In the early days of the coronavirus lockdown, Sarah and I booked a number of random days of annual leave. Sarah was required to do this by her employers. Of course, we were hoping we might have been using some of these days to go away. This hasn’t been possible. Instead, we were left with a free day. So, while Sarah went running, I joined some friends for a Wirral cycle ride.

It was a lovely sunny day as myself, Andy S, Mike, Tina, Mags and Ann met at Hooton Rail station.

From the rail station, we immediately entered Wirral Country Park and joined an old railway line that now forms a section of the Wirral Circular Trail.

We set off towards Willaston. In picking up local network route 70, the Cheshire Cycleway, I thought we were cycling a section of the tour we will be completing in Autumn. Looking at the map later, however, I realised this was just a branch leading on to the main route. Shame really, because this old railway path was a fantastic start to our cycle ride.

We passed the old Hadlow Road Railway station at Willaston.

There was a short bit of road at Parkgate, just after Neston.

Then we were quickly back on to another section of old railway line.

Soon, Wales came into view on the other side of the River Dee estuary.

After cycling past Heswall we reached Thurstaston Beach. We took a few moments to admire the views.

At West Kirby, we left the railway line and cycled through the town.

We weaved our way through the back streets and passages.

At Hoylake, we reached the esplanade and seafront. We enjoyed another pause. We have, of course, cycled this seafront many times before on the Stockport Community Cycling Club Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey rides … but in the opposite direction.

Then continued on to New Brighton.

Lunchtime was spent on New Brighton esplanade.

After lunch, we enjoyed the fantastic views overlooking Liverpool seafront

Eventually, we reached the Seacombe Ferry port.

On our Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey rides we would stop here and cross the river. Not this time …

We continued along the seafront towards Birkenhead Port.

After leaving the promenade we passed Birkenhead Priory. It was a historic place in the middle of an industrial area. Sadly, due to coronavirus, we weren’t able to look inside.

We continued on through the industrial areas of Tranmere.

Passing the old merchants homes on the way.

Next, we cycled Rock Ferry.

From New Ferry, we continued on through Bromborough.

Finally, we reached Eastham and cycled through Eastham Country Park.

Followed by Eastham village.

The Wirral Circular Trail is a fantastic cycle and walking route. It has a bit of everything – old railway lines, seafront, industrial. I highly recommend cycling it.

You can view our Wirral Circular Trail route below: