This ride is only open to members of the Wirral Cycling Group.  If you are an experienced rider who has ridden with other cycling groups and would like to join us on a ride, then please get in touch with us via the <Contact Form> so we can make arrangements.  If you have not ridden with a cycling group before, and would like to find out what riding with our group is like, then please book onto one of our monthly rides for newcomers.
You must not join a ride if you or anyone in your household is experiencing any of the Covid-19 symptoms
or if you have been advised to self-isolate

Pier Head to Carr Mill

10:00 Wednesday July 21 2021

Current Participants: 4 space(s) available

      The ride will be 49 miles long, Grade C+, and will start at 10:00 am from the Pier Head in Liverpool and will take about 5 hours (plus time for stops and lunch).  The ride leader will be Steve Whittaker and he will be at the Pier Head from 9:45. Merseyrail and Saveaway passes can be used on trains from Eastham Rake (0931), Leasowe (0931) or New Brighton (0936) to Liverpool James Street, or you can take the Mersey Ferry (0940) to the Pier Head.

      The route is mainly on roads, with approximately 2 miles on track and 3 miles on a canal tow path, with a Café stop at Carr Mill Dam.

      Addendum:  The start time is set at 1000am. However, I will wait a while, just in case any trains are delayed.

       

      Leaving Pier Head, we will set off south towards Otterspool promenade and onto Grassendale. Then, crossing Aigburth Road, carry on along Garston Old Road, Island Road and Clarendon Road, turning left at South Parkway, right along Woolton Rd and right again along Springwood Road. Then right along Hillsfoot Avenue, and left through Hunts Cross, before turning left onto Wood Road, towards Halewood, making our way to Greensbridge Lane. After 1.5 miles, we will turn right to Tarbock Green, then left, over the Expressway (Water Lane) and straight on (Alder Lane) and right along the A5080 to Cronton.

      After 1.5 miles we will turn left onto Wilmere Lane, B5419, over the A557, and right just before the M62, towards Clock Face, turn left, then right along Gorsey Lane, then left and right ono the B5204, past the Burtonwood Brewery to Collins Green. Turn right towards Penkford Bridge and after 200m arrive at Sankey Valley Park. Note, to the right is the famous “9 Arches” Sankey Viaduct. Turning left, along a track for 2 miles, carry on to the A58. Cross over, by the Ship Inn, and carry on for another mile along a tarmac track to Carr Mill Dam. On the right (after 25 miles) is the Boat Café.

      Then turning left alongside the East Lancs Road, for 200m, past the Haydock Hotel and right towards Billinge, along the A571. At Billinge turn left along the B5205 to Crank and then onto Rainford., going through the village and onto the B5203 to the Rainford Bypass and a crossroads (Park Hill). Cycle over the junction and follow the signs to Kirkby, ending at the Carter’s Arms (after 42 miles) . Here, we are 2 minutes from Kirkby Railway station!

      At the Carter’s Arms junction, turn right, then left and left to Waddicar, then over the canal and the M57 to Melling. Turning right, then left over the canal and past Aintree Racecourse. At Greenwich Road we can access the Liverpool Loop Line, cycling for 0.5 mile, before leaving the line for Rice Lane Recreation Ground. Cross over the main road to Hornby Road and carry on to Litherland Road Bridge and access to the Leeds Liverpool canal. Cycle 3 miles along the tow path to Eldonian Village and then back to Pier Head ( a total of 49 miles).

      This link to Strava shows the route, apart from the last section of the ride which will go down the canal towpath, instead of the Dock Road:  https://www.strava.com/activities/3814782205


      Bookings no longer allowed on this date.