to go, and a table of “slightly older pensioners” offer to take the group photo. 

 I can’t resist taking a second photo advertising the World Heritage status of this iconic scientific research establishment

Only 20 mile back now as we slide through the “Road Closed” sign in Goostrey bound for Lach Dennis. It’s the familiar run of Davenham to Hartford to the eventual climb at Norley.

Steve T turns for home via Kingsley at Gorstage Lane as we climb Bag Lane. Hatchmere Crossroads presents no problems for us to access Delamere Forest road. Anthony has his car at the crossroads so drops off and despite our best efforts, he would like to ride again with us! There is the usual lust for speed through Delamere Forest sylvan roadway. Alan picks his car up at the forest carpark and the rest of us re-gather at the Mouldsworth crossroads.

Dave P has had a brilliant ride in his self-engineered electrified vintage Thorn and now decides to take it a bit easier back to Chester. We four hammer on via the usual lanes back to Mickle Trafford with about 65-70 miles ridden.

A great day out with great company in perfect cycling weather – and hopefully more days like this to come during the year. So thanks to all the peloton for not complaining at all about being pulled down No Through Roads to somewhere! It was just like the old days with only the leader knowing the route, and it being a surprise for the peloton.

CA

See route map and/or gpx file download

16th April 2026: Llandegla

i I had a steady start as I had injured my knee playing football the night before, so it took a little while to get warmed up. Today's start destination was the Gallery in Hawarden, and for once I don't believe I was last, I even had time for coffee in the very packed cafe. We pretty much filled the place, I recall only two customers who weren't CERs.

With hellos and coffee underway and gearing up to follow Clive and his route, which he planned for us a few days ago, I was informed that he was not feeling energetic enough for it today and opted for a steadier alternative. Feeling confident that I could take on Clive's route, we quickly sorted the boys from men, that being Mariusz and Toby, up for a hilly route. 

We had a small delay to begin with as I had trouble getting the route loaded onto my Garmin. We decided to head out in the general direction of west, finding our way through Buckley and on through Mold on the Denbigh road. With a murderous wagon passing us, we all happily took the next right off the main road, even if that came in the form of a climb, one of many in today's ride. 

Realising that we were afar from Clive's route, I managed to educate myself on the usage of my Garmin and plotted a route through Cilcain and skirting Ruthin with our destination still being Llandegla community cafe. With a salvaged route we turn left and end up heading down through a small valley, a sea of yellow fields. With a closer look into the sea of yellow fields, it was dandelions. 

We cross the Mold-Denbigh road and climb up to Cilcain, with a moment of pause and a check of the winging it route, we carry on through to reach a junction met with a sign that said Mold and Ruthin were both left. Quickly realising that was heading to the main road and not wanting to double back on ourselves meant we turned right to head up towards Moel Famau. We reach the brow of the road and take the obligatory team pic and all enjoy the view across the Ruthin planes, or at least using that as an excuse to refill our lungs. Small talk of brakes and then descend on towards Ruthin, turning left before we got too close.

Along the back lanes we head, Toby reading the road asks if we are heading straight on or right. I responded with a left, that he hadn't spotted. This also puzzled Mariusz as he wasn't sure where this shortcut of mine led too. With a small discussion, looking at the cul de sac sign, I decided that we will push on with the shortcut, I mean what was the worst that could happen? The wind for once was helpful pushing us on up as the road got steeper, before it ran out of tarmac.

 

Waiting for the other two at the dead end of the tarmac road, I was fully prepared for a mutiny. To my surprise it never came, on we pushed being good candidates for the Rough fellowship, where the rocky gravel road turned into farm tracks and into ramblers path over gates and through a field. With all this challenging terrain, we were rewarded with a splendid view. Making our way through the field I couldn't help but adore a Magnificent horny beast of what I can only describe as a highland cow.

 

Helping each other with lifting bikes over another gate we find tarmac again, I wasn't about to say to my comrades that my so-called shortcut carries on straight down another gravel path. We take the right onto the road and once again, and for the final real climb of the day. We start our descent onto Llandegla as we admire the banked rows of dandelions, bluebells and white garlic leaves.

With our steads parked up we head inside the community cafe, who are expecting another group. We take our pews and order our much needed fueling and refreshments. Coffees arrive and then our ordered meals. I originally ordered a soup, but it must have been a soup day as they had sold out, so I settled for a bacon egg bap. I'm glad I did, as it certainly hit the spot, one of the best I've had in a long time (I also had my traditional egg thin, almost like a desert). Toby delved into beans on toast and as the cafe was short on cakes (must have also been a cake day), Mariusz settled for a tuna sandwich, which also looked good.

It's all downhill now, we head out of Llandegla onto the 525 and head to Bwlchgwyn, then left down the steps down to Cefn-y-Bedd. On through Hope, taking the road to Kinnerton. But then take the right to take the road that runs parallel, avoiding the school run pick ups. We reach Saltney ferry, Mariusz peels off to see a mate, leaving Toby and I to cross the river. We head straight up to Blacon, where Toby departs onto the Greenway and home. I return home with over 55miles and nearly 1300m elevation gain, to prepare myself for my work shift. With Toby and Mariusz closer to 60 miles.

Many thanks for your company today chaps and the make do and mend or at least adapt attitude, as always a great day of cycling.

Summary 

This ride report documents a hilly, adventurous journey from The Gallery in Hawarden to Llandegla, featuring an improvised route through Cilcain, Mold, and over Moel Famau. Despite unexpected gravel paths and the route becoming a "cul-de-sac," the ride included scenic views and a refueling stop in Llandegla before returning via Hope and Saltney.

Chris E

See route map and/or gpx file download

 

16th April 2026: Overton

 Today I cycled from Guilden Sutton where I caught up to Trevor who was only going there and back in some form of way; then we caught up to Dave H who was also doing the same.

So at the cafe we were met with a deafening sound of a full cafe with the majority being CER riders. I decided to take Mike G along with Andy B for a ride to the Two Doves cafe in Overton then on to Guilden Sutton .

The weather for me today was a windy slog from my start point, but dry so cannot complain. I was hoping our route would be wind assisted then the big man upstairs would say hey it’s Keith and the two adopted Welsh boys I’ll blow them home. As well you guessed it, the wind was against us to Overton via Hawarden up the climbs towards Pen-y-fford, which had lots of cars due to road diversions or due to fuel prices, so  people taking short cuts on our roads. ( I don’t think people should be able to use our given routes in motorised vehicles on a Thursday. I might just ask Keir to mention it in parliament - food for thought) so on we went via Gresford, skirting Wrexham industrial estate, to Bangor on Dee towards Cloy then arriving at Overton after 28 miles up lots of pimples, as Mike said numerous times. 

The Two Doves, as usual, looked after us as we chatted about Rhubarb Rhubarb Rhubarb. As you can guess, I can’t remember. It was just conversations. 

So, after we had eaten we set off for Guilden Sutton via Light Wood Green towards Threapwood, Chorlton and Tilston. This is where we left Andy as he was riding back to Mold via Farnden, or knowing Andy,  probably going via the Lake District. So me and Mike carried on towards Tattenhall, then the usual roads back to Guilden Sutton where I left Mike as he was riding back to his car at Hawarden.

So, overall, we rode 65 plus miles with the wind against on the route out and of little help homeward. No dramas of any kind, just good company on a great route. Yes, just another Thursday with CER . On a foot with so many of the Welsh contingent being present we thought it’s best we separate them for health and safety reasons. So Ste T took the carer role for the mod plus as he did have more than me to care for.

KB

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16th April 2026: Plassey

 Well its fair to say CER filled the Gallery Cafe to capacity this morning. Even at 09:45 members were sat down and enjoying conversation over coffee.

Mid last year Megan suggested we develop a “low level” route to circumnavigate Wrecsam and exit out on our well-trodden lanes around Holt & Farndon. As with any ride leaving Hawarden, unless you plunge down Gladstone Way all routes have some climbing to them.

So, with potentially three groups leaving the cafe I was joined by Fiona, Clive, Ray, Alan, Paul T, Elwyn & Steve T on a steady 44 miler with lunch at Plassey.

The plunge and climb out of Tinkersdale is never easy and the road was particularly busy today. My option of the quieter “cart track” as Neil calls it was vetoed by Ray, Clive and Alan as too rough. Having crested and crossed the A55 we meandered down Lower Mountain Rd turning right into Hope and then onto Caergwrle.

At Cefn-y-bedd the road starts to climb and at the sharp bend by FFwryd pub things really go skyward! Steve T and I somehow (given I was leading the ride) managed to drop off the back. Probably because we were discussing the complexities of this years’ MotoGP season and not maintaining the group pace. However undaunted I had the route so we set off up Glyon Lane to Summerhill.

On days like this its a pleasure to enjoy the quiescence of these Welsh lanes, however the silence was more acute due to the lack of chatter from our errant other six riders. A quick phone call and thanks to WhatsApps ability to share locations and we were reunited with the others. Remarkably, they seem to have added in more climbing.

The route wove us through Pentre Broughton and Southsea before a historical navigation error in Caego suggested we ride through a building site. With the A483 crossing behind us and zooming through Bersham we picked up the nice lanes and left the urban sprawl behind us.

Not long after leaving Sontley we were met with a barricade, not a Hormuz type, but probably 50 sheep who appeared to be enjoying the weather as much as us. See photo. Clive suggested a short cut to cut off a corner and quickly led us to Plassey.

Road block - Welsh style

The Plassey was full inside however the sunshine meant sitting outside was possible albeit a bit nippy. Soon we were all fed and watered and set for the more traditional CER lanes back to Holt. These follow Al’s Bangor on Dee return path. At Rossett we bade farewell to F&E and continued through Dodleston with a lovely wind assist. Clive Paul & Ray departed for Saltney Ferry and home whilst the two Steve’s and Al completed the last leg back to the start.

An enjoyable social 44 miles at 13.2 miles per hour in cracking company.

Steve H 

See route map and/or gpx file download