Planned rides from Irlam Station
Plans afoot for short – medium – and longer rides on a Sunday morning starting from Irlam Railway Station at 09:00 and designed in particular for people who are maybe not that fit; maybe not that experienced as cyclists; ‘reluctant returners’; and others wanting a bit of gentle exercise. An ideal complement to a personal fitness regime – like ‘0-50k in 49 days’! (on which see more below)
More rides and publicity material to follow – for now here is a short and a medium example. No need to wait until September! Try the rides yourself – any time while the sun is shining is a good time to start!
Irlam short circuit with walk alongside the moss
(eight miles; about an hour and ten)
This short circuit for hybrid and mountain bikes includes the Irlam Linear Park and a section alongside Little Woolden Moss. The path by the moss has been designated for walkers only (so you should dismount and push for about 300m) due to it having been constructed on peat bog. Plans are in hand for upgrading for cyclists.
There are opportunities to extend the riding section and avoid the walking if you prefer.
For more about the bog and conservation see: http://www.lancswt.org.uk//reserves/cadishead-moss
Volunteer work parties on Wednesdays and alternate Sundays http://www.lancswt.org.uk/outdoor-volunteering-opportunities
There are opportunities to extend the riding section and avoid the walking if you prefer.
For more about the bog and conservation see: http://www.lancswt.org.uk//reserves/cadishead-moss
Volunteer work parties on Wednesdays and alternate Sundays http://www.lancswt.org.uk/outdoor-volunteering-opportunities
Irlam Astley Worsley Barton: mainly off road lanes and canal side
(17.5 miles; about two hours)
This is a ride for people who do not want to use roads. Mainly on pretty well made up smooth tracks with a long stretch beside the Bridgewater Canal. There are a couple of awkward stiles and a railway level crossing (with staffed signal box). It is best suited for hybrid and mountain bikes but it is passable with a road bike if you do not go very fast and do not mind a few bumps and ruts.
The route passes by the mining museum at Astley (https://lancashireminingmuseum.org/ limited opening hours) – a fine place for a tea stop – and there are a couple of pubs along the route as well
The route passes by the mining museum at Astley (https://lancashireminingmuseum.org/ limited opening hours) – a fine place for a tea stop – and there are a couple of pubs along the route as well
More updates to follow soon!
visit gettothecoast.co.uk again soon for updates
or send an email to gettothecoast(at)gmail.com
