Hale Village & Lighthouse, Spike Island & Pickering's Pasture

The first part of the ride is mostly on main roads from the car park at the Environment Centre, Halewood Park, Okell Drive, Halewood (Halewood Triangle) and out to Hale Village, with its pretty thatched roof cottages, where we will 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. We then head to our refreshment stop at Zena's Marina Cafe, Spike Island overlooking the River Mersey, the Mersey Gateway Bridge and the nature reserve. Our return, via the cycle route which passes under the Runcorn/Widnes Bridge and the 'quirky', but bike friendly, steps and footbridge over Ditton Brook, takes us on to Pickering's Pasture where we will take in the magnificent views of the River Mersey (and hopefully the Welsh Hills in the distance) and the ‘old’ Widnes to Runcorn bridge. We return to our starting point via main roads and a short section of cycleway through Halewood Park

A steady ride out to the pretty village of Hale then on to West Bank Marina at Spike Island, Widnes overlooking the river Mersey and return via Pickering's Pasture at Halebank. Plenty of 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.

There will be cafe stop at the Zena's Marina Café 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 river a nd bridge views from the waters’ edge .

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 needed).

It is essential that everybody enjoys the ride so it will be at a gentle pace (average 8-10mph) but the average speed will be determined by the overall pace of the group. Always remember, we will never leave anyone behind!