Barton Aerodrome was the United Kingdom’s first purpose-built municipal airport. However, in spite of being in Eccles and nearby, we have never previously visited the airport.

So, on a cold morning a healthy group of Stockport Community Cycling Club members arrived at Sale Water Park Visitor Centre for this new ride, and the second club ride this month to an airport!

Soon we were setting off down the side of Sale Water Park.

We crossed over the River Mersey and joined local cycle network route 82.

We then picked up the Bridgewater Way, which follows the Bridgewater Canal.

This took us through Stretford and Trafford Park.

At the Manchester Ship Canal we had to wait awhile at Barton Road Swing Bridge as a ship passed through.

Then we picked up the Bridgewater Canal again on the other side.

Near Patricroft we picked up the new Port Salford Greenway.

We then turned towards Peel Green and cycled through the cemetery.

Including across a field …

We joined the A57 and a little further along was City Airport – or better known as Barton Airport, or perhaps even Barton Aerodrome.

This is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the UK.  However, since it lies on the edge of Chat Moss  the aircraft movements area suffers from occasional periods of waterlogging, which sometimes limits fixed wing operations.

At the airport is Runway 26 cafe. We took our coffee break here. The great thing is, they offered a good variety of gluten-free options.

Afterwards, we walked over to the historic control tower and looked out over the small aircraft.

Eventually it was time to move on. We continued along the A57.

We crossed back over the Manchester Ship Canal at Irlam Locks.

Then weaved our way through the streets of Urmston.

Before following paths through Stretford Meadows.

And then following NCN Route 62.

Finally we returned to Sale Water Park.

This was another excellent SCCC ride. We had completed 17 miles.

You can view our Barton Aerodrome route below: