Bears on the Plain

Actually I think the Cheshire Plain is much more Nantwich way,very flat over there.  This ride was just to prove we have hills in Cheshire too.  Another new cafe - although 1 year old and I have been here a couple of times - but new for the ladies ride.  It is also a little further but as it is August and still technically summer I thought it would be worth the extra miles and hills!

It was.

Holidays meant that although the weather was going to be nice, numbers were still manageable - a cosy 17 of us, split into two groups this month.  

Super Alex

Alex led a faster group, they headed off around Beeston.  We nearly did too, as I became a  little confused just after the ice cream farm; but soon rectified it.



We headed pretty much straight out, along the cycle path on the A41 to cross the A51 at the lights, and then cross to Pearl Lane and over the main road.  Christleton, Waverton (some mad hat drivers out today - had to pass the cyclists even though their turning is coming up.  No close ones though).  After passing rocky Trail, Martins Lane to Hargrave, and then towards Tattenhall, turning off by the ice cream farm.  

First climb - not a hill but a bridge over A55

Through Christleton

horses near Waverton
(you will need to squint at this as it is a bit blurry!)

another climb - but not a hill, bridges
over railway and canal

As we skirted Tattenhall, we started to climb towards Burwardsley (signposted the Candle Factory); actually quite a gentle pleasant incline.

lovely views to Helsby Hill

We waited a little for one lady (recent hip replacement, so doing very well!), but still made it before the faster group (so I could get the last heart-shaped cherry bakewell!)

Don't you just love our Cheshire countryside!  

Climbing hills brings its own rewards in the form of fabulous views - the great thing about the teddy bear cafe (apart from very speedy service) is they have a marvellous decked balcony terrace area, with super views across to Chester and North Wales.

Another grand thing about climbing hills is the downhill afterwards!  And heading right out of the cafe gave us several fast drops past Harthill and into Tattenhall.

From here we headed to Bruera (crossing the A41 again, and meeting a  racing club going the other way) and Saighton - another little hill but with one of my favourite views across to North Wales with Eaton Tower nestled in the trees.

After a suitable drop back down to Huntington, I led the remaining ladies through Caldy Valley nature park, because it is nice!