Carr Mill, Sankey Valley, Widnes & St Helens Circular

A circular route leaving Taylor Park in St Helens on main roads and heading out towards the East Lancashire Road until we reach Carr Mill and pick up the picturesque Sankey Valley Trail adjacent to the dam. The trail takes us out towards Newton le Willows and Warrington and along several sections of historic canal and eventually to Widnes Marina at Spike Island, overlooking the River Mersey, where we will take a refreshment break. From Widnes we are back on the road again and head towards Rainhill and Eccleston and our original starting point at Taylor Park where we we will finish the ride with a lap of the lake (and for those that want it, a well earned ice cream!). Plenty of wildlife and spectacular views on this ride (beware of the swans though who can be very protective at this time of year!) so plenty of photo opportunities.

A circular route leaving Taylor Park in St Helens and heading out towards the East Lancashire Road to Carr Mill and the Sankey ValleyTrail. The trail takes us to Spike Island (with some spectacular views overlooking the River Mersey). From Widnes we head towards Rainhill and Eccleston and our starting point at Taylor Park

This ride is suitable for hybrid bikes (fitted with road and off-road tyres), mountain bikes and road bikes (with caution) and is mostly on hard surface roads, cycle paths and canal paths with loose stone surfaced cycle paths along some sections of the Sankey Valley Trail and the canal. Some of the paths on the ride are prone to holding water and can get a little muddy after rain so please be prepared!

We will take our refreshment break at Zena's Cafe at Spike Island Marina overlooking the (full again) marina, the River Mersey and views over both bridges spanning the river.

All riders will be required to wear a helmet and carry spare inner tubes and the means to be able to repair a puncture and carry out minor repairs to their bike (assistance will be provided if required).

We are the 'Friendly Cyclists' and it is essential that everybody enjoys the ride so it will be at a gentle pace (average 9 -11mph) but will be determined by the overall pace of the group. Always remember, we will never leave anyone behind!