It was a cool, but thankfully, bright and sunny Good Friday when five friends from Stockport Community Cycling Club met at Lymm Dam. Unfortunately, Sarah wasn’t one of them since she had work commitments. Never mind. Next time.

Soon we were making our way through Lymm village.

From there we cycled on towards Thelwall.

At the far end of the village we took the opportunity to cross over the Manchester Ship Canal.

After following a little detour, we joined NCN Route 62, the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT).

We followed the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) for a few miles as it weaved its way across the River Mersey.

Then a little further on it joined the St Helens Canal.

We left the TPT and the canal at Penketh.

A little further on we reached Clock Face. This is a small village and area that is part of St Helens. It is so named because of a large clock face that once adorned the local inn.

A little further on from Clock Face is Sutton Manor. This is the site of a former colliery. It is now Bold Forest Park.

At the centre of the park is a hill, and at the top of that hill is a 20-metre high sculpture called ‘Dream’. The sculpture is in the shape of a young girl’s head. It is impressive to behold.

Following a brief rest we cycled around the perimeter of the park.

Before continuing on towards Burtonwood.

Our lunch break was at the memorial on a busy junction in the village of Winwick. Thankfully, it was also a little sun-trap, so it was an ideal spot for watching the world go by.

Following lunch, we headed down lanes more familiar to me. We began by cycling through the village of Croft.

Followed by Culcheth.

Our route re-crossed the M62.

Then re-crossed the Manchester Ship Canal at Warburton bridge.

We decided to take a little detour to investigate Warburton Parish church. Mike had passed it many times previously but never stopped to take a good look at it. Today we did.

Before, finally returning to Lymm.

Today, we cycled just over 33 miles. Sections of the route had been down lanes I haven’t cycled before, and it is always enjoyable to visit somewhere different.

You can view our Clock Face route below: