One of the stories of our cycle ride out to Liverpool had been dodging the rain. Today, we were hopeful that the weather would have a smaller role, as we cycled back from Liverpool to Stretford.

Certainly, it was cool but thankfully fine as we left Albert Dock.

First, we went looking for some breakfast. So, we followed the River Mersey for a short while.

Then headed towards the city centre.

Nourished, we followed local route 7 for our route out of Liverpool.

Passing both the Anglican Cathedral …

And the Catholic Cathedral.

Then through Edge Hill, Wavertree and Roby.

This brought us to Huyton. Here we cycled through Stadt Moers Park.

Tucked in between Huyton and Whiston, the park is built on former derelict land in an area with a long history of mining.

From Whiston, we cycled on towards Sutton Manor.

Sutton Manor Community Woodland  is the home of the Dream.

The three guys had visited this park on a recent visit to Clock Face. It was, however, the first time Sarah had seen the sculpture.

Sutton Manor Community Woodland is also built on former mining land. It is built on the site of a former colliery.

Upon leaving Sutton Manor we cycled on towards Burtonwood.

Followed by Winwick. We stopped here for lunch and graced The Swan with our presence. There was almost nothing on the menu that was gluten-free, This being a Chef & Brewer pub, it was frankly, a pretty poor showing for a national chain. Service was also slow. Thankfully, when the food finally arrived it was hearty and enjoyable.

Following lunch, we continued on towards Croft.

Then through Birchwood Park.

At Risley Moss, our route briefly took us off-road and along  some interesting tracks.

Then it was back on tarmac on our way to Cadishead.

When arriving in Irlam, here again we followed a track.

It wasn’t really suitable for touring bikes.

It was also somewhat overgrown in sections.

We crossed over the Manchester Canal at Irlam.

Before we weaving our way through Flixton and back to Stretford.

This had been another fine cycle ride and we had all thoroughly enjoyed our couple of days of cycling.

You view our route back from Liverpool to Stretford below: