Ride to see "Golden Balls"

The ride will follow the towpath, tracks and trails through Crankwood, Fir Tree Flash, Amberswood Flash and parts of National Cycle Route 55. The route crosses the railway line at the new ramped bridge at Deep Pit before re joining NCR 55 at Belle Green Lane. After descending some of the locks we leave the towpath and head for the Forge Cafe at Grants for refreshments.

After refreshments and a browse round the site we return to the canal and ride downhill back to Robin Park.

As usual photos will be taken on the ride and will be posted on the Wigan and Leigh Cycling Group Facebook page - please notify the ride leaders before the start of the ride if you do not want your photo taken.

See Wigan's 20 foot tall "Golden Balls" statue close up. The statue made national news last year when Wigan Council banned it due to complaints. The statue was reinstated after the council backed down following pressure from residents and the media. The site is the home of Grants Furniture, Obscurities and Gifts and the Forge Cafe which we will be visiting near the end of the ride.

The ride is a mixture of canal towpath, quiet roads, short stretches of busy roads and tracks and trails. There will be short stops en route and a longer stop for refreshments so please bring drinks and snacks or money to buy them. New riders are more than welcome on our rides and we never leave anyone behind. Helmets must be worn on this ride.