For the first of our two cycle rides, while staying in Chester, we put together a hilly route. The idea being we would cycle to the Welsh village of Eryrys. In the end, due to circumstances, we would cycle a little further, to the village of Llanarmon-yn-Ial instead.

It was a fine spring morning when we left Chester and crossed the border into Saltney.

We crossed over the River Dee.

Then followed NCN Route 568, the cycle path alongside the river.

After 5 miles, we crossed over the river at the New Jubilee Bridge at Queensferry.

We then picked up the cycle path along the side of the Aston Expressway at Deeside.

This took us towards Ewloe Green along Mold Road. Then a little further on we turned towards Buckley.

And up Buckley Mountain.

Dropping down the other side of the ‘mountain’ we found a travel stop and decided a cuppa was the order of the day.

After cycling through Mold, we tackled the main climb of the day.

This took us up Upper Bryn Coch. We took a breather halfway up.

Then continued climbing up Fford Las.

It was a fine view at the top, followed by a fine downhill section.

Of course, the climbing hadn’t finished. We still had to get up to Eryrys.

So, up we continued up Pant Du Road.

Until we reached Eryrys.

We had planned to have lunch in Eryrys. However, the pub was closed.

So, we continued on to Llanarmon-yn-Ial. Here, there was a fine community-run pub, The Raven.

After an enjoyable lunch, we set off in the direction Graianrhyd.

There was still some more climbing to do.

After a short climb up a track and a little further on we were at the top of the latest hill.

A long drop down Fford Cae Newydd was followed by a tough little climb up Fford Talwrn.

The final climb of the day took us along Chester Road and out of Penyfordd. It was just as well, Mike was tiring now. Indeed, we all were TBH.

Finally, after a few more twists and turns, we crossed back into England near Higher Killerton.

We had cycled over 37 miles today and climbed just short of 3,000 feet. Along the way, we had cycled along some lovely lanes, picturesque valleys and up some challenging hills with fantastic views as a reward.

You can view our Llanarmon-yn-Ial route below: