#Lets Ride Through Winter: St Helens Dream and Sankey parks loop

A circular route exploring the heritage and green parks of St Helens!

Ride route connects as many ex-mine park sites as possible, including visiting the Dream sculpture of course, plus follows the Sankey valley trail up to Carr Mill Dam, then the canal back to central St Helens. Surfaces will vary from tarmac to off-road trails with some mud and gravel, so this route is not recommended for road tyres. Depending on the ability of the group, we may have to walk some sections where the cycle infrastructure disappears.

We will cycle at a gentle pace suitable for all, with stops at viewpoints. A range of cafes are possible, if requested, but are not planned into the ride as a cafe stop (World of Glass) is possible before the ride starts.

Remember to bring a roadworthy bicycle, enough layers to keep warm, including gloves, and waterproofs just in case.

The ride starts at St Helens Central Station, with trains regularly from Liverpool and Manchester directions. See https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ for details. The majority of trains have ample accommodation for bicycles; occasionally shared with the wheelchair accommodation. The bicycle accommodation is clearly marked on the outside of the train.

At the beginning of the ride, we will pass by the World of Glass Museum, so can pick up participants from there, if requested. If you park here in the pay & display car park, retain your ticket to get 50% in the cafe. It only costs £3 - £5 to leave vehicles there for 3-12 hours.

This is unfortunately not an accessible route due to the number of barriers unsuitable for non-standard width cycles.

Everyone welcome!