Maghull to Southport, via Rainford Junction, Up Holland, Appley Bridge, Croston, Banks
This is a ride of 38 miles and 350 m ascent in an area popular with cyclists. Lunch is at the Twin Lakes Velo Café at Croston, a popular cycle café.
Start: Outside Maghull North station (by at the statue of a WW1 soldier who suffered from the PTSD and was subsequently executed). For those on the Wirral, getting to Maghull North would probably mean using a Merseyrail Saveaway ticket and taking two trains, changing from the Wirral Line to the Northern Line at Moorfields and taking the “Ormskirk” train.
Here is the new route on Komoot https://www.komoot.com/tour/840730257
Leaving Maghull North station, we cross over the M58, take 2nd exit and turn left down a narrow lane towards Barrow Nook. After two right turns, we arrive at a large roundabout on the A570 Rainford Bypass, go straight over the roundabout to Rainford Junction, bear right and go over the railway bridge, left at the junction, through Crawford village (with views of Billinge Hill), turn left to Pimbo, over the M58, first right and cycle up the hill to Up Holland.
We then turn right at the junction, go past the Victoria pub and a row of shops, and bear left, continuing North, with views of Winter Hill on the right. Go through Roby Mill, and cycle down a wide downhill road (very fast!) to the canal at Appley Bridge.
Carry straight on, joining the B5375, up a long, uphill stretch to the main road (A5209) at Wrightington. Continue in a northerly direction, starting with a right hand bend and a left turn, for 6 miles to Croston. Go through the village, keeping right, along Station Road towards Bretherton and turn left, down a short track, to the “Twin Lakes Velo Cafe after 24 miles.
Following the Blue Cycle Route 62, NR 91, we take a left turn to the A59 at Sollom. Crossing over and carrying on along Green Lane, a rough tarmac road, to the main Southport/Preston Road A565 at Mere Brow . Crossing over the the road for a short while before turning left, signposted Banks, turning left at the junction, and two miles later taking a short, rough track on the right and continuing onto the cycle path next to the main road, past the RSPB hides at Marshside to Southport a total of 38 miles.
38 miles, Grade C
Created by Steve Whittaker