Town Green Aughton to The Bus Yard at Crosby Beach

On leaving Town Green, Aughton we head west towards Lydiate and over the Leeds Liverpool Canal towards Maghull, then out towards Ince Blundell and Blundellsands till we reach the Sefton Coastal Path and to where we will take our refreshment break at The Bus Yard adjacent to Crosby Marine lake. The return route will be via Hightown, Formby, Altcar, and Lydiate and back to our starting point at Town Green.

A day at the seaside for this ride as we travel from Town Green, Aughton and out towards the coast to The Bus Yard on Crosby Beach with a great view over the Mersey Estuary and the Anthony Gormley Statues known as Another Place (or locally as the 'Iron Men'). Weather permitting we will take our refreshment stop at The Bus Yard, a quirky cafe and beach bar close to Crosby Marina.

A circular route where the majority of the route is on hard surfaced main roads and established cycle paths so suitable for most bikes. There may be stretches en route where the surface may be of compacted stone and loose gravel (and perhaps some loose sand); weather conditions on the day will determine the final route but the ride will be a distance of 32-35 miles in total.

We will take our 'main' refreshment stop at The Bus Yard Cafe and Bar close to Crosby Marina with its great views over the River Mersey Estuary. Remember to bring along some money for a 'coffee and cake' or some of the fabulous street food on offer. If you prefer, bring a packed lunch and enjoy the spectacular views of the river and the 'Iron Men'.

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 for the refreshment stop and, if the weather is fine, the inevitable ice cream stop enroute! Make sure you carry plenty of fluids and a sun tan lotion in your bag!

This is a very scenic route in some excellent cycling countryside and along the Sefton Coastal Path and there will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way. (It wouldn't be a CYCLE: St Helens ride without plenty of photos!). We want everyone to enjoy this very friendly group ride so it will be at a pace to suit all riders in the group (usually between 9-11 mph) and to take account of the weather conditions We will never leave anyone behind as we want everyone to enjoy the ride!