Traffic-free cycling – West

Between Southport and the Peak District there are many section where you can enjoy traffic free cycling. Ride along old rail lines, follow along the Mersey Estuary, explore the upper Mersey Valley or the Tame Valley, or ride into the heart of the Peak District. These are ideal for families with young children, inexperienced cyclist or anyone who wants ride without the worry of traffic.

For full details of these traffic-free routes visit our shop to get a copy of the Trans Pennine Trail Western Map.

Sefton – Cheshire Lines path

This is a section of old railway line running from Plex Moss through to Maghull (approx 6 miles). In additional, the section from the start of the Trail at Southport to Ainsdale is also off-road, but alongside the coast road with a couple of road crossings so it isn’t suited to very young children. A short section of minor road links these two pieces together.

Access: There is a car park where Carr Lane crosses the Trail. Heading north out of Lydiate (on the A5145 Southport Road), turn left into Station road, then right into Punnell’s Lane and straight over into Carr Lane.

Facilities: There are shops and facilities nearby in Lydiate and Maghull

View route on Google Maps

Liverpool Loop Line

Following the old rail line across the east of Liverpool from Aintree to Halewood Country Park (approx 10 miles). This passes through wooded cuttings and towards the northern end offers extensive views over the city.

Access: There is a parking at Halewood Country Park Visitor Centre on Okell Drive. From the M62 junction 6 take the A5080 to Huyton. At the first set of traffic lights turn left into Whitefield Lane. At the T-junction turn left into Netherley Road and then first right into Greensbridge Lane. Then turn right into Cartbridge Lane, signposted Bridgefield Forum. Turn right at the T-junction and then straight on at the roundabout into Okell Drive. Follow the road around and you will find the Visitor Centre and car park on the left. This section of Trail can also be accessed from Halewood, Hunts Cross, Broad Green and Aintree stations.

Facilities: There are shops and facilities near to the Trail including at Woolton, West Derby, Gateacre and Broad Lane (Sainsburys). Close to the route is the National Wildflower Centre in Court Hey Park with a café.

View route on Google Maps

Widnes – Pickerings Pasture

Running along the waterfront of the Mersey estuary through Pickerings Pasture Local Nature Reserve (approx 2 miles). A couple of short sections on minor roads link this section to the Sankey Canal section (below) for a longer trip.

Access: There is parking at Pickerings Pasture Visitor Centre. After coming over Runcorn Bridge, take second slip off the A533 to the roundabout and turn left into Ditton Road, follow this to Hale Bank and turn left into Mersey View Road to access the Visitor Centre. Follow the brown tourist signs for Pickerings Pasture.

Facilities: There are toilets at the visitor centre.

View route on Google Maps

Widnes / Warrington – Sankey (St Helens) Canal

Follow the canal towpath from Spike Island through to Sankey Bridges (approx 4 1/2 miles) affording views across the Mersey estuary. A couple of short sections on minor roads link this section to the Pickerings Pasture section (above) for a longer trip.

Access: There is parking at Spike Island Visitor Centre and the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre. From junction 7 of the M62 follow the A557 to Widnes and follow the brown tourist signs to Catalyst. From the south, after coming over Runcorn Bridge (A533) follow the brown tourist signs to Catalyst.

Facilities: There are toilets and a café in Catalyst, (the centre is well worth a visit for families) and a pub at Fiddlers Ferry Marina.

View route on Google Maps

Warrington / Altrincham – Thelwall to Broadheath railpath

Following the old rail line from Thelwall via Lymm, Heatley to Altrincham (approx 7 miles). There is a Ranger Service Information Centre in Lymm and the National Trust’s Dunham Massey property is just off this section of the Trail.

Access: There is parking at the Ranger Cabin (on the site of the former station) in Lymm – follow the signs for the Trail from the A56 and A6144 in Lymm. There is also a car park on Black Moss Road at the eastern end of this section. From junction 7 of the M60 follow the A 56 to Altrincham, after going under the railway bridge turn 3rd right into Atlantic Street. Follow this to the end and the car park is opposite.

Facilities: There are a number of pubs along the route and local facilities in Lymm. There are toilets at the Ranger Cabin in Lymm (Tel 01925 758195 to check opening times).

View route on Google Maps

South Manchester – Mersey Valley

Following the banks of the River Mersey through Sale and Chorlton Water parks (2 1/2 miles). A short quiet road section connects this to another off-road section to the west (a further 2 miles).

Access: This section is most easily accessed from Chorlton Water Park (junction 5 of the M60, onto the A5103 toward the city centre, turn left onto the A 5145 then left into Maitland Avenue) or Sale Water Park (follow the signs from junction 6 of the M60).

Facilities: There are toilets and other facilities at both of the water parks and a pub on route at Jackson Bridge.

View route on Google Maps

Stockport – Reddish Vale

Through Reddish Vale Country Park, Stockport (approx 2 miles) and linking into other routes in the park.

Access: There is car parking available at the Visitor Centre (Mill Lane, Reddish), Tiviot Dale (off Tiviot Way A626 adjacent to M60 junction 27), Woodhall Fields (off Reddish Road B6167), Hollow End, Brinnington.

Facilities: There are toilets and other facilities at the visitor centre.

View route on Google Maps

Tameside – Haughton Dale and Apethorn to Godley railpath

A route through the quiet wooded valley of the River Tame before a climb up to the Apethorn to Godley railpath (approx 3 1/2 miles total).

Access: This section can be accessed from Stockport Road (A6017) or a car park on Meadow Lane, Haughton Dale (off Haughton Green Road).

Facilities: This section is in a wooded valley so there are no facilities on route, but there are local facilities in Hyde and Denton.

View route on Google Maps

Peak District – Longdendale

Wonderful views of the Peak District hills are all around as you follow the old rail line from Hadfield up the valley to Torside and on to the former Woodhead station (approx 8 miles), and if you head east its downhill all the way back! From Woodhead you can continue off-road for a further 2 miles over the highest point on the Trans Pennine Trail – while the start of this is up a steep hill, it is worth it to admire the view! An on road section then connects this section to Dunford Bridge, the start of another long traffic-free section. There are three busy road crossing between Woodhead and Dunford Bridge.

Access: There is a car park at Station Road, Hadfield (signed Longdendale Trail off the A628 and A57. There is a car park midway along this section by Torside reservoir (signed off the B6105). The Trail in Hadfield 100m from the station (with regular services to Manchester).

Facilities: There are public toilets, cafe and shops at Hadfield. There are toilets, visitor information, and refreshments available at Torside car park.

View route on Google Maps