The Boat Yard Bus Cafe at Heath Charnock, Chorley

After leaving the start point from Winstanleys Bikes, the route quickly picks up the tow path of the Leeds Liverpool Canal until we reach the planned refreshment stop at The Boatyard Cafe, Heath Charnock with its lovely selection of home made cakes, hot and cold drinks and food and plenty more. Weather dependent, the ride will then visit the famous Fredericks Ice Cream Parlour on Bolton Road for those who need an ice cream fix. The ride will then rejoin the canal for the ride back to Winstanleys along the cycle/tow path of the canal. The ride will be led by CYCLE: St Helens group member Gary.

A mostly cycle/tow path route to the quirky Boatyard Bus Cafe located on the canal side at Heath Charnock and maybe a call at Fredericks famous ice cream parlour.

The route is mostly on reasonable canal side tow paths although in places they can be of loose, stony made up ground. The route is 'doable' on a road bike with care, although off road tyres would be recommended.

We will take our refreshment break at the Boatyard Bus Cafe on the side of the Leeds Liverpool Canal at Heath Charnock. Time and weather permitting the ride will also call at the nearby famous Fredericks Ice Cream Parlour on Bolton Road.

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). Don't forget some money (or other means to pay) for the cafe and ice cream stop.

A 'there and back' linear ride, this is a very scenic route along the Leeds Liverpool Canal on a well established and popular route and there will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way. We want everyone to enjoy this very friendly group ride so it will be at a pace to suit all riders in the group and to take account of the weather conditions (usually between 9-11 mph) and there will be plenty of stops to enjoy the views and to take some photos; it wouldn't be a CYCLE: St Helens Group ride without loads of photos!. We will never leave anyone behind and we want everyone to enjoy the ride!