Haigh Hall is a Stockport Community Cycling Club ride, led by Neil, that for whatever reason Sarah and I had always missed on previous occasions. We considered cycling to the start at Pennington Flash, on the edge of Wigan, discounted that idea, and then thought of taking part in the local Pennington Flash Parkrun. However, in the end we actually did neither, preferring to save ourselves a little for the Port Sunlight 10k which we participated in the following day.

So it was on a cool but sunny day that club members met at Pennington Flash.

We began by heading out through the back of the park.

Soon we picked up the Leeds-Liverpool canal.

There were rather a lot of stiles en-route.

We continued cycling along the canal towards Wigan for quite awhile. Past Wigan Flashes.

We probably followed the canal for about 10 miles. Along its twists and turns, and alongside the locks as it climbed through Wigan.

Finally we left the canal on the edge of Haigh Country Park.

Lunch was at the cafe at Haigh Hall …only it wasn’t. The day before it had shut for refurbishment. Thankfully it was a pleasant day and they had opened a burger van in the courtyard. It was a bit ‘all over the place’ as they had just opened and were still finding their feet – an egg butty was already off the menu – but the food proved tasty and reasonable value, so we were all happy.

Refreshed, we were soon back on our bikes and cycling back through the park.

After the climbing up to the hall before lunch there was a fabulous downhill stretch towards Ince-in-Makerfield.

Back across the canal.

More gates and stiles to overcome.

  

Following NCN Route 55.

  

Through a local nature reserve.

Around Hindley Youth Prison.

  

Eventually, around Fir Tree Flash towards Plank Lane.

Finally we picked up the Leeds-Liverpool canal again.

It had taken quite a few outings of this ride before Sarah and I had managed to be part of it, but the wait had been worth it. This ride is up there with the very best of the SCCC rides – it was a great day out, and some fabulous scenery.

You can view our Haigh Hall route below:

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