14th May 2009: Gwaenysgor

Over elevenses at the Gallery Tea Shop in Hawarden we discussed the venue for the day. With a miserable, damp, grey, misty day in prospect where else could we go but the seaside? Well almost: Graham suggested Llanasa with lunch at the Eagle & Child at Gwaenysgor returning over the Halkyns. Mike asked doesn’t any place with a double L in it means big hills? Since there were no other suggestions Gwaenysgor was agreed unanimously and Graham led us off through Ewloe and Northop until, by utilising the edge of a short section of the A55, we emerged by the Britannia Inn at Halkyn. This section was new to me: a route to the coast that didn’t involve the busy coast road or a climb over the Halkyns or Clwydians!
Graham had more treats in store however, and after leaving Whitford we continued along delightful lanes through Tre-Mostyn and Trelogan to Llanasa before the smell of the sea reminded us that we were near the coast. Then to add the final touch to a wonderful morning the smell of wild garlic in abundance greeted us as we approached Gwaenysgor for our lunch stop. The Eagle & Child proved to be more than up to the task of feeding six hungry cyclists: an excellent choice spoilt only by the price of lime and soda which was so far over Ray’s spec that a complaint was lodged with each of the available staff willing to listen. Once lunch was over I gently broached the subject of Brian Lowe’s latest attempt to remove all references to the Chester Easy Riders blog from the C&NWCTC website but with the matter in the hands of the Committee we quickly moved on to corruption in high places and MP’s expenses claims.


Photograph by Bryan Wade

Before starting our return journey proper Graham led us up to the viewpoint overlooking
Prestatyn where, although mist obscured what would otherwise have been a fine view, we nevertheless had a good photo opportunity. Unfortunately time dictated the need to start our return and after retracing the route to Gwaenysgor we were on new lanes through Axton to Babett and then on to Pentre Halkyn, Soughton, Buckley and back to Hawarden where the group split up to make its own way home. For me it was a quick descent to the Ferry Lane bridge returning to Chester at 6.10pm just in time to shower and change before joining the Thameswey Tandem Club Chester rally.
An excellent 60 mile ride on beautiful lanes which just has to be repeated when the weather gets better. Many thanks Graham.
BW