Liverbirds, Canal locks, Metal men and Red Squirrels - a Liverpool to Sefton Ride

This route starts on the World Heritage waterfront of Liverpool not far from the Liver Building with the Liverbirds, then initially follows the River Mersey before joining the Liverpool Leeds Canal to the beautiful Rimrose Valley Park, then across to the Crosby Beach promenade and the Anthony Gormley iron statues, then heads up to Formby woods with a chance of seeing a red squirrel to finish at Mecycles café next to Ainsdale train station.

After the cafe stop there is the option to return by train or to join an additional Guided ride from Ainsdale to Hunts Cross via the Cheshire lines and loop line off-road cycle paths. See: https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/ainsdale-to-hunts-cross

The route is primarily flat except for some slight hills. If there is a head wind this also acts like the effect of a hill (a 'Dutch hill'!), so the route can take longer if this is the case. The route runs not far from the Northern Merseyrail train line, so options are available to leave the ride if so wished. If this is the case, please can participants let the Ride Leaders know that they are leaving the ride.

The café stop is at the end of the ride at Ainsdale.

Participants on this ride are advised that this ride is also linked with a meeting for Guided Ride Leaders, hence participants may be asked to sit at a separate table within the café.

We leave no-one behind and will cycle at a pace that suits the group. Some sandy patches may be present on the coastal route, so hybrid bicycles or bicycles with winter tyres are advised, but any bicycle should be suitable for the ride.

This ride will run except in very extreme weather, so participants are asked to cancel their places if they will not attend the ride. Participants are advised that the ride leaders run these rides voluntarily and will still turn up to the start whatever the weather if participants are still signed on for the ride.

We look forward to welcoming all on this ride! The route is a great way to explore Liverpool and Sefton!


Items to bring: Money for the café stop/ train ticket and warm layers due to the time of year. This ride will still run except in extreme weather, so please cancel your place if you decide not to attend. There are many options along the route to shorten or abandon the ride (using Merseyrail trains).

We never leave anyone behind and welcome new participants!

Please arrive on time at 09:15 as we will leave promptly at 09:30. This leaves time for a quick bike check and introduction to the ride.

Mainly off-road route to blow away the cobwebs in the New Year

Quiet roads, canal tow path, promenade and forest trails

Mecycles Cafe, Ainsdale

Layers and waterproofs suitable for the weather conditions