I arrived at the Castle Bistro around 1000 after completing my customary warm-up ride through Chirk castle grounds. A gaggle of CERers were already esconsced with coffees and tea cakes. Steve T, as the gentleman he is, had allowed my proposed ride to hold sway over the prospective brisk and mod+ riders. So I ended up with Diane, a guest rider from Frodsham Wheelers, Roy, Nick, Alan, Elwyn and Fiona, and Steve T opting for a 47 Mod+ ride to Montford Bridge.
We started off on a loop of the town to access a fast descent down the Glyn Ceiriog road before slogging up hill into Weston Rhyn. Already there were complaints about hills but not from Elwyn who powered passed me into the distance - he must surely have a hidden battery drive on that bike! Together again and with the promise on nearly no more hills to lunch, we access the tiny lanes via the ancient Iron-Age hill fort that bring us out into Oswestry.
We endure acres of modern housing exiting Oswestry on a long quiet lane out over the A5, and after Aston Square, we cross the said ancient highway again heading for Maesbury and its marsh bound for Knockin via Woolston Bank. I can’t resist the photo opportunity outside the shop, which has a very good yet small cafe. After a piloting error, we eventually take the correct road to Kinnerley.
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We now have 6 miles of small lanes running either side of the extensive army training camp at Nesscliffe before Shrawardine village turns us east then south to Montford village then east again and over that A5 once again to Montford Bridge.The bridge was Thomas Telford's first bridge design and although now reinforced, still spans the River Severn. Charles Darwin’s parents are buried in the local church.
To get to the Montford Bridge cafe, we have to ride a half mile of the busy A5 before slipping off left and round and under to the cafe. I have been to this cafe several times and notice that they have added inside seating to complement the covered outside seating. I also notice that the smoking sign which stated “Please use the ash trays when the floor is full” has disappeared. The cafe has a 4. 3 stars over 800+ reports on Tripadviser and I think all of the group were happy with their luncheon repast.
The tricky bit is now to ride back along the A5 and then cross the road back into Montford village. It’s only 21 miles back but the route is unfortunately into the strengthening wind but deep lanes and high hedges ameliorate the experience. It’s a long run up to Ruyton XI Towns were I note the pub is open for lunches again. The way out is via Grug Hill - a long lane ever upwards but not especially steep. Alan has a gearing misfunction that needed sorting which he successfully fixes.
We kiss by Queen’s Head before the long drag up the old A5 into the wind and into Whittington. The advance party pull up half way along here to allow the rear party to catch up and zoom by - guess who was leading that 3 rider peloton. Our group eventually catches them up in Gobowen as we ascend the bank onto the last part of the route parallel to that which we took on the way out. I always favour the aqueduct option back into Chirk where we arrive at around 1500 with 47 miles ridden.
So a cool, overcast and windy day which did not deter this octet group from sampling a lot of excellent Salopian lanes and a quick lunch at a very good transport cafe. Many thanks to the long suffering group for allowing me to indulge my love of the Shropshire countryside.
CA
Photo AO
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