3rd February 2022 : Wybunbury (brisk)

This week some of the brisk riders have enjoyed very unseasonably good riding weather enjoying dry roads and warm sunshine, although windy both Tuesday and as forcasted for today.

John W and myself ride out from Chester to Rose Farm cafe at Utkinton; on arrival it was good to see Ray and John M waiting for us. There was a good turn out of riders today taking advantage of this unseasonably good riding weather 

Our route today is circuitous route to the Swan Inn at Wybunbury. The route out is via Wettenhall then Church Minshull. Passing Leighton Hospital, we ride along Bradfield Road to Sydney and to Crewe Green. On joining the new link road, the roundabout is not cycle-friendly as it is big and busy but if you are unsure of your exit route then I suggest using the footpath and cross the roads very carefully. We exit the correct route to progress towards Crewe Green and the B5077 heading towards Alsager.

Two miles along this lane we should take a right but I never noticed it when either driving or cycling and thus missed it on my garmin. We turn round and take the lane called Barthomley Road. At the end of this lane we find ourselves at a past regular inn “The White Lion”. John recognised the hostelry for their excellent pub food. Not stopping today though as we continue passed heading for Betley and Wrinehill. After passing another good eating house, The Hand and Trumpet, we turn onto Dent Lane in Wrinehill which takes us into Wybunbury village.

Before arriving at the village, the West Coast railway runs parallel to the road and back in 1976 I recall an incident with the Royal Train that was enroute back to Euson with the Queen on board. After passing through Crewe the train was brought to a stand still due to the signaller being asleep and he hadn’t woken to the frantic bells that were ringing in his box. Although 2.00 am, it makes no difference and for sure he wasn’t signalling trains the following day!

At the Swan Inn, John met up with an old acquaintance “serving” in the outside bar and enjoyed the opportunity to pose pulling a pint!! 

John seems to be missing a glass!

The rest of us were seated indoors and selected from the light bites menu. After our quick lunch, including the lime and soda but no idea of cost, we depart in still glorious sunshine and into Nantwich. At Acton, we take the lane towards Burland and Bunbury. The route from Bunbury is to Alpraham and Eaton and returning to Rose Farm but, as we’d all ridden out to the cafe, we decide to ride via Beeston and Huxley. 

Riding from Nantwich, we have a strong force of a head wind so passing Huxley we head via the winding lanes to divert to Guy Lane and into Christleton and back to Chester. Today our ride has given us 70 miles of good riding on dry roads but at times a crater of pot holes, but nonetheless an enjoyable day out with friends. 

A good week of cycling all round for the briskers and well done to John W who completed a 125 mile auddax event on Sunday and was still always wanting to be on the front shielding us from the wind when we encountered it. Until next ride, keep safe and keep cycling.

 See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

Photo JW and JM