Sunday’s Ride to Southport 08/11/20

We thought it would be quiet on Sunday, with lockdown in place and showers forecast.  However, although the first part of Sunday’s ride, along the A59 to Sollom, was quiet, later sections proved more traffic laden.  We chose our exercise route so as to follow Route 91 from Sollom in a loop around Ormskirk and back, but decided, after passing Martin Mere and taking a break (on one of our usual benches) near Halsall, we would leave Route 91 and head for the coast.

It was showery from here on, as we crossed the mosslands west of Ormskirk, and still fairly free of traffic.  Our choice of route took us into Formby to follow NCN Route 810 north from Formby Point along a delightful hard packed shared path north to meet the Trans Pennine Trail at Ainsdale Hills.  There were a few other cyclists and walkers on the trail; the traffic started as we reached the coast road.

This trail runs along Southport Promenade as far as Banks.  This road was quite busy on Sunday, despite lockdown.  Lunch was taken on a promenade bench, although there was not much of a view because of mist.  The afternoon session was along familiar roads between Banks and Mere Brow, where we re-joined Route 91 as far as Bretherton.  The road between Mere Bow and Sollom is still in the process of being resurfaced and is quite rough.

The traffic retreated later in the day as we crossed the fields via Much Hoole, Longton and Hutton, but returned as we followed the last section of A59 back into Penwortham.  Having used our lights last week, we were able to finish the road without them this week; I notice this seems to make for a more peaceful arrival at home!  It had been another good ride.

Mike Bridges