. As the weather forecast was predicted ,Sunny warm dry weather last week . I decided to go on a Cycle & Camping Expedition to Cheshire ( 'For A week' )and over the Border to Denbighshire ,North Wales .So with my panniers all packed , I set off from Handforth, Nr Wilmslow and out my usual route onto the Cheshire Cycleways . Mobberley Ollerton Toft to Davenham . Picked up the Old Chester road A556 and down to the crossroads to the A49 . Headed South and then turned off after a few miles off the main road and stayed on a Rural campsite Shays Farm . Next day , off out onto the A49 down towards Tarporley . ,turned off just before to the A51 headed West and turned South at Clotton and down to Tattenhal along lovely pleasant country lanes crossed the A41 coming out at Clutton onto the A 534 headed West towards Wrexham eventually after Holt and going round In circles on the Wrexham Industrial Estate . And nearly going to Bangor- Is -Coed . A525. I doubled back and found Clays CC site , booked In for the night After tea sat out in the lovely sunshine . Next day headed towards Wrexham on the cycle lanes after meandering around the town center found my way out to the main Ruthin A525 road . little did I know I was in for some Uphill Fun . The road started to rise up gradually up to a place called Barn hill stopped for a breather took my Isostar drink . But found the road going more and more steeper and winding and I could not see the top or the end . So most of the time I got off the bike with my heay panniers and pushed . Eventually after what seemed an eternity I got .( 3-5 miles) to what seemed the top. I seen a Sign Saying Coed Poeth " The Highest Village In N/Wales . " Well blow me over with a feather". Was It the End Highest point' No' the road carried on upto the next place Called Bwlchgwyn . I stopped In a layby to get my breath and look at the panoramic view across to Mold & Chester . After a while I got over the tops and started to freewheel downhill to Llandegla Village past the Forest on the A525. And onto the turning to crossroads on A 5104 road to Llangollen . And comming downhill at good speed for about 3 miles Found a Lovely Campsite with a little river running through and looked very peacefull. Its Called Llyn Rhys paid a very reasonable £7. It was that nice and been quite knackered after tea I decided to stay 2 nights ,and rest and chill . Good decision . I made friends with other campers on site and sat around a fire brazier at night chatting and swopping tales . Next day Thursday I cycled North on the A5104 towards Chester 20miles away It was the Usual uphill 3 Miles and the all mostly downhill to Chester . I made my way In and out off the Town centre to Exit via the A 51 heading East . Towards Stamford bridge and Kelsall , Could have stayed at Northwood Hall but swerved It with the thoughts of having Fish & Chips on Friday night at the Well Known Delamere CC site . By the time I got there I was tired . Booked In £8:45. O.K. although packed Karen the Manageress "Who Is always very obliging with a smile" Found me a hidden copse at the far end of the Site near the forest and pathways . " I was very much greatfull" .Had a nice evening sitting In the Sun after tea/shower went for a walk In the forest . Next Day Saturday . I Made my way back to the Chester M/C rd A 51/ A556 . Made good time to Plumley to rest up at Lower Peover . Sat down On my Usual bench In amongst the Scarecrow display . ( as I had no choice ). Everybody laughted who passed by . Including Motorist . Another Cyclist Joined me as It was the only Shaded place out of the Hot sun . A couple of hours passed as we got carried away . With 12 miles To go I just cycled slowly home to take It all in . I surfaced at Home In Handforth just In time for tea . It was one of the most enjoyable trips I have ever had . And a great Adventure for a person like me who has retired over the last 2 years .. It took a bit of planning especially getting all the gear together . And a big thanks to My 40 year old 1970 Raleigh Steel "Invincible" Touring bike . For getting me there and back . Total Milage 130Miles . " Ain't Cycling and Camping Brilliant ".
you cycled pretty close to where I live, I know those roads well and am amazed you got up them with all your kit! Well done you! It sounds like a lovely trip. There's really no need to go too far to camp, the UK is so beautiful and we take our local areas for granted :)
that's some achievement that is i take my hat of to you zizag
not only the route but the never ending hill
And the bike you did it on pure genius, just goes to show you don't need a mega priced light touring bike.
well done no doubt your planning your next journey.
------------- If you want the ultimate, you've got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. It's not tragic to die doing what you love.
fed_x_bomber187@Hotmail.com
Many Thanks Fedster. . Fortunately I did not know about the long Hill/hills . "They say Ignorance Is bliss". I dont like turning back ,from anything I set out to do . Being an old half marathon Runner , now jogger over 25 years has given me a good battle hardened ability . I honestly dont find cycling hard Only when I have gone out loaded with 25 Kilo's of camping and weelky gear . ( Its much easier than running ).
Yes you guessed right . I have already planned my next trip to go to North Wales along the Old coast road . So I bought an Up to date map of Chester .
I have found out there are 2x dedicated cycle path's 8 miles long . Heading out West .Through and out of Chester . So It save's me cycling with all the Inner traffic .Just waiting for the weather to go nice again . And the OH give me a ton to spend Cheers .
Well done Ziz..not Zig...doh!!! That's some going for an old timer mate! Keep off those main roads and try to stick to the paths/lanes. I like the look of Shay's Farm. New one on me but I know the route there now mate...Cheers!
Hello Psyklon .. I did try to Have Zigzag. " Thinking of a guy weaving In and out of other bikes "!!!!!!!!!!!!
As a (Nom de Plume ) On the Cycle chat Forum . For Cyclist's
But some other Geezer beat me to It . So I opted for ZIZAG . On the UKC. " And never you Mind The old timer bit ". As age Is all In the mind ................... Well sometimes I think that .
Yes I do my best to keep to the country lanes ,especially the Cheshire cycleways . If you do go to Shays Farm . And It Is a Farm . Its very Rural and quite remote . You turn off the A49 on the left as you head South . Just before the horse riding Stables and the Posh Hollies Caravan site , Longstone Lane ,then left ( Shays Lane )as the lane bends to the right. The campsite Is down past the Farm Into a dip down to a valley . It has a fishing lake on site . And 2 large fields for camping With Only Portaloo's . Also 2 x Overspill fields with nothing on them . There was hardly anybody onsite when I went . Some Caravans spread out and one large tent . Surprising for High season . The charge £ 10 for single tents . A little more than the normanl . 7 or 8 quid . I found It quite eerie!!!!!!!!!!! as It was so quite and peaceful . I've got It as one of my places to stop when coming and going to Cheshire . I got badly bitten at Delamere forest last time as I was at the extreme end of the Campsite possible because Its nearer to water pools and lake . Even though I used lots of repellant . So there you go . These are the pro's and Con's . P.S. I'm also weighing up Birch bank Farm Campsite at A 51 Christleton. Supposed to be cheap . . 3 miles from Chester As another option .