17th July 2018 : Southport (brisk)

None of the brisk riders could make Thursday, but the two Johns W and M readily agreed to accept Ivan’s offering of a Tuesday ride with the novelty of taking a train to Southport and riding home. 

Having left Chester not long after 8 a.m., we were soon transported by Mersey Rail to our seaside departure point. However, we were already in need of sustenance so Ivan treated John and I to a full English at the conveniently situated Wetherspoons. Appetites satisfied we were soon cruising along the promenade stopping to admire the starting point of the Trans Pennine Trail (photo). 

After initially heading north with views of the Morecambe Bay and the distant Blackpool Tower we soon turned inland, passing through the distinctive, rural flatlands of Hesketh Bank, Tarleton, Bretherton and eventually reached Moss Side. Turning south along the B5250 and near Eccleston came upon a most unfortunate cyclist who we managed to rescue. (photo). 

Good deed done, we motored on for a a few more miles before arriving at our planned lunch destination in Up Holland which is not as attractive as its name may suggest! Having gone to a lot of trouble to secure our bikes, we entered the pub only to find lunch was not being served and there weren’t any alternatives close by. So we continued on our way and having got some advice from a passing cyclist were soon entering the Colliers Arms in King’s Moss. It was fairly busy which was a good sign and we enjoyed substantial steak baguettes and decent beer.

We were soon back in the saddle pressing on south, bisecting Grange Park Golf Club via a trail. Reaching Rainhill, Ivan reminded us of its historic links with the railway. It was the site for the 1829 Rainhill Trials of locomotives to decide a suitable design for use on the new Liverpool Manchester Railway. The winner, of course, was the Rocket, designed by George Stephenson.

Soon we approaching the industrial and suburban sprawl of Widnes and Ivan guided us unerringly to the approach road to the old bridge to Runcorn which we all assumed would be open to us, even though currently closed to cars. However, the road was blocked and guarded by a worker who resolutely insisted we would not be able to pass until 4:30, an hour or so away. Ivan and John began planning a most unwelcome diversion via Warrington while I tried to coax a bit of cooperation from the guard who eventually went off to phone his boss. Before his return, I spotted a queue of local people up the road and enquired how the pedestrians and cyclists of Widnes and Runcorn crossed the Mersey while the old bridge was undergoing refurbishment only to be told that they were waiting for the shuttle bus that would transport us and our bikes over the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. Minutes later we boarded said bus and were whisked free of charge across the river to be deposited bang back on route on the other side! 

Ivan had no problem navigating through Runcorn and we were soon passing Sutton Weaver and on to Frodsham were we stopped for cake and coffee before completing the ride back to Chester. An enjoyable day out by train, bus and bike! The bike bit was 64 miles

See route map and/or gpx file download

JM

Photos JM  and JW

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