It had been a hot finish to Welsh Borders Day 4. The heat would continue throughout the day on Welsh Border Day 5.

We would also re-route again and venture back into England.

We began the day by joining the A490 and making our way in the direction of Llansantfraidd-ym-Mechain.

After leaving the A490 we followed the valley of the River Vyrnwy.

At Llansantfraidd-ym-Mechain we crossed the river and went into the village looking for somewhere for a little break.

We found the Drovers Oak Cafe. It was basic food. However, it had a small yard at the back that was in the shade. That was good enough for us!

After stocking up on some additional liquid at the nearby service station cum grocery shop, we cycled on towards the Wales/England border along the A495.

Then crossed into England and Shropshire.

We reached the outskirts of Oswestry.

Then, once in the town centre, went looking for somewhere to eat.

There didn’t seem anywhere suitable for us. Then, by chance, after a search on our phones, we came across The Courtyard Tearooms. This proved to be a wonderful little place providing a warm welcome and an excellent light lunch at a reasonable cost.

Afterwards, we headed out of the town and joined NCN Route 455. We passed Old Oswestry Hillfort.

Sarah went up for a look. The site is that of a large early Iron Age hill fort.

We continued cycling through the Welsh Marches.

Which brought us back into Wales just outside Chirk.

Here, we joined NCN Route 84 which took us along the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.

This took us past Chirk Marina.

Carrying on up along the canal, we arrived at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

We had visited this marvel of 19th century engineering on our Mid-Wales tour last year.

It was originally designed by civil engineers Thomas Telford and William Jessop. It provided a crossing for the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee near to an 18th-century road crossing.

We were just as impressed with the aqueduct as we were the previous time we had used it.

Tracey, of course, had to go down and have a look at it from below …

It meant she nearly missed the ice-creams!

Afterwards, it was a short cycle in to Ruabon. We were staying at the Wynnstay Arms.

On such a lovely day, we decided to finish with a well-earned pint.

Relatively speaking, this had been an easier day of cycling than most of our previous days. We were glad, since the temperatures were now becoming a major factor and sapping our energy. The places we had cycled through had also added to our adventures and memories.

You can view our Welsh Borders Day 5 route from Welshpool to Ruabon below:

Tomorrow we are off to Flint and then Chester.