Rainford to Shakespeare's Prescot, Croxteth Hall and Knowsley Loop

The first part of the ride takes us through Rainford Junction to Taylor Park, St Helens and then on towards the historic town of Prescot where we get a view of the new Shakespeare of the North Theatre currently under construction near to the parish church of St. Mary in the town centre. From here we head towards Whiston and through Stadt Moers Park to Huyton Quarry. We will access the Liverpool Loop Line via Court Hey Park and head towards West Derby Village (via the former railway station at West Derby) where we enter the grounds of Croxteth Park and Hall, the former home of the Earls of Sefton and our food and drink stop. After a loop around the woodland paths around the park we will return via Knowsley Village, the East Lancashire Road and the Rainford by-pass. Dependent upon the weather conditions we may alter the route slightly to return along the historic Coach Road (built by one of the Earls of Derby to get him from his stately home at Knowsley Park to the church at Bickerstaffe). Caution will be needed along this stretch as the surface, whilst mostly hard surfaced, is not in the best of condition. Plenty of places of interest and several good photo opportunities on this ride.

A ride that takes us through (or around) some of Knowsley's finest parks: Knowsley Hall, Croxteth Hall and Park and Stadt Moers Park. We will also visit the historic town of Prescot, soon to be home to the Shakespeare of the North Theatre currently under construction. A ride through some lovely countryside, along main roads, established cycle routes including the Liverpool Loop Line, bridle ways and country park paths.

This ride is suitable for hybrid bikes (fitted with road and off-road tyres), mountain bikes and road bikes (with caution) and is mostly on hard surface roads, cycle paths, woodland and park paths and bridle ways.

There will be cafe stop at Croxteth Park so remember to bring along some money for a coffee and cake or anything else that takes your fancy. It can get busy in the park, particularly around the food areas, but given the time of year we don't expect too many delays in getting served. Alternatively, there is always the coffee van for those that simply need a hot drink.

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 also be required to carry hand sanitising gel, vinyl gloves and a mask (as per Covid guidance). We expect all our riders to adhere to all the current government guidelines with regard to social distancing and precautions needed during the current pandemic. If in any doubt, please ask and we will provide all relevant British Cycling guidance. It will be cold so please wrap up warm!

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