Saturday was the SCCC cycle ride to Astley. Andy and I cycled to the start but stopped off at Longford Park for the Stretford Parkrun, which I ran and Andy watched.

The cycle ride to Astley started from the car park near the Robbin Hood pub in Stretford. There was quite a good turn out.

We set off into Trafford Park, passing Kellogg’s, making our way onto the Bridgewater canal, using the Bridgewater Way.

We followed the Bridgewater Canal for quite a while, briefly leaving it and then picking it up again, as we followed the Bridgewater Way.

We passed through Worsley.

As we reached The Moorings pub we came off the canal and made our way towards the Leigh Guided Busway.

The Guided Busway was quite interesting. It was the first time that I have been along it.

We left the Guided Busway at Tyldesley to make our way to Astley. We went to the Damhouse Tea Room for lunch.

Just as we were finishing locking up our bikes to go into the cafe for lunch, who should turn up but Graham (fashionably late as he often is)!

After some great refreshments we set off again, passing the entrance to the Astley Green Colliery Museum. We didn’t stop off there but we have done numerous time in the past – well worth a visit if you have never been!

Our ride then took us across Chat Moss towards Irlam.

Having crossed the Manchester Ship Canal, we headed through Flixton then onto DavyHulme and Urmston.

Having passed through Moss Park, we made our way back to the starting point. It was a great ride. You can see our route below: