The hidden green gems of North Liverpool

If you are a cyclist and like taking part in long bike rides, you should really enjoy the cycling route that takes you through some of the hidden green gems of north Liverpool. You will get to cycle for over 20 miles and get to discover some of the most interesting places to see in the north of the city. A lot of the cycling route follows the Liverpool and Leeds Canal, as well as along the Liverpool Loop Line, and goes through some of Liverpool’s most scenic green spaces. The canal attracts a lot of waterbirds, including coots, moorhens and herons, and they are some of the wildlife you can encounter on this cycling trail.
It should take you around 3 hours 35 minutes to complete the whole route, unless you take any breaks along the way.
Bootle Leisure Centre
If you have travelled to the Liverpool area for the day, you may well find a day use hotel, such as those provided by daybreakhotels.com, is a good place to book a room at. Here you will be able to drop off any travel baggage you may have brought with you and freshen up after you have finished your bike ride. There is certainly plenty to see along the route so let us take a look at some of the highlights.
Antony Gormley Statues
The cycling trail heads north for Crosby and here you will pass a strange and controversial modern sculpture, known as “Another Place.” The installation consists of 100 cast iron men, modelled on the naked body of artist Sir Antony Gormley. The figures are lifelike and are positioned on the beach looking out to sea.
Aintree Racecourse

This bike ride will also take you close to the world-famous Aintree Racecourse, which plays host to the Grand National, amongst races and other events. The village of Aintree is on the Liverpool Loop Line, which today is a disused railway path, popular with walkers and cyclists because it takes you woodland and countryside, although at the same time being close to the bustle of the city. It runs from Aintree to Halewood, and passes through several districts of Liverpool, and is included as part of the Trans Pennine Route 62.
Anfield Cemetery

You will also pass the historic Anfield Cemetery, which is also known as the City of Liverpool Cemetery. It is situated to the northeast of Stanley Park, which has 110 acres of parkland.
The cycling route gives great views of the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, which is one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues, featuring Victorian architecture but brought up to date with refurbishments to the venue.
There are many more points of interest and spectacular views along the route, which is circular and eventually brings you back to Bootle where your ride began.
Photo: Henry Hemming