Tour de Northwich Community Woodlands

This short and traffic-free route takes in some of the sheer variety of landscapes that Northwich Community Woodlands has to offer - from shady woods and dells to flashes and riverside paths. We wil meet at Marbury Country Park car park for a quick introduction and a bike check. Then we'll head along Marbury Lane, through the old woodlands, before taking a detour around  Ashton and Neumann's Flashes. These two mini lakes are relics of Northwich's disastrous salt mining past, reclaimed and transformed into a renowned beauty spot, and a great location to see flocks of wading birds and water fowl. From here we'll cycle through Carey Park - another miraculous transformation, this time reclaiming Northwich's former tip and turning it into a country park just a stone's throw from the town centre. From the paths we will catch a glimpse of the River Weaver below us before we cycle alongside it on our way to Anderton Boat Lift, where there's a lovely cafe for anyone who fancies cake and a cuppa. We will have a break here. Then it's back over the uplands of Anderton Nature Park, which includes a very pretty wooded dell, and along Marbury Lane back to the car park. There should be a variety of wildlife to see on the route, from rabbits and squirrels scampering out of our way to the water loving birds on the flashes, river and canal and even the odd herd of cows or flock of sheep grazing the grasslands. Northwich Community Woodlands are billed as an oasis next to Northwich town centre and they are well worth a tour if you've never been before. The route is great for beginners as it is traffic free, fairly flat and the majority of the paths are wide and well surfaced. This ride is suited for all bikes. Please bring a helmet, inner tube and puncture repair kit just in case. The ride roughly takes 90mins cycling time with a couple of pit stops for a drink so please allow more time just in case the pace is slower than anticipated or we have a puncture. Newcomers to Breeze rides are very welcome, don't worry if you don't know anyone, we're a friendly bunch.   Dress appropriately for the weather: in cool weather it's good to wear lots of thin layers, so you can add/remove them as needed; a rain jacket is a good idea too. Wearing a helmet is advisable; if you don’t have one please do not to worry you can still take part.  If you enjoy the bike ride and would like to come again perhaps you could look to buy one then. If you have any questions then email [email protected] or find me on Twitter @GinaBebbington