THE COUNTRY LANES OF RURAL WEST LANCASHIRE

Leaving Southport from The Old Duke Pub then onto the cycle path on Southport Road, we then turn left to head across The Moss towards Rufford. We pass some of our favourite refreshments stops at Tastebuds and The Owd Barn and head towards Mawdsley along some lovely lanes where you need to look out for the tuk-tuk which is often on the road as we get closer to the village of Eccleston. There are a few little inclines but nothing too challenging. We'll eventually arrive at the water filled Eccleston Quarry, The Delph Diver Training Centre, where we'll stop for lunch. The return takes us out towards Croston and then through Bretherton as we head back across the fields down Green Lane towards mere brow. Back along the main road into Southport through Crossens and then Churchtown, the oldest part of Southport. Watch out for the lovely, thatched cottages and old church once we've gone past the Botanic Gardens. We'll then get back on The Moss as we head back along the cycle path to our starting point at The Old Duke.

A new year and a new route for the FC's Satdy Group created by one of our regular riders Jayne. From our starting point in Southport we head out across 'The Moss' towards Rufford then Mawdsley and Eccleston. We will take our break at Eccleston Delph and head back to Southport via Croston, Bretherton, Mere Brow Crossens and Churchtown and back to our starting point at the Old Duke Pub. Mostly on quiet country lanes, the route has a few small inclines but nothing too challenging.

This ride is suitable for hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes and is mostly on hard surface roads.

There will be cafe stop at the bike friendly Diver Centre at Eccleston Delph, so remember to bring along some money or some other means to pay for your drinks and food.

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). You will need some cash or some other means means to pay for your refreshments at the cafe stop.

It is essential that everybody enjoys the ride so it will be at a steady pace (average 9 -11mph) but the average speed will be determined by the overall pace of the group. Always remember, we will never leave anyone behind!