Day 20 Broseley to Nantwich
Quick facts:
Weather: Sunny H22 L 13 humidity 88%
Wind SW 14 kph
Precipitation: 20%
Depart: The Lion Inn, Brosley
Destination: Premier Inn, 221 Crewe Rd, Nantwich, CW5 6NE. 0333 321 1335
Planned distance:49.1 mi 78.5 km
Planned ascent: 1,558
Planned decent: 1,919
Route: https://www.cycling4charity.org.uk/august-20
Please see Ralph’s Strava file for actual metrics.
Good morning Good day.
After saying goodbye to Barrie, who I had quickly become quite fond of, we were off again into the sunshine with the wind forecasted to be in our back! Who could ask for more??
Barrie had told us tales of his working life in the area in the 50’s. At 78 he is still hard at work long hours every day. Yes, Ralph and I are blessed with leisure time and favourable wind while Barrie cleans up the breakfast dishes and climbs the stairs
to make up the rooms.
It was a late start … closer to 10 am as I spent an hour successfully ordering an Ortleib in frame bag for theGiant. Ralph is concerned about the extra weight stresses on the frame with the two panniers. He added an in-frame bag a week ago for his new bike and was concerned about mine. It is his « spare» road bike. At 125 lbs I expect my weight plus my 26 pounds of travel items distributed in two panniers, is about the same as the adult man this bike is designed for. The issue is that almost all the weight is on the seat and the back of the frame. Better safe than sorry. The in frame bag will be waiting for me a few days down the road.
The special historical visit for today was at Iron Bridge now a lovely tourist destination but in 1781 it had a foundry that smelted iron ore. It was an early centre for the Industrial Revolution. With a supply of cast Iron nearby the Ironbridge was designed by architect Thomas Famolls Pritchard whose design was adapted and the bridge built by Abraham Darby III. It really is quite beautiful. The town of Ironbridge grew up around it although the Bedlam furnace had been there since being built in 1757-1759
The bridge is considered a monument to the Industrial Revolution and was promoted as an example of what iron can do.
This is the next bridge downstream. Also an interesting structure.
We pedalled up the gorge to explore the history, then found our way to the Silkin Way bike path for an enjoyable traffic free hour or two.
The trail took us into Telford where I took an “off course” route through a city garden and found several animals including this shiny fish.
Ralph likes visiting churches. I like visiting gardens. There are plenty of both in Britain.
There were also beautiful buildings housing libraries and at least one university and a very nicely designed and practical foot bridge we appreciated over the highway.
Cheswaredine boasts forever that it was a finalist in the garden competition.
I didn’t find a garden but there was a church for Ralph to explore.
Newport was our next stop for a coffee and conversation with locals having a meal. We have given out nearly 250 of our cards and donations for Haven House come in from people such as the couple we met here.
We were back in flat Shropshire Union Canal, country which amazed Ralph at how quickly the terrain can change. Everywhere was flat pasture and hay land.
The day ended as we rolled through medieval streets and squares towards Nantwich and the Premier Inn which is home tonight.
Another good day on the roads and trails.
Safe travels
Lorraine Nantwich