Childe of Hale & Pickering's Pasture Ride

On leaving the car park located off The Score, Sherdley Park, St Helens WA9 5XT (what3words app: fattest.demotion.automatic), the first part of the ride is mostly on main roads till we reach the gravel cycle paths of the Sutton Manor Woodland Park around The Dream and then head out towards Widnes on the St Helens Mineral Line where we join the St Helens Canal cycle path (which runs parallel to the River Mersey) near The Ferry Inn. We will pass under the newly built Mersey Gateway Bridge and take our break at Zena’s Marina Café at Spike Island with its fantastic views over the river to the Silver Jubilee Bridge and the nature reserve.

We pick up the cycle route which passes under the Runcorn/Widnes Bridge and head towards Pickerings Pasture with its magnificent views over the River Mersey and the Welsh hills in the distance (on a good day). We will negotiate the steep change in levels near to and over Ditton Brook (a tributary of the River Mersey) using the quirky, bike friendly steps and onto the footbridge over the brook. You will need to dismount and walk your bike down this short section of steps and care will be needed but it has been constructed with cyclists in mind and the inconvenience is compensated by the wonderful views that lie in front of you.

We cycle onto Hale Village, with its pretty thatched roof cottages and take a look at the statue of ‘the Big Fella’: John Myddleton (also known as ‘The Childe of Hale’) and his final resting place in the church graveyard on the way down to the now disused lighthouse on the banks of the Mersey.

The route back will mainly be on main roads from where, time and light permitting, we may call in at The Hillsborough Memorial.

This ride is initially limited to members of The FC's Friendly Cyclists Satdy Club. Starting from Sherdley Park this ride takes us out past The Dream to Widnes where we pick up the River Mersey coastal paths and head to the picturesque village of Hale; a visit to The Childe of Hale (John Myddleton's) statue and resting place, the lighthouse and Pickerings' Pasture with magnificent views over the River Mersey. Plenty of things to see and photo opportunities on this ride!

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 and cycle paths and short sections of park paths some of which may have a loose stone finish.

There will be cafe stop at Zena's Cafe at West Bank Boat Club, Spike Island, Widnes, so remember to bring along some money for a 'coffee and cake'. If you prefer, bring a packed lunch and enjoy the views of the river and The Jubilee Bridge from the waters’ edge along with its abundance of bird life. (Please note the cafe stop is approximately 12 miles into our 30 mile route)

All riders will be required to wear a helmet and carry spare inner tubes and the means to be able to repair a puncture (assistance will be provided if required). It is also advisable to carry hand sanitising gel, vinyl gloves and a mask. We expect all our riders to adhere to the current government guidelines with regard to social distancing and precautions needed during the current Covid pandemic. If in any doubt please ask and we will provide all relevant British Cycling guidance.

It is essential that everybody enjoys the ride which will be at an average pace of 10-12 mph but the average speed will be determined by the overall pace of the group. Please ensure that you can cope with a thirty mile bike ride at this pace. Always remember though, we will never leave anyone behind!