This is a Grade C ride of 40 miles, much of it on the Lancashire Cycleway. Lunch will be at the Canalside Café, Downholland Cross, near Haskayne.
There is an optional continuation from Crosby back to Pier Head along the coastal route and canal, an extra 10 miles.
Start from outside Ormskirk Railway Station. (Merseyrail trains from Moorfields (or Central) station on the Ormskirk Line).
Strava Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/5423279344
Turning left out of the station, the route heads northeast to Lathom, Hoscar, Bispham Green and Mawdesley, Before Eccleston, it turns left and we ride 3 miles to Croston. Through the village, keeping right, along Station Road towards Bretherton. Following the Blue Cycle Route 62, NCN 91, it takes a left turn. to the A59 at Sollom. Crossing over and carrying along Green Lane, a rough tarmac road, towards Mere Brow.
At Mere Brow, avoiding the main road, the route goes left towards Martin Mere (Lancahire Cycleway), then right to Heaton’s Bridge (on the canal), Pinfold and onto Downholland Cross on the A5147 for a café stop at the Canalside café (opposite the New Scarisbrick Arms pub).
After lunch the return journey goes past Farmer Teds, to Great Altcar, then over the busy Formby Bypass, and on to Hightown and the coastal path to Crosby.
40 miles, Grade C
Created by Steve Whittaker