Taylor Park to Bickerstaffe and Rainford Loop

On leaving Taylor Park, the first part of the ride is mostly on busy main roads till we reach the cycle path on the East Lancashire Road and travel west. Weather permitting, we will pick up the much quieter, and very picturesque, Coach Road out towards the popular ‘photo and water stop’ at Bickerstaffe Church. Unfortunately, whilst very quiet and free from vehicular traffic, the Coach Road surface is not the best. It is mostly tarmac surface but has been poorly maintained over the years so caution is needed on this part of the route. After our coffee stop in Rainford, we will return partly via the Rainford Mineral Line; this is mostly vehicle free but can get busy with walkers so caution is advised. We return to our starting point on a route that take us via Windle Island and onto Taylor Park; if you need an ice cream ‘fix’ we can finish the ride alongside the boat house on the lake in the park.

A route that starts at the Wellington Pub near to Burrows Lane, Eccleston Park and heads out to travel the country roads around Bickerstaffe and Rainford. Mostly main roads and hard surfaced cycle paths but with a short section of gravel on the Rainford Mineral line.

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 and park paths with loose stone surfaced cycle paths along the Rainford Mineral Line.

There will be cafe stop at Bridge Farm Café in St Helens Junction or if busy (as it is a Bank Holiday weekend) one of the cafes in Rainford so remember to bring along some money for a coffee and some of their lovely home-made cakes (or a full English breakfast if you prefer!). There will also be an ice cream stop at Taylor Park on the way back.

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