Today was the TPT Day 1 – Southport to Widnes. Yesterday we got the train to Southport and stopped over at the Travelodge.

After a wander around Southport this morning, and stopping for coffee.

Feeling refreshed,  it was time to get our bikes and start the TPT (Trans Pennine Trail).

And then we were off! The route took us out of Southport, following the sand dunes along the coast.

We  then followed the old Cheshire Lines railway.

The route then picked up the canal for a while.

The way off the canal at Aintree was tough going, via Wally’s steps – which wally had a cycle route going up such steep steps? I had to take my paniers off the bike in order to be able to push my bike up.

Having got back up to the road, we set off along the TPT again.

We passed Sainsbury’s at East Prescott,  so stopped to eat our lunch then have some tea and cake in the cafe.

After our lunch break we continued along the Liverpool Loop Line (another old railway line).

This brought us out near Speke.

Then through Hale village.

The route then went through Pickerings Pasture to the estuary with views of the Runcorn Bridge.

We then had to go up some more crazy steps to get to the top above the bridge.

We then went on to Spike Island.

There was a diversion in place as we arrived in Widnes.

We did manage to find the Travelodge where we were staying though.

We have stayed at this Travelodge before a couple of times, but never have seen the area nearby. Tonight we were in time to walk into town and get some food.

You can view our TPT Day 1 route below:

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