Photographs by Glennys HammondA train assisted ride from Shrewsbury back to Chester was the plan for today. With a hot sunny day in prospect even the early start didn’t seem to matter as I arrived at Chester station in time for the 08.22 train to Shrewsbury. Glennys was already there and we got our tickets and checked the situation re the bikes. It appeared that there might already be one bike reservation but this didn’t seem to be a problem to the clerk. Graham T and Dave P joined us on the platform where there was indeed another cyclist waiting to board. As it turned out, our four road/touring bikes easily fitted into the allocated bike space designed for two bikes and even with the fifth one stowed there was plenty of room. Relieved we took our seats pleased that we could all travel together.
The journey to Shrewsbury was uneventful and before long we were drinking coffee in the station buffet awaiting the arrival of Brian travelling from Wirral on the Bidston line. There is clearly something important about Shrewsbury station: first a specially chartered Leeds to Aberystwyth train pulls in packed full of rail enthusiasts followed by an “Orient Express” luxury excursion train heading south. Brian arrives on a standard service but still no sign of Dave H until my telephone rings and its Dave ringing from Wem. Resisting the temptation to ask why he is in Wem when we are in Shrewsbury we arrange to meet up by the church in Baschurch en route to Ellesmere. And so we make ready to leave.
Across from the station is a sign for the road we want and within minutes we are leaving Shrewsbury behind and heading north through open countryside following the river Severn. By Fitz we are on delightful back lanes, with almost no traffic, and the intention of sticking to them for the rest of the day. Dave H is waiting for us in Baschurch, and with the group united we head through Lower Hordley and on to Ellesmere where we make a short diversion to view the lake and the new information centre/café due to open in August.
Graham T suggests we walk along the lakeside, which we do before we remount to follow him through the centre of Ellesmere to the courtyard of the Black Lion Hotel. Here we relax in the sun with Marstons Ale on tap and a huge choice of lunch time meals. On the advice of one of the patrons most of us opt for the small size meal which proves to be more than enough. A great choice of venue Graham.
Once out of Ellesmere we are immediately back on the quiet lanes to Penley with a couple of hills to add some variety to the ride. From here it is more back lanes until we reach Brynhovah Bank with its wonderful view across the Dee valley then down to join the B road past Bangor on Dee race course and into Bangor on Dee itself. On home territory now the groups splits into two as we head to Bellis’s for afternoon tea and cake. Once refreshed we make for home with Graham T and Dave P heading to Pulford, Brian and Glennys to Chester via Alford and Dave H and me to Tattenhall where Dave has parked up.
A truly delightful and easy route in wonderful weather. Shrewsbury to Holt 38 miles. Shrewsbury to Chester 56 miles.
BW
The journey to Shrewsbury was uneventful and before long we were drinking coffee in the station buffet awaiting the arrival of Brian travelling from Wirral on the Bidston line. There is clearly something important about Shrewsbury station: first a specially chartered Leeds to Aberystwyth train pulls in packed full of rail enthusiasts followed by an “Orient Express” luxury excursion train heading south. Brian arrives on a standard service but still no sign of Dave H until my telephone rings and its Dave ringing from Wem. Resisting the temptation to ask why he is in Wem when we are in Shrewsbury we arrange to meet up by the church in Baschurch en route to Ellesmere. And so we make ready to leave.
Across from the station is a sign for the road we want and within minutes we are leaving Shrewsbury behind and heading north through open countryside following the river Severn. By Fitz we are on delightful back lanes, with almost no traffic, and the intention of sticking to them for the rest of the day. Dave H is waiting for us in Baschurch, and with the group united we head through Lower Hordley and on to Ellesmere where we make a short diversion to view the lake and the new information centre/café due to open in August.
Graham T suggests we walk along the lakeside, which we do before we remount to follow him through the centre of Ellesmere to the courtyard of the Black Lion Hotel. Here we relax in the sun with Marstons Ale on tap and a huge choice of lunch time meals. On the advice of one of the patrons most of us opt for the small size meal which proves to be more than enough. A great choice of venue Graham.Once out of Ellesmere we are immediately back on the quiet lanes to Penley with a couple of hills to add some variety to the ride. From here it is more back lanes until we reach Brynhovah Bank with its wonderful view across the Dee valley then down to join the B road past Bangor on Dee race course and into Bangor on Dee itself. On home territory now the groups splits into two as we head to Bellis’s for afternoon tea and cake. Once refreshed we make for home with Graham T and Dave P heading to Pulford, Brian and Glennys to Chester via Alford and Dave H and me to Tattenhall where Dave has parked up.
A truly delightful and easy route in wonderful weather. Shrewsbury to Holt 38 miles. Shrewsbury to Chester 56 miles.
BW
No comments:
Post a Comment