30th July 2026 : Sleap Airfield (brisk)

It was a small turnout at Chirk this morning: Anthony, Welsh Andy, Clive, Nick, Shane and myself. Anthony was just out for a coffee and, following Andy’s previous week of cycling in the Welsh Cycling Festival, he was going back to his much loved lanes and roads. Clive had a route to Wem and I had an option to go to Sleap. As it was such a nice day we thought lunch watching the aviators was a good option. In the end the ride was co-led by both Clive and myself. 

Nearly all roads out of Chirk plunge out of the centre only for us to become acquainted with our bursting lungs on the steep little climb from the river upto Brongarth. We now set off for Gobowen on the super little lanes that Chirk delivers in spades in the summer. These same lanes (with sand and soil up the middle) become quite treacherous in winter hence the move to Walk Mill over the wetter colder months. 

Riding past the large Orthopaedic hospital in Gobowen, it was encouraging to see a huge new building being erected. This hospital has served at least two of our members well in the past. We must have had a tail wind as the miles zipped under our wheels and we were soon through West Felton and entering Myddle. As we approached Myddle Nick sped to the front and announced he wanted to draw our attention to a feature.  At the side of the road there are some sandstone rocks will peculiar markings - see photo!

These channels and what appear to be a series of depressions are part of the glacial water melt , running under the glacier and causing channels and small water falls thus the round depressions. Nick’s knowledge about this glacial deposition was both interesting and informative. 

Dimples and channels made by glaciation

Sleap airfield is only a stone's throw from Myddle and the sandwiches and drinks service was first class. There were a number of small aircraft taking off and landing and the cafe very quickly filled up.Understandably discussions over lunch were biased towards air travel, culminating in Clive’s story of his commercial flight nearly crash landing at Moscow Airport when on a business trip there. 

A fine day at the aircraft parking area

The return route on my computer would have taken us on the main road into Ellesmere , so remembering our last visit to Sleap, I asked Clive to navigate us back. Apart from a mishap in Tilley where the Network Rail guys had sellotaped / zip tied the gate to the crossing closed ( they sat in their vans and didn’t even have the decency to advise us the crossing was closed). Undaunted, Clive's homing pigeon senses routed us across another way and we were soon zipping upto Loppington. 

My route , as previously mentioned had us on the main road to Ellesmere , but Clive had a cunning plan to go via Cockshutt , Hordley and up into Lower Frankton. The draw of the Ice Cream shop in Whittington Castle grounds was strong and we all availed ourselves of cold ices. Clive's suggestion of a downhill route to Gobowen and then a further plunge into Chirk was warmly received leading us arriving back in Chirk having covered 54 miles in glorious weather. 

Thank you to Clive for co-leading and Shane and Nick for their company. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve H

14th August 2025 : Sleap Airfield (brisk)

Well what a turnout at Chirk, and a first for me to see Dave Pipe arriving before Dave Heath! Both groups were well attended at a venue that can see some of the lowest turnout being its a farthest flung start point. 

I had previously recce’d Sleap Airfield as lunch stop as this weekend (16/17 Aug) they were hosting a 1940’s weekend and I wondered if there would be some vintage aircraft around. 

As we waited to depart the cafe under mild drizzle, nothing could take the shine off Keith’s new bike; what a beauty and stealthy looking beast. So our group consisted of Briskers Nick and Clive plus apprentice brisker Chris, Mel & Kevin, Shane and myself. A Chirk ride wouldn’t be a Chirk ride without hills and these were soon felt at the turn by Castle Mill to Bronygarth. This climb pulls for quite some time and set the tone for the early miles. 

It was great to see Chris back on form today, so much so it looked like a Pogachar/ Vingergaard duel as we entered Whittington, I can’t tell you won as we were all so far behind such was the ferocity of the attacks!

Whilst the roads were dusty and sandy in the crown of the road with the occasional bits of grass they were empty and provided a lovely way of zooming through the countryside. Our progress was halted for a short while, whilst a hapless learner blocked the road. However clearly a former teacher or Headmistress took control and directed us through before sorting out the roadblock. 

Some large sections of busier roads soon had us passing Marton and on to Myddle. Here a quick plunge again on a busy road took us into Sleap airfield. Whilst there were no 1940’s aircraft the Green Goddess type army trucks were arriving and setting up for what I’m sure will be a fabulous weekend of nostalgia. 

Over lunch were were lucky to be in the company of former aviator Shane and father of a soon-to-be qualified commercial airline pilot, Nick. Both had been to Sleap before either taking off and landing or watching nervously whilst his son and heir did the same. After a pleasant lunch sat outside, Kevin and Mel decided to make their own way back to Chirk meaning we were now down to a quintet of various abilities. 

Clive did an excellent job of leading us out through Nonely to Loppington and English Frankton. At this point we espied another group of athletes ahead this being none other than the mod group of two Daves, Andy & Keith. After a brief chat, we took the “families” route to Colemere and then onto Ellesmere. Just after Dudleston Heath, the rain that had threatened all day shifted up a gear. In the matter of two minutes we went from dry roads to flooded roads. Clive, always the bringer of good news, also advised it was now “uphill” all the way to St Martins.

Leading us out, Clive powered up the hills seemingly flattening them, then our apprentice brisker Chris took to the front and dragged us along all the way to St Martins. The canal finish was the chosen route as it avoids the last pull into Chirk by which time the sun had come out and we were all pleased to see our cars after 49 miles. 

That is of course if you exclude Chris who was now planning his ton for the day. Including his ride to the station Chris managed an admirable 100 miler on a mixed weather day.

A brilliant days riding in excellent company , enhanced by Mel joining us for morning. 

See route map and/or gpx file download

Steve Hu 

14th July 2022: Sleap Airfield (mod 1)

It was a pleasant surprise to meet Clive's granddaughter, Holly, who had recently returned from South America, and was now doing a stint at Cleopatra's. There was an encouragingly large turnout, including Richard Hall, our very welcome latest recruit. The moderates split into two groups, one of these led by Neil on one of his inventive circular tours. I had three possible destination offers, although suggesting that, “I would prefer to go to Sleap” may have not been an inspiring invite to those who had never heard of the Shropshire aerodrome! Nevertheless, Mike D, the Steves, Peter, Pipey, and Trev were up for it. Just as we were leaving, Graeme from Malpas, who used to be a club member, but had to drop out, greeted me. He was looking well, and it was pleasing to see him again, and have a short chat.

The initial route was via Farndon, Wetreins and Tilston. The pace was easy, the wind behind us, and the atmosphere was relaxed and sociable. I took my familiar, small lane, scenic route avoiding Malpas. The route takes us past Nick's house, whose neighbour is also a cyclist friend of Dave Pipe's. So: Chorlton Lane, Oldcastle Heath, Lower Wych, left past Strift House and on to Whitewell, where we stopped off to look at the attractive white church of St. Mary's. There were two lovely little cottages adjacent to the chapel in this peaceful green setting, what a lovely place to live! 

St Mary's Church, Whitewell - Photo by Steve T

Fenn's Bank and Platt Lane were next, but exploring other little lanes to reach Wem is always tricky, and you can soon find you are running late for lunch. 13.15 was our eta for lunch at the Pegasus Cafe at Sleap Airfield today, but we didn't expect any problems, as the cafe was open until 5p.m. After Hollinwood and Whixhall it appeared to be quickest to cut to Waterloo, and then thrum down the three miles or so into Wem with a tailwind. We turned right at the church in Wem and headed south on the B5476, before cutting off north east to Sleap, riding in on a section of old runway. We reached the cafe in the control tower exactly on time. We chose to sit outside and watch the little training planes come and go. On the grass, close to us, what looked like a second world war plane was parked, although we failed to identify the model. The setting was relaxing, and the food was fine. The cafe's sweets were now tempting some, and we could stay here all day in the sun and breeze, but the taxi fares back to Holt could be costly. We were certainly enjoying the novelty of our destination.

Back to reality, we had already ridden thirty miles, and the return would be mostly into the breeze. A quick route back was required. So, it was back up to Tilley, via a walk across the railway line, and then through Commonwood and Noneley, right at Northwood to Bettisfield passing the lovely converted station house, and the restored locomotive down on our left. From Hanmer it was up the steep bank to Three Fingers, and onward north to Tallarn Green and Threapwood. Some way before Shocklach, Steve Tan was riding away, and as I turned my efforts up a notch, I was followed by Steve Haywood. Leading into the wind was a good workout for two miles or so, but I was grateful that Steve took over, and I could just hang on to his back wheel until reaching the main road at Farndon where Steve T was waiting. I had just been wishing that Steve Haywood had been built like a grizzly, in order to be a more effective windbreak for the last four brisk miles! We then waited a little longer, but really wanted to ensure that Cleopatra's wouldn't close just as we arrived, as had happened once before. Thankfully, our orders were taken, and we were able to sit outside with our coffee in paper cups, when they locked up. Mike made it, but my apologies to Trevor, who, I presume, rode straight home on the B1530 to Churton. Fifty-six very enjoyable miles for those arriving by car; significantly further for Trevor and Peter, I hope everybody enjoyed the evocative destination. I certainly enjoyed their company.

See route map and/or gpx file download.

DH

N.B. I am Almost certain that the plane at Sleap is an Avro Anson (WD413) multi-purpose plane, often used by the R.A.F. For training. It can be seen on YouTube. Sleap is said to be pronounced “Slape”.

6th August 2015: Sleap (brisk)

The TV weather forecast promised “improvement throughout the day” as I set off with rain threatening bound for Cleopatra’s bistro. The sooner the Met Office gets their £99 million computer upgrade the better! 

Anyway, the coffee at Cleopatra’s is an improvement on Hildegard’s and the service is just as good. There were nine of us but, apart from Steve T and John, the rest were on personal local rides. So we three set off bound for The Raven in Tilley near Wem. Ivan had been there in Jan 2015, but the last time for me was in late 2011. As soon as we set off the rain came and was on and off all the way to Whitchurch. The route out was via Tilston, Duckington, Norbury and Marbury. 

Around Whitchurch we take the cycleway out to Alkington, which, at a surprising 420ft above sea level, was the highest road for today. We enjoy a further 10 miles of tiny lanes to arrive in Wem from the north. Exiting Wem for Tilley, I suddenly had a brainwave: “Have either of you been to Sleap airfield?” “No” was the reply, “Shall we go?” “Yes, please”. So, not knowing about the treat that they are in for, we motor down the main road for the 4-mile loop into the airfield. 

Photograph by Clive Albany

The cafe doesn’t disappoint with excellent quality, and quantity of food at very reasonable prices, coupled with a control tower side view of the aerial operations. Now that the runaway exit shortcut to Loppington is forbidden, I plot a circular route, initially southwards back via the middle of Myddle. We now enjoy 17 miles of tiny Shropshire lanes working our way back via Welshampton and Penley to Bangor on Dee. The sun is out very briefly as we head northwestwards. Arriving back at Cleopatra’s after 62 miles at 16.4 mph, we provide a bike-purchasing consultancy to “mein host” as tea and cake are consumed. The only disappointment of the day was the unexpected rain and late arrival of the sun. With 87 miles completed to home, it was a useful warm up for the 100 miler next week!

CA

10th October 2013: Shrewsbury

The weather was perfect; bright skies, lots of sunshine and a northerly headwind - an autumn day to relish riding down, for most riders, new country lanes - what's not to like about this ride! So a cyclist's dozen of bikes with 12 riders (Liz, Martin, Liz & Dave, Petar, Steve, Dave M, Bryan, Brian, Ray, Andy and I) congregated at the Sleap Airfield café overlooking runway 05-23. Bacon sandwiches and coffee set us up for a 47 miler calling at Shrewsbury for lunch at the Coach and Horses on Swan Hill. 

Photographs by Brian MacDonald

There were so many small villages and hamlets on this ride that I have chosen not to name them all including the blogger's eponymously named village that we cycled through, but the photo tells all. On an easterly loop out, I manage not to disappoint the group in finding a tiny lane to Stanton upon Hine Heath; it was metalled once about 25 years ago! The countryside is open and rolling with high-hedged lanes protecting us from the wind. Turning south to Ellerdine Heath, I deviate from the planned route to ensure we end up in Shrewsbury on time. We wiggle our way to Upton Magna and here, at the confluence of NCR 81 and 45, we take the 81 right into the town centre. My bike nav is playing up, but luckily Andy has been this way before so at Uffington he correctly accesses the former railway line towards the banks of the River Severn. We cycle right on along the river bank for nearly a mile exiting right by Swan Hill. 

Thanks to Clive for this one

The Coach and Horses pub was chosen on the advice of Brian's mate, who is a Shrewsbury pub aficionado. He wasn't wrong; a group table was laid up for us whilst we park our bikes behind an office block. There is a good choice of ale and food, and soon seated, the food arrives promptly. Back down Swan Hill, we continue a leisurely cycle along the river bank before walking across the bridge to begin our Shrewsbury exit route. There next follows quite a lot of thankfully quiet main road, although it is still the NCR81. At Montfort Bridge, we get back onto country roads bound for Baschurch. From here, the looping lane to Myddle sets us up for returning to Sleap café. The chocolate cake is demolished and Christmas Lunch deposits expertly extracted by Brian. A perfect ride to finish off the "summer" season.

CA

30th September 2010: Sleap

A bright last day of September beckoned with autumn definitely in the air – sunny and largely dry as promised by the forecasters.  This brought out 11 riders to Bellis Garden Centre café (Dave M, Dave H, Brian, Graham and Jane, Liz and Dave, Peter, George and Trevor and I).  I had planned a route with an unusual lunch destination south of Wem, taking in an eponymously named village for vanity’s sake.  With everyone in sheep mode, we were off out round the back of Farndon, and then to Tallarn Green and Sarn via Shocklach and Dog Lane.

 Photographs by Brian MacDonald

It was tempting to go via Dymock’s Mill but the longer route to Painter’s Green was selected instead.  Down passed Fenns Bank, we headed for Whixall and Waterloo and eventually into Wem itself.  Out of Wem on the main B road towards Shrewsbury, the original plan was to take a short diversion via Clive village and then double back to Sleap.  However with the rumbling sound of many stomachs drowning out the traffic on the B5476, I decided to go to Sleap directly.  Turning north for the first time the signs for the aerodrome came into view and, 29 miles from Holt, we arrived for lunch.

Sleap Aerodrome website mentions a restaurant but this was definitely a café.  Nevertheless the prompt service and elevated view over the airfield of light aircraft landing and taking off coupled with pilots from the nearby RAF Shawbury practising hovering in helicopters, made up for the rather meagre lunch portions.  After getting permission from local air traffic control, we were allowed to circle the airfield on the original WW2 aprons to exit the airfield and start our way NW to Holt.  

A short length of old road found us out of the airfield and onto very quiet and level lanes on our way to Loppington.  Shimmying through the village, we headed for Welshampton via Lyneal.  At Welshampton, Dave M struck out solo for Oscroft via Malpas direction as the rest of us continued NW to Penley.  

The usual way back was employed to get to Bangor via Cloy and then down the various lanes to Farndon.  With a group of this size, there were inevitable delays and incidents, apart from a few stops for directional corrections.  Graham was bitten by a horsefly and attacked by a rather large farm dog, whilst Dave H suffered a rear wheel puncture, and the tandem picked up a slow on the rear wheel within a few mile of Holt.  With only a few drops of rain late in the day, the round trip was just short of 54 miles, with those going back to Chester running up around 80+ miles.

CA