Rivers and Villages

This 36 mile ride isn’t the simplest to navigate but allow yourself to tolerate its inconvenience by relishing the satisfaction that this long day in the saddle will bring you.

From the Antrobus Arms cross the main road and go down Wheatsheaf Lane before reaching the very impressive Marbury Country Park which has to be the flagship of the Mersey Forest and a fine example of community woodlands. Follow route 5 for almost all of the route. Join the joyous Weaver Way on the banks of the river’s namesake where you will experience several miles of good off road cycling passing through Vale Royal locks en route.  Reluctantly leave this after about 10 miles.  Cycle on through the lanes until you take a sharp right turn onto a track, then a field (maybe on foot through here) which leads you to Hopley House cafe and farm shop.   It’s good here and you can rest a while and have a cuppa.

 Reach Middlewich and cycle along the canal at Kings Lock. It’s only a short burst beside the water and shortly after go left up Kings Lane. After this the ride typifies Cheshire at it’s very best. It’s small wonder that part of this route carries the inviting title of ‘biking the  backroads ’ as you pedal sedately through attractive villages such as Moston, Allostock,  Plumley, Birley ,Pickmere,Wincham and Great  Bedworth, past the ice cream farm and eventually back to the pub.

In my own back yard.

About ten miles from Blackpool lies Over Wyre. a district totally indifferent to its somewhat overpowering neighbour. This ride starts in Stalmine on Moss Side Lane with a chance to enjoy some of the best countryside that’s on offer. Pedal along to the old Cartford Arms toll bridge where you’ll be stopped in your tracks for a minimal fee before crossing the A6 at Great Eccleston. Continue on this blissfully rural ride through Salwick, past Bartle Hall then Woodplumpton, crossing the Lancaster Canal three times before arriving at the ever popular Roots cafe via Blackleach Lane. Indulge yourself before returning to Stalmine visiting Bilsborrow and the pleasing market town of Garstang.  Don’t allow the relentless Skitham Lane dampen your enthusiasm as you roll up and down on its ultra smooth surface.  It’s 33 miles, flat, and it’s well worth the effort.

Somewhere very special.

The Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding  Natural Beauty is often overlooked as people continue up the M6 in favour of our most visited national park, the Lake District.  That suits me fine.  This area on the Lancashire and Cumbria border is a pocket of paradise.

You will experience express trains, the Kent estuary (after the River of the same name), hidden nature reserves and attractive towns and villages. The ride begins on a bend in the road where Sand Lane is located, a short walk from Cotestones Farm. Resist the temptation to follow the two inviting cycle routes nearby. Cycle into Warton and then along the Lancashire and Cumbria cycleways which will guide you in the direction of  farletonview tea room which actually lies a couple of miles out of the village.

Get there before 11.30 if you want a bacon butty! Then Woodhouse, Milnthorpe, and Sandside and gently back to the start. Just 22 miles of gorgeousness.

Meandering in Cheshire.

This ride starts in Lymm.  I’ve a habit of heading for a cafe for the obligatory coffee and cake only to find the place is closed !  The culprit in this case was Norton Priory. Despite this miscalculation and the inconvenience of a dastardly detour to accommodate the refurbishing of the Trans Pennine Trail this route has great credentials. There is the added bonus of many miles of traffic free cycling on this splendid 26 mile exploration of the Cheshire countryside. Take a look at the iconic old signal box at Stockton Heath which does its utmost to distract you from the otherwise chaotic environment. Also enjoy riding along the River Mersey, see the beautiful Bridgewater Canal, and pass through Halton, Moore, Daresbury, Stretton, and Appleton on your return to Lymm.