Rainford, Prescot, Croxteth Park and Knowsley Loop

The first part of the ride takes us through Rainford Junction and to Taylor Park, St Helens and then on towards the historic town of Prescot where we get a view of theShakespeare North Theatre near to the parish church of St. Mary in the town centre. From here we head towards Whiston and through Stadt Moers Park to Huyton Quarry. We will access the Liverpool Loop Line via Court Hey Park and head towards West Derby Village (via the former railway station at West Derby) where we enter the grounds of Croxteth Park and Hall, the former home of the Earls of Sefton and our food and drink stop. After a loop around the woodland paths around the park we will return via Knowsley Village, the East Lancashire Road and the Rainford by-pass.

A ride that takes us from Rainford through (or around) some of St Helens and Knowsley's finest parks: Taylor Park, Knowsley Hall, Croxteth Hall and Park and Stadt Moers Park. We will also visit the historic town of Prescot, home to the Shakespeare North Theatre. A route through some lovely countryside, along main roads, established cycle routes including the Liverpool Loop Line (via the old West Derby Station), bridle ways and country park paths.

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, woodland and park paths and bridle ways.

There will be cafe stop at Croxteth Park so remember to bring along some money for a coffee and cake or anything else that takes your fancy. It can get busy in the park, particularly around the food areas, but given the time of year we don't expect too many delays in getting served. Alternatively, there is always the coffee van for those that simply need a hot drink.

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).

We are a sociable riding group and it is essential that everybody enjoys the ride so it will be at a pace that will be determined by the overall speed of the group (on average 9-11mph). There will be plenty of photo stops en-route: it wouldn't be a CYCLE: St Helens ride without the photos! Always remember, we will never leave anyone behind!