A new year, and a new ride. This ride to Irlam Station, no doubt, also represented new promises from Stockport Community Cycling Club members to get out more, as part of their new fit and healthy regimes.

So, it was that another healthy turnout of members arrived at Sale Water Park for the start ride. meant we had to split into two groups.

It was certainly a busy place to start! There had been nearly 300 runners at Sale Water Parkrun which had preceded our arrival, and we were now competing for space with a military fitness session.

It was a fine though cool morning as we set off. Gill was leading today’s cycle ride. However, Andy S led our second group, and Sarah was the back-leader for our group.

We cycled past Sale Water Park.

Soon, we turned away from Sale Water Park and made our way towards the Bridgewater Way, local network route 82.

The Bridgewater Way is a restoration project of the Bridgewater Canal for cyclists and walkers.

We cycled alongside the Bridgewater Canal for the next few miles.

Eventually, it reaches the Manchester Ship Canal at Barton Bridge.

We crossed over on to Barton Old Road.

This soon brought us out on to Trafford Way.

Having crossed over the Manchester Ship Canal via the new crossing point, we met up with Gill’s group. One of their cyclists had just had a puncture.

We brought Chris into our group while we repaired the puncture and let the first group move on.

After fixing the puncture we cycled on past Barton Aerodrome.

Next, we picked up the Irlam and Cadishead Cycleway and began our cycle over Chat Moss.

These are deeply rutted roads, and unfortunately, Tracey got caught out by one pothole. Our second puncture of the day!

We then continued our journey over Chat Moss.

Eventually, we arrived at our lunch stop, The Station Cafe at Irlam station.

This place is described as a ‘living museum’ and is decorated in a 1920’s train station theme.

It is a fascinating place, there are lots of items to view and admire. The food is pretty good too!

After lunch, we set off briefly along Liverpool Road.

Then we joined Cadishead Way and crossed over the Manchester Ship Canal again at one of our familiar crossing points.

Our route next took us through Flixton, Davyhulme and Urmston.

We left the roads and cycled along the edge of Stretford Meadows.

This eventually brought us back to Sale Water Park.

At the end of the ride, we saw the first group just ahead of us, and managed to catch them up!

This route had coved nearly 21 miles by the time we returned to the starting point. A bit longer distance for a club Saturday ride, but as flat a ride as we are ever likely to find. It had been an enjoyable day out.

You can view our Irlam Station route below: