14th February 2019 : Rixton (brisk)

Clive, John W and myself arranged to meet up at the Mickle Trafford end of the Greenway for our cafe start at Delamere station and were joined by Andy B making his way out from Mold. The weather outlook for this Valentine's Day was the prospect of a really warm day but at 09:15 it felt quite chilly. By the time we arrived at the station café at Delamere, we were suitably warmed up.

The brisk riders today were Clive, John W, Nick and myself and a route to Rixton and a pub called the Black Swan was proposed. The only location I have seen another Black Swan is Dawlish town (Devon) but this pub had a good menu and several beers on offer.

Leaving the Moderate riders, we head out back to Hatchmere and Norley via Pytchley Hollow and for the first time met here an opposing car; we got out of the way!! Passing the Tigers Head inn, it is down hill to Acton Bridge and over the Weaver and uphill to Little Leigh. The lanes today are relatively dry and quiet. The low mist has been burnt away and we were enjoying warm sunshine and blueish skies.

From Appleton Thorn, we head down to Grappenhall and follow the Manchester Ship Canal passing an infamous landmark often referred to on road delay bulletins (see photos). 

Thelwall Viaduct on M6 from below

We could have ridden along the Trans Pennine track but today gave this trail a miss. Passing Lymm, we head towards one of the few crossing points on the canal at Warburton Bridge. You normally have to pay a 20p charge for road vehicles, but cycles are free. We have a photo shoot on the bridge before continuing the next few miles to our lunch stop at Rixton.

Warburton to Rixton Toll Bridge over Manchester Ship Canal

The Black Swan is actually in Hollins Green but the pub's website states Rixton, the village nearby. After a decent lunch, we have to return via the toll bridge to Warburton. There is actually a defunct rail crossing a little further along the canal, but due to vandalism and eroding structures, we decided to give this route a miss.

We pass over the Bridgewater canal and to High Legh crossing the busy A50 and on to Great Budworth. When passing the Anderton boat lift, I reflect on this ride that we have ridden over and along side a lot of water today. From Anderton we pass through Winnington before the long drag back up to Norley and Hatchmere crossroads. Clive, John and I say farewell to Nick who was cycling back to Delamere whilst we continue back into Chester

A short ride for a Brisk day out – from the Delamere café to Rixton it is 50 miles, but including our ride out and back home it is 70 miles for me and approx. 76 miles for Clive and John. Some new lanes ventured and a new venue for lunch concludes a glorious spring day out with friends.

See route map and/or gpx file download

ID

Photos by CA and JW