17th March 2022 : Leeswood (Mod)

There was a good CER presence at the studio cafe with a rough 50:50 Mod Brisk group. The mod group consisted of Trevor, Dave H, Andy B, Steve Hu, Keith and ride leader Alan. 

As we were in Wales the consensus was let’s do some hills. Alan had developed a nice circular route with panorama views of Beeston Castle, Moel Fammau and the built up areas in between. 
A quick depart from Hawarden saw us cursing into George’s manor of Northop, where we caught up with the fast lads. A nice diversion up “The Green” avoided a lot of the heavy lorries on the Northop Mold road. 

A quick skirt into Soughton saw us plunge down to the Ruthin Mold road by Synthite. From now on the roads took a decidedly uphill aspect with a series of climbs peaking at Gwernafield . Again a plunge took us down to Gwernymyndd where our esteemed ride leader decided to do some chain stretches and impossible gear choices. 

Now leaderless, the group carried on to the Nercwys road, where our esteemed leader caught up again. We then followed a lovely ridge with commanding views to the left before stopping at Leeswood Hall, in front of the “Davies Bros” white gates ( see photo) apparently there are black gates elsewhere on the estate. 

Leeswood's White Gates

From now it was a short stiff climb up to Leeswood and our lunch stop “The Old Stores Cafe” Once replete with “Old Stores” burgers and baps we tackled the climb up to Pontybodkin and then left up Tir Fron Lane. Again stunning views were possible due to the clear and warm day. 

A quick dash across the Mold road took us onto classic easy rider roads to Burton Green and Rossett. Trevor left us at Pulford as he carried on to Chester and the remaining troupe continued to Kinnerton and then finally to Hawarden. 

A pleasant day with great company, a modest 35 miles but a commendable 2,300 ft of climbing. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

SHu

Photo AO