Friday 24th
September 2004 (7.30am start)
Starting point:
verge on left ½ mile beyond Bickerton Poacher on the A534 Nantwich to Wrexham
Road
The date was fixed
to a small window of opportunity - 1 week before the trip to Prague, but, as
usual, we were blessed with sunshine and blue skies.
Keith J, Keith P,
Nigel, Kevan
Rob Belcher
Chris Mayer.
Bill T. Yup, Zoe,
Gerben, Spike, Tony, Joe, Steve, Ken 15
total
The route began in
single file along the Wrexham Road before turning to Bickerton and the climb to
the ridge. Pleasant villages were
stirring into life.
Careful timing was
essential and had been set by KJ to allow a quick sip of real ale mid way. The Pheasant was unwilling to open its door
until 12:00 but was too pretty to omit from the itinerary. Careful adjustment of course and pace failed
and the Pheasant was reached at 11:50.
Never mind we could enjoy the view over the Mersey estuary and Snowdonia
and be first at the bar. Was that the
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral out there in the mist?
The Pheasant
Inn, Burwardsley, Chester. CH3 9PF Tel
01829 770434
Serving Very
Quick and Snooty Real Ales Click
here for location
The time dragged
on despite the sunshine until 3 old codgers arrived and vanished through the
front door-zimmer frame and all. 15
thirsty walkers followed and beat them to the bar. Still the 5 minutes gained could be put to good use to consume an
extra pint of wonderful real ale of now forgotten name before rushing off to
maintain the schedule to be at the Bickerton Poacher for 1:00.
The way down
started in a befuddled way necessitating slight adjustment of the route and a
rapid descent through the forest without stopping to admire the views.
The beer worked
its magic again and we were drawn through a corridor of towering maize plants
in the wrong direction.
Thoughts of food,
drink and skittles drew us through the brambles to the Bickerton Poacher. An empty pub, a choice of beers (non really
real) and a wide choice menu just waiting to be micro-waved.
Serving Keg,
Courage Directors, Ruddles and a guest ale.
Click
here for location
The skittle alley
had been pre-booked, pre-paid and pre-omitted from the reservation list. No problem, open the door, leave your dirty
boots on, delegate Nigel to set up the skittles and bowl away. The alley was quickly littered in mud and
much time was spent by players cleaning their balls.
The first game was
won by Rob Belcher but his technique of bowl the ball so hard that it
frightened the life out of Nigel was learnt by others. The food was served, more beer was drunk,
and who cares who won the next few games.
Time came to
continue the walk but Gerben’s feet, more at home in wooden clogs, had been
rubbed to the bone. Poor Gerben and Zoe would have to remain at the Bickerton
Poacher until our return. Poor Chris
would have to remain to provide the taxi service back to Nantwich.
The journey was
made via a re-visit to the maize corridor to Raw Edge and the cliff top walk
return to the cars. Three cheers to
Keithee, but where were the lovers? Locked in the pub or locked in
embrace? Could Chris stay any longer?
Contact and
reunion was eventually made in Nantwich and 10 enjoyed a celebration curry in
Welsh Row after a quick pint or two in The Black Lion..
K J (Jacko)