This Thursday was sandwiched between the westerlies of Storm Dudley which was still blowing itself out in the morning, and Storm Eunice due to blow in on the Friday. As we had no desire to ride into the wind, either outbound or inbound, I was in Meadow Lea café discussing possible routes onto the Wirral with Dave H and Steve T, when messengers from the West arrived in the shape of Steve Hu and Alan. Keep away from Parkgate and the Wirral they said. So, if we weren’t to ride north, the alternative was to ride south. Dave H took some convincing that Malpas was due south from Mickle Trafford, but eventually agreed that this should be our destination. Despite having a decent café, Malpas has long been missing a decent pub and therefore has not been a common CER destination. However, the old Red Lion has now been refurbished as The Lion, so I was keen to try this out.
The brisk riders were bravely heading out westwards into the wind to Holywell. The moderates comprised myself, Dave H, Steve T, George, Steve Hu, Alan, Andy B, David M and Andy M, who it was good to see back again. We headed in towards Hoole, before turning left to Littleton to cross the A51 at the new improved crossing. Then we passed through Christleton, Waverton, along the Shropshire Union and past a former regular starting point, the Ice Cream Farm. We passed Bolesworth Castle, heading to Brown Knowl and then stopped outside Broxton Old Hall for a photo.
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| Photo by AO |
After this David M and Andy W took an alternative route as Andy was to miss lunch in order to be back early, and David agreed to meet us in the pub. The wind was causing us little problem and we continued south to No Man’s Heath and began the climb into Malpas.
The Lion is on the eastern side of the High Street, just below the old cross. In 2021 it was refurbished extensively with accommodation in adjoining buildings, an outdoor courtyard, and a comfortable interior with separate rooms (is this sounding like an advert?). We were seated in the main dining area and served quickly and efficiently. Food was available at all prices and was tasty and sufficient – Steve T’s Korean Benedict drew most interest - and my local Kelsall brewery, Weetwood, supplied the ales. All agreed that this would be worth re-visiting.
As we prepared to leave all had been going well. The weather in the morning had been fine, and although it rained as we ate, the skies had cleared when it was time to leave. Our return route was NNW to Tilston and Stretton, though David M made his own way home back through No Man’s Heath. We negotiated the traffic in Malpas High Street, reached the top of the hill and sped down the other side before we realised Steve T was missing. We waited, but no Steve; phone messages were left, but no Steve. Was he lost? Unlikely. Was he broken down? Again, unlikely or he would have answered his phone. The others continued to Tilston, while I climbed back towards Malpas, when I met him. The unexpected reason for delay, was a complete traffic jam in Malpas – apparently a regular occurrence with 4x4s being unable to negotiate parking and the high street. Re-united we were about to continue, when George’s rear wheel stopped turning. Our collective intelligence (don’t laugh) was applied to this problem before a sticking mudguard was found responsible. Again, we continued, but next it was my turn – another sticking mudguard problem.
Missing riders and mudguards solved we continued into Tattenhall, on the way saying goodbye to Steve Hu and Andy B. We were approaching Waverton when the ominous clouds in the distance, suddenly seemed to be over our heads. The odd spot of rain became heavier and then heavier until we eventually arrived, drenched at Meadow Lea.
Despite the afternoon’s problems it had been another good ride in good company and with a new destination found for lunch to which we will return.
See route map and/or gpx file download
SH
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