As we left Widnes Travelodge on TPT Day 2 it was a cool and misty morning. All was set for an enjoyable day of cycle touring.

We decided on breakfast at the nearby Brewers Fayre.

Having fortified ourselves we set off on stage 2 of our journey and were soon on the St Helen’s Canal towpath.

The canal also runs alongside the River Mersey and the morning mist provided for some wonderful photos as we looked out over the Runcorn sands.

Soon we were passing the Fiddlers Ferry cooling towers.

And not long after that we cycled through the Ferry Marina.

We continued along the St Helen’s canal.

Until coming off at Sankey Brook where we made our way towards Warrington.

Including another diversion!

Through Warrington we followed Black Bear Park which runs alongside the Manchester Ship Canal.

After following the Manchester Ship Canal for awhile we turned off and picked up the old Warrington to Altrincham railway line.

Along the way we stopped for a tea break at a cycle shop (which also served tea and coffee) on the edge of Lymm.

We followed the path all the way to Dunham Massey.

Normally at this point we feel as if we are near to home. And we are! Less than 10 miles. However the Trans Pennine Trail heads off on a more northerly circuitous route.

Initially the route skirts the edge of Stretford and then through Sale.

  

Soon we were following the River Mersey.

The route takes you on a brief detour around Chorlton Water Park.

Before returning along the River Mersey.

  

At Didsbury we followed the route of the tram for a short while.

Eventually we reached the boundaries of Stockport where the path continued to follow the contour of the River Mersey.

NCN 62 (the route number of the Trans Pennine Trail) took us through Stockport town centre.

Finally we reached the entrance to Reddish Vale. And this was the end of our TPT cycling for today. There remained just a few more miles as we turned off and made our way home, where we are staying for the night.

You can view our TPT Day 2 route below:

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These first couple of days of our Trans Pennine Trail cycle tour have been on paths we are familiar with and have cycled before. We pretty much know what to expect. Indeed this will be the case for the first half of the day tomorrow too. However once over the top of the Pennines we will begin cycling roads and paths we haven’t been on before. Of course tomorrow brings two other new challenges to our TPT tour – hills and longer daily distances. It should be an interesting day.