Snowdrops

The year is already moving towards Spring, although it remains jolly cold.  Again, Chester had a yellow warning for snow leading up the Saturday ladies ride, and although there was some on the distant hills, we had nothing - and with not even ice around, it is just a case of wrap up warm and head for the cafe!




23 ladies assembled, no new faces this month, an so after the photo we could go.

any ideas on an alternative to a long line up for the photos...?

I used the same route I had plotted in 2012, via Saighton, Waverton, Tarvin and Barrow.  But first, we have to get out of Chester.




We weaved through Hoole, using secret cut through's and snickets, to join the Canal at the end of Hoole Lane. 












 and then through Caldy Valley.

nifty removal of the bin makes the picture a bit better!

As mentioned, we headed to Saighton, and turned right.  Passing a bunch of runners, we had the debate should they be running facing the oncoming traffic, or with their backs to it as these were?

Nice steady ride after crossing the A41 through Waverton, past the Crocky Trail and Walk Mill, to cross the river Gowy.  Turning left then brings us to cross the A51, and into Tarvin.  This is an old village, with a few little gems of buildings still around.  There is a town trail, if you are interested, which tells you more about the history

"These black and white timber buildings date from the 16th century and are two of the oldest in Tarvin. They survived the fire of 30th April 1752, which destroyed most of the village buildings. Church House is of timber frame construction with wattle and daub infill and was once thatched. Inside are stone fireplaces with carved coats of arms. The building is thought to have been the vicarage until 1790."

After Tarvin, we crossed the A54 and followed the even quieter lanes around Hollowmoor Heath, and what I call 'the back' of Barrow.

I love the deep sandstone cuttings we have scattered around our lanes, sometimes topped with seasonal flowers such as bluebells or foxgloves.

Here is one not photobombed by Louise.





(Here is Louise!)

Louise was wondering how much further we had, as she was in need of a 'gate stop' to put it politely.  At this point I decided that, if we saw a suitable location, I would like to try to take a photo of a snowdrop (for the blog) and we could combine these activities (although not in the same shot!)


A little further down the lane, I found a suitable small clump of snowdrops (and Louise found a suitable gate).

A final climb up and over Dunham on the Hill, to meet the others at Cafe Fresh.

The other groups were already settled in the cafe, which has the most marvellous wallpaper!

wonderful woodlands!

Further Faster Ladies

Tropical suprise!

Kitchen table?!

The rest of the faster ladies

The groups and ladies all left, and as I was alone, I headed back the way I had come to family in Waverton, just because I could!

17 miles for our group to the cafe, Faster group had been up to Willington and Kelsall; Linda had brought the steady group round Wervin and Picton.