16th March 2017: New Brighton (mod)

Ness proved popular today with nine riders turning out for coffee. Jim and Trevor rode home as the rest of us (Bryan, Andy B, Keith, Dave H, George, myself and new rider Bob) set off on a Merseyside ramble to New Brighton. It was a lazy choice but, as no-one else had a route, this was the default choice. So out via Willaston, we pick up cycleway 70 to Childer Thornton. Down New School lane, I unfortunately pick up a rear wheel puncture. It’s was due to an arrow-head of glass. Luckily as I had just fitted a new chain, cassette and rear mech, the wheel was not too dirty. So, with help from Keith’s CO2 pump, we were on our way quite quickly.

Sliding through Eastham Village, we are soon down to the Mersey and emerge out of Eastham Country Park into the Bromborough industrial wastelands. The Wirral Circular cycleway is well signposted as we pass Bromborough Pool and New Ferry. We are soon into Rock Ferry where the 19th century mansions overlook the Mersey. Some are sadly dilapidated today, but it must have been a very desirable address back in the late 1880’s. We bob across the A41 dual carriageway only to meet it again at New Tranmere. Passing Cammell Laird’s yard, we are soon ducking and diving along the Merseyside towards Woodside Ferry and Seacombe Ferry quays. It’s now a pleasant ride along the prom to the Seaside Cafe at New Brighton. 

The cafe harks back to the 1950’s with its wooden bench "ferry" style seating and honest menu. We are all served pretty promptly, with Fish and Chips being a favourite. The sun is out and the wind is up, but it’s pleasant sitting inside the cafe. As I’m relating why the Nice Boys (Ivan, Tom and John W and now sadly minus Dave P) are not out today, John appears in the cafe complete with two rather attractive young ladies, namely his granddaughters!

The Seaside Cafe with its repleted customers

Mindful that the weather forecast suggested rain at 1500, we set off for home in glorious sunshine westwards down the prom. I have amended the return route to now take NCN56 back to Neston. This is not a trivial navigating task, but it’s made easy by Pocket Earth Pro mapping in Cycling mode, on my trusty iPhone 4S.So we wiggle our way back southwards to Bidston Village via Bidston Moss under the M53. Skirting Woodchurch and Noctorum, we are now taking Landican Lane still on the 56. It starts off well with a tarmac road, but then we veer off down a farmer’s track to exit in Little Storeton. Bryan recounted that the surface was "much improved", and I’m glad I haven’t cycled it before now!

It’s now downhill to Brimstage and Thornton Hough. Crossing the A540, we eschew the final part of the 56 to run down into Neston passing the old windmill. It’s only a short run now back to Ness Gardens with 38 miles completed. A few of us decide to run for home in case the rain arrives, and a few take a final coffee in the cafe. So no rain until 1730, good periods of sunshine, a "new" route back down the 56, and very pleasant company all day.

See route map and/or gpx file download

CA