Over the years, Cycleit2 has reviewed each Stockport Community Cycling weekend ride individually, However, for this Chester Club weekend 2023, we have decided to provide an overview review instead. Indeed, it is mostly photos with just a little text. The photos themselves are not just our own, but a compilation gathered from different SCCC members.

Saturday

Two groups (an hour apart) met at Hooton Rail station for a cycle ride around the Wirral, essentially following a section of the Wirral Circular Trail. Sarah and I were leading the second group.

The route joins NCN Route 56 and follows the path of the old railway track.

Unfortunately, after just a few miles one of the riders on the second ride, Cath, suffered a serious accident. This necessitated a lot of intervention measures.

Once we were sure Cath was in good hands we were able to move on. The route took us to Parkgate.

Then back onto the railway path again and made our way through Heswall.

After leaving the railway path we navigated our way through Thurstaston and on to Irby where we stopped for lunch at The Shippons. The service was quick and the food was excellent. Recommended.

Following lunch, we rejoined NCN Route 56.

Our route took us through the villages of Storton, Brimstage and Thornton Hough.

Finally, we returned back to Hooton having cycled almost 26 miles.

After arriving at Chester University campus we proceeded to enjoy a relaxed evening of food and drink.

Sunday Longer Ride

It was a fine morning for a cycle ride. Our route would take us out through Chester and on to Buckley and Flint.

We began by following NCN Route 45 and briefly joining the Shropshire Union Canal

After leaving the canal we cycled around the edge of the racecourse.

We left Chester along Dukes Drive before making our way out to Higher Kinnerton. From Higher Kinnerton a section of climbing into the hills began. This took us up through Buckley and perhaps most ‘notoriously’ up into the Halkyn hills … where, once up, we gathered our breath.

We then cycled along the ridge overlooking the Dee Estuary.

At Halkyn we stopped off at the Britannia Inn for some lunch. We were only provided with a limited menu, but we were given an excellent deal and the food was excellent.

After lunch, we began a steep descent back down to the Dee Estuary shoreline. Here there is a bit of a hidden gem – Flint Castle.

Built between 1277 and 1284 it was the first of Edward I’s ‘Iron Ring’ of fortresses to be built along the North Wales coast.

Upon leaving Flint we joined NCN Route 5 through Connah’s Quay.

Then across the River Dee and along the cycle path back to Chester.

This cycle ride covered 40 miles and provided an interesting and enjoyable mix of hills, cycle paths and places to visit.

Sunday Shorter Ride – Beeston

You would be forgiven for thinking those on the shorter ride had spent the day merely sitting around, or sitting around and eating! Unfortunately, we were unable to gather many photos from this ride.

This ride also set out along the Shropshire Union Canal.

The riders then headed out through Christleton and on through the Cheshire lanes to Beeston.

The plan had been to stop at the cafe at Tattenhall Marina for lunch. Unfortunately, at the last minute, they were informed the kitchen had to close due to faulty equipment. Instead, a lunch (of sorts) had to be taken on the roadside.

The return back to Chester was through Saighton. Then, just as they were entering the outskirts of Chester they found an eatery enabling them to enjoy a well-earned ‘proper’ meal!

This was a ride of some 27 miles and that was the end of the Chester Club Weekend. It completed another excellent club weekend.

Then it was time for us all to go home.