29th September 2022: Queen's Head (mod)

It was bright, dry but chilly, due to the north wind, when we gathered at The Castle Bistro in Chirk. The ‘mod’ riders were Steves Hu and T, Andy B, Alan and Dave H. Today’s destination was to be The Queens Head pub at Queens Head, a ride lead a year ago almost to the day by Steve Ha.

We set off along the usual route down Chirk Road towards the A5, but, at The Poacher, we turned right into Oaklands Road heading for Weston Rhyn and the southerly lane which runs past the Old Hill Fort and into Oswestry.  This was to avoid the rough lanes through Hindford which would probably also be muddy after the rain earlier in the week. A little way along the lane the farmer had been cutting the hawthorn hedge so we took the precaution of carrying the bikes a few hundred yards along the lane until we judged it safe to get back on.

We navigated successfully through the housing estates surrounding Oswestry and eventually found Middleton Road which led us out to Ashton Gates, where we crossed the A5. From there we passed through Maesbury and Knockin,  where one of the radio telescopes that make up the Jodrell Bank MERLIN (Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network) radio telescope array is located.

Photo Shu

We turned east as we passed through Kinnerly and crossed the A5 again before heading north for West Felton and Queens Head, where we arrived just before 1pm with 23 miles covered.

An excellent lunch of paninis, wraps or baked potatoes with drinks of tea or squash was consumed to fortify us for the return leg. We were all geared up to go when I saw that my rear tyre was flat. Had I picked up a thorn near the Hill Fort and it had taken all this time to go through the tyre? Whatever the case, the team set to and quickly found the thorn, removed it and replaced the tube. Unlike last week, inflation was almost instantaneous, thanks to Alan’s gas cylinder.

Picture A.O.

 Note Andy’s proactive stance as I wrestle the tyre back on the rim!

 Leaving the pub along the road alongside the Montgomery canal, the clouds that had threatened to bring rain before lunchtime had cleared and the day was now sunny and warm. Near Rednal we had our first brush with one of the huge tractor/trailer combinations which zoom around the Shropshire countryside. The straight road seems to encourage them to run at full throttle, regardless of who els is in the road.

Having crossed the canal, we were soon in Welsh Frankton where, once again, we diverted from our usual route to avoid the dreaded roads at Hindford. A route along little lanes through Perthy and New Marton would take us to St Martins. But before we got there, at a point where the lane was very narrow, muddy and steep, along came an enormous green tractor and trailer which filled the whole road. Steve Hu, Alan and I took refuge in a gateway along with a lady with Jack Russell terrier to let the tractor go by. It met Dave H and Andy a bit further down causing them to dismount and the hill was so steep and muddy that Dave had to walk his bike up it.

We were soon in St Martins and heading for the roundabout at the A5. Alan, Andy and I crossed first. Dave and Steve Hu decided to take the direct route along Chirk Road back to Chirk, whilst Alan, Andy and I stuck to Steve Ha’s original route back which went through Weston Rhyn and down to the Ceiriog valley before climbing up to café in Chirk.

In all 38 miles covered along a mixture of country lanes, suburban roads and crossing the A5 three times. Thanks to all to their company and support, especially with the puncture!

ST

See routemap and/or gpx file download 

30th September 2021: Queen's Head (mod)

Having just returned from a wild and storm-tossed week in the Highlands, I did not relish a ride in today’s forecast weather: heavy rain and winds. Neither did I expect much of an attendance in Chirk given the weather and the distance needed to drive there, given the recent petrol shortages.  I was pleasantly surprised when six members turned up to join me. David M was there, having planned to arrive by train and cycle back, he had been put off by the earlier rain, and came by car. We discussed next week’s special ride from Audlem that David was going to lead. Those joining today’s ride were Steve T, Dave H, Alan, Andy and Mike.

At 10am, the rain wasn’t as bad as forecast, but was persistent and the wind was gusty. Dave was having trouble with his front tyre valve.  The diagnosis was that the valve core needed tightening, and a combined operation took place to fix it in the café’s courtyard.  Problem solved we set off.  We often leave Chirk by way of Hindhead, which involves a lot of badly surfaced and potentially very muddy lanes – not a route we wished to take on such a wet day.

We set off down Chirk Road, but by The Poacher’s Inn we turned towards Chirk Bank and then to Weston Rhyn to make for the long southerly lane heading past the Old Hill Fort and into Oswestry. A bit of suburban navigation took us to Middleton Lane, where a pick-up towing a sheep trailer forced us into the verge – we’d just been saying how polite the other motorists had been who’d stopped and given way to us. From here we passed through Maesbury, and Knockin, where Dave reminded us of the local store – the “Knockin Shop”. We passed the radio telescope and turned eastwards at Kinnerley, and then started to head back north through West Felton before arriving wet and bedraggled at our destination after 23 miles.

It was good to get out of the wet, though we’d have preferred the radiators to have been on to help dry our gear – but it wasn’t a cold day so we couldn’t really grumble. We spoke about the shortages of fuel and lorry drivers, the absence of foreign holidays, dreams and how chickens are now raised. Food and drink were consumed and soon it was time to leave.  

Photo by AO

The weather forecast had promised a respite after lunch: showers and sunny spells were anticipated.  But we didn’t notice any change, though as we followed the Montgomery Canal, we did appreciate the smooth road surface. When we then crossed the canal, it was by the steepest humpback bridge I know, and then we were in Welsh Frankton. Determined to avoid the muddy lanes mention above, we took the lanes to Old and New Marton, and arrived in St Martin’s just as the schools were closing. Navigating the congestion, we headed down to the A5 roundabout and again made our way to Weston Rhyn, in order to drop down to the Ceriog Valley and take the more pleasant route back into Chirk. 

Back at the café, Andy, Mike and I stopped for a drink and said goodbye to the others. We had completed 38 miles, and although it hadn’t rained heavily throughout the day, it had been fairly persistent; but that shows you don’t need good weather to have a good time.

See route map and/or gpx file download

SH

5th March 2020: Queen's Head (mod)

Arriving late at Cleopatra’s, having to spend my coffee and chat time sorting out my front derailleur. I was asked by the now formed Mod’s group of SteveT, Steve NM (New Member), George, Andy B, Electric Pete and Bob, whether I knew of a route to the Queen’s Head. Yes, I replied, I have one from about six years ago (2013) when I last took a tribe of CER’s to visit what was a popular watering hole. We bade our farewells to Dave & Liz P who were on their own ride, Neil who had other commitments and the Briskers.

Photos by Mike G

 Crossing the A534 we stopped to admire the flooding of the fields. Having to bypass Sutton Green as the lanes were flooded, we quickly made our way to Bangor on Dee then gentle climbs and dips with a tail wind taking in the lanes east of Overton via Cloy Hall. On to Dudleston Heath, when SteveT decided to try his falling off technique on one of the deeply rutted roads. Fortunately, he was going slowly and no damage done. Also, lots of ‘Muddy Puddles/Wheel Washes’ as highways were still flooded in parts from the recent storms. After a short left and right in Dudleston Heath we made our way onto towards Perthy and Welsh Frankton. Panoramic views of the distant hills were observed as the sun shone. Over the Llangollen and Montgomery canals and onto Rednal where we then followed relatively clean back lanes to the Queens’s Head.

On arrival, the car park was full and another cycling group were having lunch, their bikes were generally of the steel frame (Dawes) variety. Managed to find space for lunch, but because of its popularity food took a little time to serve. That said the quality was good as were the ales and we got away on time. Lunchtime discussions ranged from Cruises and of course Coronavirus.

Rested, well fed and watered we returned via Tetchill and Ellesmere with slight breeze against. Onto Penley and Threapwood, where Bob advised he was ‘Cream Crackered’. Took the direct route back, through Shocklach returning to Holt by 3:40pm for a relaxing afternoon tea, just having cycled 49 miles. Overall an undulating ride, with some appalling road surfaces, but an excellent days riding.

See route map and/or gpx file download

MG

1st December 2016: Holt to Queens Head (brisk)

Thursday was advertised as a cold sunny day; and it was as I left home at -1C. Not as cold as Tuesday however, when Ray, John W and I froze our way out to Minshull's Garden Centre cafe at Bradfield Green - worthy as a lunch venue, as we had waitress service in a busy cafe. Ray was at Cleopatra’s just before me and then, Dave H, John M and Steve H arrived. I fancied a 48 miler to Queen’s Head pub at Queens Head - and this was agreed. Just as we were leaving, the Tandem Duo arrived, and we then instantly split into two rides:- one to "Whitchurch" way ( but actually Street Dinas), and a Brisk Trio to Queens Head. 

I planned to use the “main” roads to Overton to minimise the use of any icy lanes until the sun had warmed the air somewhat. Around Cross Lanes however, John was suffering from the after effects of a cold, so decided to call it a day and head for home. So Ray and I slid through Bangor on Dee to Overton. Out towards Ellesmere, we take the tiny lane to Rhewl and pass through another Cross Lanes before ducking and diving to Perthy. Most of the lanes were just wet, but a few had a thin icy veneer and caution was employed. 

Cresting the hill at Welsh Frankton, we were rewarded with a panoramic view of Maesbury marshlands and the hills towards Welshpool in their finest winter misty cloak. Arcing around to Babbingswood, it was a short run down the old “A5” road to the Queen’s Head pub at just after 1200. It was already busy with ladies-that-lunch and OAP groups, but Ray and I were soon served with  a very nice "soup and sandwich" combo. 

The route back was northwards, with the low sun out of our eyes at last, towards Tetchill and Ellesmere. After a while however, the sun was in our eyes again as I realised we were off course. So a minor course correction at Lower Hordley got back into Ellesmere via Lee .We then take my favourite route back to Holt running always northwards via Trench and Sandy Lane, and arriving back for a last coffee at Cleopatra’s for 1445.

By 1515 we are ready to leave for the drag back to Chester with 72 miles on the clock just as the sun was setting. Thanks to Ray for sticking with me today, otherwise it would have been a lonely and cold ride! Where were the rest of you then!

CA

9th October 2014: Queens Head (brisk)

Setting off from home to meet Clive in Chester for the ride to Holt we were both kitted out in wet weather gear and cycles with mudguards, as the forecast was a wet day. We arrived at

Hildegard’s for coffee without a drop of rain falling.  Already gathered and still arriving were Jim, Tom, Dave H, Keith, Steve, Colin, Trevor, Liz & Dave on the tandem, Clive and Ivan. The brisk group today would consist of Tom, Colin and Ivan. A route to Queens Head was agreed and we set off. 

Leaving Holt we crossed over the Dee and up through the town heading for the usual route to Shocklach and Worthenbury. After a short time it was the first and only call to stop and put on rain jackets, as the rain fell in buckets, but thankfully only for 15/20 minutes. This was the one and only drop!!  Otherwise a fine day in 14˚C sunshine - weathermen!!

We cycled on passing Lightwood Green, crossing the A539 to Doddleston Heath.  We then passed through our first flooded lane giving Tom a dirty bike and face as he was pushing up the rear keeping us together but suffering with spray from our wheels. Riding along Birghill Lane (no hill) was similar to a summer’s day in glorious sunshine, onto the B5009 taking us to Queens Head and the excellent Queens Head pub. We had a good lunch stop here although Tom would have preferred a pub with a bigger heater as he was wet and chilled.

Photograph by Ivan Davenport

We were soon back in the saddle and taking the left hand lane from the pub, Woodhouse lane, it was a change to have a flat ride for a few miles instead of a climb straight after lunch following the Montgomery canal and on to Hordley. Here we encountered Road Closed but continued to be greeted by nice tarmac engineers who only advised us to travel cautiously which we complied with. After leaving the very bumpy roads we were through Techhill and not remembering the hill after enjoying the sweeping downhill ride to be greeted with the steep climb as soon as you round the bend - wrong gear!

Passing through Ellsmere we were then passing Penley and Horseman's Green when Tom announced he had a mechanical problem - slipping gears. Ensuring Tom's continued progress we slowed our pace to Tilston and Crewe by Farndon arriving in Holt just after 15:00. 

Tom decided to carry on home and sort his bike out so Colin and myself set off for Chester and decided to stop at Aldford for a break.

Overall a reasonable dry day and enjoyed the lanes but they are now muddy with farmer’s tractors etc. The standard of road surface is certainly improving with only a few really pitted roads encountered but some lovely smooth lanes to allow a cranked up surge in pace. 

Thanks to Tom and Colin for a good ride. 71 miles total journey (51 miles from Holt) and 914 metres of ascent at an average 14.8mph.

ID

18th April 2013: Queens Head

It was cool, dry and very windy as we congregated at Hildegard’s. Dave H, Dave & Liz P, George, Paul, Petar, Ray and myself. Brian Mac and Martin were out on a separate ride.
Dave H enquired as to whether anybody had any suggestions where to go and being the first with the Queen’s Head was duly handed his latest GPS equipment in the form of OS Map sheets 117 & 126 to plan a route. After about 10 minutes deliberation taking account of the windy conditions we were of meandering our way along the lanes towards Sutton Green. On through Bangor on Dee then gentle climbs and dips with a tail wind taking in the lanes east of Overton via Cloy Hall, Adra felin then on to Dudleston Heath. After a short left and right in Dudleston Heath we made our way onto Greenbank, Higher Ridge, Perthy and Welsh Frankton. Panoramic views, of the distant Welsh Hills, Briedden Hills and the Long Mynd area to the south were observed. Lower Frankton soon followed and we passed over the Montgomery Canal on a ‘severe’ humpbacked bridge. Queries on how far to the Queen’s Head were being received, so I decided not to extend the run via Haughton and Grimpo but head straight on through Rednal where for about 3 miles we cycled against a strong headwind to our lunch.
Rested, well fed and watered we returned via Tetchill and Ellesmere with a following wind. As we headed towards Overton Dave & Liz P decided they would return at their own pace, so keeping the wind in our favour, the remainder of us turned right pedalling onto Penley and Threapwood. We continued on through Chorlton, Horton Green and Tilston returning to Holt for afternoon tea just before 4:00pm having cycled 50 miles. For those from Chester they would eventually cover 70 plus.
MG

27th October 2011: Queens Head

The weather was supposed to improve but that was just Scotch Mist as it rained on and off all the day: not heavy, but enough to be annoying and guaranteeing that you would need to wash the bike when you got home.  There were twelve apostles this week at Hildegard’s café i.e. Brian, Paul, Janet, George, Ray, Alan, Dave M, Dave P, Martin, Mike G, Ivan and myself.  Jim was out just to collect £5 Christmas lunch deposit and Liz was acting as a one-way chauffeuse for Martin.  The route was sausage-shaped heading for the eponymously named pub at Queens Head: a near flat 50 miler.

The route out was via Worthenbury, then to Holly Bank to cross the A525 bound for Dudleston Heath.  There then comes a list of odd named hamlets such as Perthy, Crickett, The Ridge and Welsh Frankton.  A short section of the A595 got us over the canal bound for Babbinswood and the Queens Head pub.  A fast 23 miles in about 90 minutes.  The fare at the Queens Head was judged to be very good and excellent value for money.

Queens Head

Photograph by Alan Jeffs

Off we set from the car park when Ivan realises he has a potential puncture.  A re-inflation sorts the problem out and we set off again.  Just up the road with Ivan and Dave P racing up the lane to Rednal, I hear a ping sound and thinking it is a stone in the mudguards, carry on only to stop a little further up the road to find a spoke has gone in the rear wheel.  Luckily only a minor wobble in the rim, so I vow to use low gears to get home rather than standing on the pedals in high gears.  Up the road we find Ivan changing the recently re-inflated rear wheel.  In no time we head for Ellesmere and then into the bandit country on the English Welsh border around Penley.  Rather than head straight back via the Shocklach road, I plan a deviation via Threapwood, Chorlton and Tilston before taking Wetreins Lane back to Holt.  Here quite a few head off for home leaving Brian, Janet, Martin, Dave P and myself tucking into cake at Hildegard’s again.  Not quite a three puncture ride like the last two weeks, but with Paul having a rear wheel puncture on his second outing with us (just like his first time), it was nevertheless a classic CER ride.  Returning into Chester with Dave P on his fixie, I managed 75 miles overall and am glad that the rear wheel held for the 40 miles home from Queens Head.

A relatively incident free ride this week.  The most noticeable thing was that we all kept together and it was overall a fast ride.  A lot of riders commented on this.

CA