Day 9 - Coalport to Nantwich (49 miles)

Tuesday, May 31, 2011
I am writing this in the Crown Hotel, Nantwich. When I entered it for the first time at 6pm I staggered across the floor and had to lean against the wall. The stairs are crooked and the walls all slope. The chandelier appears to hang at 30° from true. I had to duck my head to enter my room and I couldn’t find my way back to the reception when the girl left me. I would photograph the room but there has been some kind of pannier explosion in here and it’s too embarrassing.
The hotel is 450 years old and completely charming.

The Crown - not a right angle in the place!

Today was cycle-touring as she meant to be do; no pushing, very little rain and better speed across the agricultural plains of Shropshire. A highlight was coming across a cluster of people staring at a rocky ledge and when a lady leant me her binoculars I saw the four peregrine falcon chicks trying out their wings and due to fledge in two weeks or so. They’re in the photo but even I can’t even see them and I know they’re there!

Peregrine chicks - honest