1st July 2010: Southport

The ride to Ness Garden centre was in drizzle and I was thinking it was going to be a wet day: not had one for few months.  How we long for the sun when it suits!!  I was last to arrive, being met there by the welcome faces of Liz and Martin and new rider 2nd time out George (Walker).
After the initial tea and cake (£1.00 so two slices) there was the question “where to?”  Quick decision made jointly to try to get to Southport. This would be difficult; as between the four of us we did not have a map or the benefit of an Active 10 Satmap.  We set off turning left out of the gates passing through Ness to Brimstage; we did not stop for coffee at the craft centre, as it was a quick sprint to this point.  We then picked up cycle route 56 to Bebbington where we lost the signs so continued on-towards Birkenhead and Hamilton Square rail station.  Tickets purchased, we crossed the water in quick time and was soon on the road to Southport.  This is where the ride got hot - the weather man said rain but it was really very warm and the sun beating down on the four intrepid riders going along a very busy dual carriageway A565.
With not a pub in sight - on arrival across the waters it was discussed whether to go to the Brewery near St James station but horror memory of last visit dissuaded us, so the only food joint was a truck drivers stop where we had beans on toast or cheese on toast - tea was very welcome.  After taking on fuel it was off again on the A565 to Crosby where we took a left onto the B5193 and a welcome break from traffic.  On rejoining the A565 it was to a welcome cycle lane to Formby where we had a quick trip along the footballers des res and going through the Formby Hills to Ainsdale where we joined the Trans Pennine route into Southport.

Photograph by Ivan Davenport

What a very nice place and a splendid trip arriving there at 15:45.
George had travelled by car to Ness Gardens and not wanting a repeat lock-in he decided to catch the train from Southport back to Neston to be sure of getting his car out of the car park.  After a rest in the Albert Inn and a couple of ales we all decided to travel back to Liverpool in comfort then cycle back home.  The journey was too comfy so we stayed on to Hooton where we alighted and again got on the saddle!!!  Simples!!!  I said farewell to Liz and Martin just before Ledsham to go our separate ways.
A good day out but would have been wiser to have a map.  Distance covered - not far by Easy Riders standers but a commendable 65 from door to door.  It is only 30 each way from Ness so next time Brian be prepared.
ID