Walking & Cycling Newsletter

Transcription

1 Sefton s Summer Walking & Cycling Newsletter Issue 40 / July September 2016 Summer walks and rides ripe for the picking!

2 Introduction Taking inspiration from the song Dancing in the Take a stroll along Crosby Promenade, cycle along the Street, Summer s here and the time is right for Cheshire Lines and Trans Pennine Trail, use the towpath alongside the Leeds/Liverpool Canal or visit the National walking in the woods or cycling along the coast. Nature Reserve at Ainsdale. Keeping active is a necessity Take the time to get outdoors and enjoy the wide not a choice so spend time outdoors with family and open spaces that your borough has to offer. friends and walk and cycle for health. Walking Diary Welcome to the walk diary in this the 40th edition of the Sefton Walking and Cycling Newsletter. Active Walks is Sefton s local accredited Walking for Health walk programme and has twenty six health walks on offer, including Pram Walks. The programme also has longer walks beyond Walking for Health, Challenging Walks and Nordic Walks, something for everybody. The walks vary in length and time with walks lasting from ten minutes to several hours and are available at meeting points all over the borough. Walking can be the perfect exercise as it places little stress upon bones and joints but uses over two hundred muscles within the body and can help develop and maintain fitness. Netherton Feelgood Factory Health Walks Walk leader: Billy Time: 10.00am Place: Feelgood Factory, Glovers Lane, Netherton, L30 5QW The Feelgood factory walk is a medium walk of around 60 minutes. The walking routes vary each week taking in local parks and The Leeds Liverpool Canal. All the walks start and finish at the Feelgood Factory. Crosby Health Walks Walk leaders: Sue, John and Beryl Place: We meet in the foyer of Crosby Library on the second and fourth Monday each month at 10.30am. The group sometimes uses public transport so walks marked with *require travel pass or cash. We leave the Library promptly at 10.30am where transport is involved, unless you meet us at Waterloo Train Station (when appropriate) for the train. 4th July: 4 Bridges and 2 Parks 11th July: Edge Lane Farm (Home of the Birch Family ) 18th July: Around Stand Park (Home of William Molyneux until 1792) 25th July: The Criddle Estate (Merton Village) 1st August: Canal to Ormskirk Road 8th August: Copy Farm Park 15th August: Visit to the Barn Owl in Jubilee Woods 22nd August: Rimrose Valley Country Park (The Wabbs) 5th September: A visit to Jubilee Woods and Maghull 12th September: Canal to Melling Road (Home of the Grand National) 19th September: A visit to Litherland Park 26th September: Wishing Well and Sefton Church 11th July: Brunswick Station to Pier Head* 25th July: Formby Woods* 8th August: Rimrose Valley 22nd August: Mersey Ferry then walk to New Brighton* Please note prompt 10am start from Library 12th September: Along our Promenade 26th September: Coastguards (Hall Road) to Hightown* MONDAY MONDAY Grade 1: suitable for people who have not walked much before. Grade 2: suitable for people who are looking to increase their activity levels. Grade 3: for people looking for more challenging walks. Maghull Health Walks Walk leaders: Brian, Sheila, Christine, John and Sue Time: 10.00am Place: Maghull Health Centre (outside building), L31 0DJ The Maghull walks will take around 90 minutes to complete, the walks are based around the rural areas of Maghull/Sefton and Lydiate so suitable clothing and footwear will be required. The group use local cafes to have a tea/coffee stop and a chat. Progressional walks: for people who have undertaken Walking for Health Grade 3 walks and are now looking to take their next steps. Special Interest walks: health walks with a twist. 4th July: Hartley s 18th July: Hayloft 1st August: Motor Range 15th August: Village Diner 5th September: Sefton Meadows 19th September: Lunt Meadows *Bring your own refreshments St. Leonard s Health Walks Walk leader: Steph Place: St. Leonard s Community Centre, 60 Peel Road, Bootle, L20 4RW The St. Leonard s walk is a medium walk and will last for a maximum of 60 minutes. There will be an opportunity to have tea/coffee and a chat back at St. Leonard s. Ainsdale Health Walks Walk leaders: Alasdair and Paul Time: 11.00am Place: MeCycle Café (next to Ainsdale Train Station), PR8 3HH The Ainsdale walk is a medium walk lasting for around 60 minutes, the group passes through the dunes so sensible footwear suitable for walking through dunes is advised. The group finishes with a chat and a coffee in the Mecycle Café afterwards. 4th July 25th July 1st August 15th August 5th September 19th September 4th July 11th July 18th July 25th July 1st August 8th August 15th August 22nd August 5th September 12th September 19th September 26th September

3 TUESDAY Bootle Health Walks Walk leaders: Anne, Delia, Helen, Margaret and Sandra Text or call Delia The Bootle walks are a medium walk and the group will cover distances of between 2 4 miles each week depending on location and enjoy a variety of routes across Sefton and beyond. Don t forget travel fare or pass! Please note Bootle walks are unsuitable for dogs. 5th July: Port Sunlight Bootle New Strand Train Station (Liverpool Line), 10.00am 12th July: Day out 19th July: Hall Road to Hightown Time & Place: Park/Watts Lane, 10.00am or Bootle New Strand Station (Southport Line) 10.30am Please note: Later time 26th July: Liverpool Locks Hugh Baird College (corner of Stanley Road), 10.00am 2nd August: Five Lamps Marina Litherland Library, 10.15am 9th August: Parkgate Sir Thomas Street, Liverpool, 10.15am 16th August: Litherland Canal Time & Place: St Robert Bellarmine Car Park, 9.30am or St Elizabeth s Bridge, Pennington Road, 10.00am 23rd August: Hesketh Park Time & Place: Park/Watts Lane, 9.30am or Bootle New Strand Station (Southport Line), 10.00am 30th August: Hayloft, Lydiate Rice Lane Bus Stop (Walton), 10.15am 6th September: West Kirby Bootle New Strand Train Station (Liverpool Line), 10.00am 13th September: Cressington Bootle New Strand Train Station (Liverpool Line), 10.00am 20th September: Ruff Woods Orrell Park Train Station (Ormskirk Line), 10.00am 27th September: Hooton Blast from the Past Bootle New Strand Train Station (Liverpool Line), 10.00am Kew Health Walks Walk leaders: Sally and Peggy Time: 11.00am Place: Dobbies Garden Centre (top right of car park), PR8 4HX The Kew walk is a short walk and will take around 30 minutes to complete at a gentle pace. There is also a 10 minute walk available within the 30 minutes if requested. This walk is suitable for people who have not walked much before and are looking to be more active. The routes are generally on flat ground, there are some gentle slopes, firm surfaces underfoot and no steps or stiles around the footpaths of Town Lane Woods. Waterloo Health Walks Walk leader: Chris Place: Inside Sefton Carers Centre, South Road, L22 5PE (unless otherwise stated) The walks are the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. The Carers Centre walk is a medium walk, the walks will take around 60 minutes to complete at a relaxed pace, the group will visit various points of interest within Sefton and beyond. 5th July 19th July 2nd August 16th August 30th August 13th September 27th September 5th July: Formby Loop 19th July: New Brighton (Meet at 10.00am) 2nd August: Sefton Park 16th August: Southport 6th September: Hightown and Hall Road 20th September: Ainsdale and Freshfield TUESDAY Formby Pinewoods Health Walks Walk leaders: Anne, Margaret and John Place: In front of Pinewoods Pub on Wicks Green (off Harington Road), L37 1PR The Pinewoods Walk is a medium walk that will take around 75 minutes to complete at a steady pace. All the walks use the pinewoods and coastal footpaths, there will be sandy paths and gentle inclines throughout the route. 5th July 12th July 19th July 26th July 2nd August 9th August 16th August 23rd August 30th August 6th September 13th September 20th September 27th September Wednesday Social Walks Walk leader: Mike Time: 10.00am (unless otherwise stated). (unless otherwise stated). The Southport walks are longer walks and visit a variety of locations across Merseyside and Lancashire. 6th July: Otterspool Promenade Place: Southport Station to catch 10.13am train to Aigburth 13th July: Birkdale via Eco Centre 20th July: Freshfield to Ainsdale Place: Southport Station to catch 10.13am train to Freshfield 27th July: Churchtown via Hesketh Park 3rd Aug: Halsall to Scarisbrick Marina Place: 9.55am Eastbank St outside Specsavers 9.58am 300 bus to Halsall 10th Aug: Dobbies 17th Aug: New Brighton Place: Southport Station to catch 10.13am train to Moorfields 24th Aug: Botanical Gardens 31st Aug: Brickcroft Place: Lord Street, outside Debenhams 10.26am 2 Bus to Longton 7th Sept: Marine Lake 14th Sept: Hall Road to Waterloo Place: Southport Station to catch 10.13am train to Hall Road 21st Sept: Hesketh Park 28th Sept: Saracens Head, Halsall to Ship Inn and back Place: 9.55am Eastbank St, outside Specsavers 9.58am 300 bus to Halsall WEDNESDAY Hesketh Park Health Walks Walk leaders: Tom and Peggy Time: 1.30pm Place: Hesketh Park (corner of Albert Road/ Park Road entrance), PR9 9LN The Hesketh Park walk is a short walk of 45 minutes, gentle pace, in Hesketh Park, taking in views of the lake, wildlife and gardens. 12th July 26th July 9th August 23rd August 6th September 20th September NEW WALK

4 WEDNESDAY Netherton Health Walks Walk leader: Lin Place: Meeting points vary see listings. The Netherton walk is a medium walk at a steady pace and will last for around 60 minutes. It s a great walk for those who wish to explore parts of Sefton and beyond whilst increasing your physical activity levels for the week. There are walks on the Wirral, Liverpool and closer to home in Crosby. The group enjoy lunch together on some of the walks. Please note: All walks are 2 3 miles long unless otherwise stated. *: Please bring a packed lunch NAC: Netherton Activity Centre, Glovers Lane L30 3TL Sefton Trailblazers Walk leaders: Gill and Margaret There is a great choice of walks across Sefton from the beach and dunes and coastal paths, to The Leeds Liverpool Canal towpath, to country footpaths and lanes and other open areas. The Sefton Trailblazers Walking group explores all that is on offer using Merseyrail stations as start and finishing points. The walks are usually between 5 7 miles in length and last between 90 minutes to 2 1/2 hours and are undertaken at a brisk pace. Please note no dogs allowed on these walks. 6th July: Sefton Meadows 13th July: Dobbies Nursery, Birkdale 20th July: Canal walk Short walk 27th July: Pub Lunch walk Place: Old Roan Train Station 3rd Aug: Birkenhead Park* 10th Aug: Crosby Marina 24th Aug: Hightown 31st Aug: Rimrose Valley Country Park 7th Sept: Blue Anchor Pub Lunch 14th Sept: Sefton Meadows 21st Sept: Sefton Park* 28th Sept: Canal walk Place: Red Lion Pub 3rd August: Jubilee Park & Kings Gardens* Time & Place: 10.35am Birkdale Train Station 10th August: Circular via Waddicar Time & Place: 10.45am Old Roan Train Station 17th August: Bidston Hill Time & Place: 10.50am Birkenhead North Train Station Please bring packed lunch and wear shoes with a good grip 24th August: Beach & Freshfield Dune Heath* Time & Place: 10.30am Freshfield Train Station 31st August: Ruff Woods Time & Place: 11.00am Ormskirk Train Station May Logan Health Walks Walk leaders: Debbie, Louise, Dot, Brenda, Cath and John Time: 10.00am Place: all the walks start at May Logan Healthy Living Centre, L20 5DQ The May Logan walk is a medium walk that will take around 60 minutes to complete at a gentle pace. The walking group enjoys short walks in and around the Bootle and Litherland area, taking in routes along the canal and local parks. Formby Pool Health Walks Walk leaders: Hilary and Sue Place: Formby Pool, main reception area, L37 4AB The Formby Pool walk is a longer walk at a quick pace and will take around minutes to complete. There are routes to suit everybody and include Cabin Hill Nature Reserve, National Trust Nature Reserve and Natural England Nature Reserve. Please wear footwear suitable for walking through dunes, along woodland paths and on uneven ground. L30 Health Walk Walk leader: Peter Meet: L30 Community Centre, Stoneyfield, Netherton, L30 0QS The L30 walk is a medium walk and will last 60 minutes, the routes include the Leeds/Liverpool Canal and Sefton Meadows. 7th July: Rimrose Valley 14th July: Derby Park 21st July: 3 Park Canal Loop 28th July: Hatton Hill 4th August: Crosby Marina 11th August: Rimrose Valley 18th August: Mystery Tour 25th August: Derby Park 1st September: Crosby Marina 8th September: 3 Park Canal Loop 15th September: Crosby Marina 22nd September: Hatton Hill 29th September: Derby Park 7th July: Cabin Hill 14th July: Lifeboat Road 21st July: Golf Course walk 28th July: Ravenmeols Reserve 4th August: Victoria Wood walk 11th August: Devil s Hole walk 18th August: Poplar walk 25th August: Old Asparagus walk 1st September: Beach walk 8th September: Lost Resort Trail 15th September: Ainsdale Woods walk Meet at Freshfield Station, bottom of large car park 22nd September: Squirrel walk 29th September: Mystery walk 7th July: Brooms Cross Circular (3 miles) 4th August: Rimrose Valley Circular (3 miles) NEW WALK THURSDAY Dates in BLACK start and finish at the same train station, dates in GREEN the walk ends at different station. 6th July: Marshside Time & Place: 10.30am Southport Train Station 13th July: Formby Moss* Time & Place: 10.30am Formby Train Station, Finish at Freshfield Train Station 20th July: Circular via Wood Hall Farm* Time & Place: 10.50am Maghull Train Station 27th July: Festival Gardens* Time & Place: 10.35am St Michaels Train Station, Finish at Aigburth Train Station 7th September: Lost Resort Trail* Time & Place: 10.30am Formby Train Station 14th September: Sefton Coastal Path* Time & Place: 10.30am Waterloo Train Station, Finish at Hightown Train Station Wednesday 21st September: Ainsdale Nature Reserve Time & Place: 10.30am Ainsdale Train Station * denotes there will be an opportunity at the end of the walk to stop at a pub or café for refreshments Wednesday 28th September: Hoylake Circular via Grange Hill* Pub lunch at Hoylake Lights at end of the walk Time & Place: 10.55am Hoylake Train Station Ainsdale Sands Health Walks Walk leaders: Margaret and Pauline Place: Ainsdale Sands Hotel, PR8 2QD The Ainsdale Sands walk is a medium walk lasting approximately minutes at a reasonable pace, some of the walks will include small hills in the sand dunes. These walks offer extensive views of the sea and Sefton coastline and finish with a chat and a coffee in the Sands Pub. If you wish to join the group, please wear sensible waterproof footwear suitable for wet, boggy paths. 7th July 21st July 4th August 18th August 1st September 15th September 29th September

5 News Evening Walks The evening walks return for the Summer programme, they last 90 minutes and start in different locations across Sefton. There s something about a Summery evening walk that is guaranteed to delight, with the light and the atmosphere being so different to that of a daytime walk. Thursday 7th July: Formby Coastal Trail Time: 6.30pm Place: Freshfield Train Station Thursday 28th July: Crosby Coastal Walk Time: 6.30pm Place: Hall Road Train Station Thursday 11th August: Maghull History Trail Time: 7.00pm Later time Place: Maghull Train Station Thursday 8th September: Hillside Dunes Trail Time: 6.30pm Place: Hillside Train Station Thursday 22nd September: Formby Pinewoods Time: 6.30pm Place: Freshfield Train Station Nordic Walk Coast Challenge Formby to Seaforth Saturday 10th September Place: Formby Library Distance: 8.5 miles Finish at Seaforth Train Station, approx 2.30pm Bring packed lunch Fifth Year for Southport & Formby s Step Out for Stroke Walk Another Step Out for Stroke walk in Southport has been and gone, now in its 5th year the weather stayed fine for us. The walk started at Dunes Splash World and circled the north end of Marine Lake using the Marine Bridge as our half way point, the route itself was just over 1 mile. The purple t-shirts were out in force on a busy, warm halfterm Wednesday, with everyone completing the walk at their own pace. The Active Walks team were there to provide support around the route, volunteer walk leaders joined the walk and also marshalled on the day. Stephanie Boote Active Walks Co-ordinator said; I always look forward to this event, as I know they are happening all over the country and Sefton are a part of it. The weather has been kind to us over the five years we ve been involved and everyone completes the walk at their own pace. We had about 30 walkers with us this year so we raised some useful funds for the Stroke Association who do great work and provide much needed support to those who have suffered from a stroke. I hope to see everyone next year for Step Out for Stroke Big thank you to Dunes Splash World for your continued support and thank you to my wonderful volunteer walk leaders who stepped in to help with signage and marshal the walk route. There will be another Step Out for Stroke Walk next year, same place, same time of year and we would like to see as many people join in and raise awareness and much needed funds, watch this space. Sunshine and flowers at Arley Hall on Volunteers Away Day Sefton s Walking and Cycling volunteers enjoyed a fabulous away day at Arley Hall in Cheshire in May after a rainy start in Southport. Every year the volunteers are invited on an away day, for a walk in the countryside or to visit a place of interest, followed by a lunch at a local public house. Over the years we ve been to many places including Coniston Old Man in the Lake District, Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire, Lyme Park in Cheshire and Chipping in Lancashire. The day started with the first pick up in Southport and the weather was disappointing as it was tipping down with rain, we nearly left without one of our volunteers but the coach nipped back just in time. As we made our way through Sefton to the various pick-ups we thought it was going to rain all day which wasn t good for us as the gardens at Arley Hall are beautiful and the main reason for the visit but we didn t want to get soaking wet (even if we did have waterproofs). When we arrived at Arley Hall it was still light rain so we started with a 45 minute tour of the Hall, Karen and Geoff our tour guides were excellent. As we made our way out of the Hall the sun had come out and dried up all the rain, perfect timing. The gardens were wonderful and colourful, with a walled garden to walk through, fountains and waterfalls, a sculpture trail through the woodland grove, lots to see. After our visit to Arley Hall the coach made its way to our lunch stop, The Rams Head Inn in Grappenhall, not far from Arley. As soon as we sat down our food was served, the staff had timed it to perfection, the food was delicious, and Joe Morris from the Road Safety team had prepared a short quiz for us all after the meal. Congratulations to Kerry and Helen who won with 8 out of 10 questions correctly answered, we hope you liked your goody bag. We then all jumped back on to the coach and made our way back to Sefton. A big thank you to the staff at Arley Hall, Margaret for such a friendly and informative welcome, Karen and Geoff for your tour around the hall under a time constraint, you did it well. Also a big thank you to the staff at The Rams Head Inn, to serve 48 people so quickly with great food, hats off and the seating arrangement worked well for us. Thank you Graham for your help before and after the day with everything and I m sure a few of us will be back for another visit to The Rams Head Inn and Arley Hall. And of course a massive thank you to our fantastic volunteers for your continued involvement on the walking and cycling programmes, what you do week in week out makes a huge difference to the people who come along and take part. New size for the newsletter? Your thoughts welcome. We would like your feedback on changing the newsletter size from A4 to A5. This is the 40th issue so what better time to make some changes! The newsletter has been A4 for many years and works well but a change to A5 would be something fresh and new. An A5 newsletter would be easier to fit in your bag, a handy size and easier to display at the various venues we deliver to. It s up to you we want your vote! Vote A4 or A5 by ing the address below. your choice to: activetravel@sefton.gov.uk Closing date for votes is Monday 18th July.

6 Nordic Walks Join your local Nordic Walking group after you ve completed the training, they are free, no booking is required and Nordic Walking poles are available to borrow. Nordic Walking uses poles in order to add two major benefits to walking: The use of the poles means the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs. The poles help propel the walker along this means he/she works harder than usual yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier. Nordic Walking is a great way to lose weight and stay healthy as it strengthens your upper body and reduces stress on the joints. It s all about technique! Monday afternoons Formby: weekly 90 minutes Walk leader: Angela Time & Place: 1.00pm at Formby Library, Duke Street, Formby L37 4AN Please note: 22nd August, Ainsdale Nature Reserve linear walk (finish at Ainsdale, return by train) Monday evenings Lydiate/Maghull: weekly 90 minutes Walk leaders: Ian, Brenda and John Time & Place: 6.30pm at Lydiate Parish Hall, 288 Southport Road, Lydiate L31 4EQ Crosby: weekly 60 minutes Walk leaders: Liz and Ally Time & Place: 6.00pm at Crosby Leisure Centre, Tuesday evenings Freshfield: weekly 60 minutes Walk leaders: Steph and Maggie Time & Place: 6.00pm at Freshfield Pub car park, Massam s Lane, Formby L37 7BD Please note: No walks on 19th July or 30th August Wednesday mornings Waterloo: weekly 60 minutes Walk leaders: Pat, Peter, Liz, Ally and Howard Time & Place: 10.30am at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre (Bistro side), Cambridge Road, Waterloo L22 1RR Wednesday afternoons Southport: weekly 60 minutes Walk leaders: Georgina, John and Steph Time & Place: 2.00pm at Dunes Splash World, Southport Esplanade, Southport PR8 1RX Thursday mornings Crosby: weekly 60 minutes Walk leaders: Ally and Liz Time & Place: 7.00am at Crosby Leisure Centre (swimming baths), Friday mornings Crosby: weekly 60 minutes Walk leaders: Linda, Joyce, Ian and Sandra Time & Place: 10.30am at Crosby Leisure Centre (swimming baths), Friday afternoons Southport: fortnightly 60 minutes Walk leaders: Steph Time & Place: 2.30pm 3.30pm at The Living Well Centre, Scarisbrick Ave, Southport PR8 1NW 8th July 12th / 26th August 9th / 23rd September Please note: No walk on 22nd July Saturday mornings Formby: fortnightly 90 minutes Walk leaders: Angela and Steph Time & Place: 10.30am at Formby Library, Duke Street, Formby L37 4AN 2nd July: Hightown 16th July: Beach walk via Gypsy Path Longer walk 30th July: Hoggs Hill 13th August: Ravenmeols Dune Walk 27th August: Asparagus Fields 10th September: Challenge Walk Formby to Seaforth, 8.5 miles (finish at Seaforth & Litherland Train Station) Saturday 24th September: Fishermans Path Longer walk Crosby: fortnightly 90 minutes Walk leaders: Liz and Peter Time & Place: 10.30am at Crosby Leisure Centre, 9th / 23rd July 6th / 20th August 3rd / 17th September Nordic Technique Training Courses Book your place on the next set of training course, there are four courses to choose from. The 4 hour Nordic Walking UK Training Course is split over 2 days, you must attend both days to complete the training. FREE Training and Nordic Walking poles are provided. Crosby Afternoon: Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th July: 1.00pm 3.00pm Meeting at Crosby Leisure Centre, Southport Morning: Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th Aug 9.00am 11.00am Meeting at Dunes Splash World, Southport Esplanade, Southport PR8 1RX Maghull Evening: Thursday 18th & Friday 19th Aug 6.00pm 8.00pm Meeting at Meadows Leisure Centre Hall Lane, Maghull L31 7BB Formby Afternoon: Monday 5th & Tuesday 6th Sept 12.30pm 2.30pm Meeting at Formby Library, Duke Street, Formby L37 4AN If for any reason you are unable to attend after confirming your place on a course please contact the team so we can offer it to another person. Southport Central Health Walks Walk leaders: Betty, Peggy and Tony Place: Dunes Splash World, reception area, PR8 1RX The Southport Central walks are gentle paced walks of around minutes, taking in routes such as Victoria Park, Jubilee Nature Trail and Marine Lake. Sefton Opera Health Walks Walk leaders: Val and Anne Place: St Matthew s Church/Sefton Opera, 410 Stanley Road, L20 5AE Press buzzer, mention the walk, first floor. The Sefton Opera walks are short walks and will last approximately minutes, the group visit local parks and greenspaces with time at the end for a cup of tea and a chat. Southport and Formby Macmillan Health Walks Walk leaders: Jean, Moira, Joan, Jo, Stephen, Pat and Steph Time: 1.00pm The Macmillan walks are medium walks but have a shorter option meaning walks can last for around 20 minutes instead of the medium walks of minutes. The walks take place on a Friday and are for anybody affected by cancer. The first Friday of each month, the walk will take place at various locations around Sefton and West Lancs, the remaining Fridays all start from the Macmillan Information Centre/Living Well Centre, Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport PR8 1NW. Dunes Health Walks Walk leaders: Jean and Trefor Time: 1.30pm Place: Dunes Splash World, outside the main entrance by the seating, PR8 1RX The Dunes walks are medium length walks at a good pace and the walks last approximately 90 minutes. The group walk along the coast and enjoy eye-catching views of the Sefton coastline which include the sea wall path, Velvet Trail, Marine Lake, Jubilee Trail, Kings Gardens and Victoria Park. 1st July 8th July 15th July 22nd July 29th July 5th August 12th August 19th August 26th August 1st July 8th July 15th July 22nd July 29th July 5th August 12th August 19th August 26th August 8th July 22nd July 5th August 19th August 2nd September 9th September 23rd September 2nd September 9th September 16th September 23rd September 30th September 2nd September 9th September 16th September 23rd September 30th September 1st July: Burscough Place: Burscough Bridge Train Station 8th / 15th / 22nd / 29th July Place: Macmillan Information Centre & Support/ Living Well Centre 5th August: Hall Road Place: Hall Road Train Station 12th / 19th / 26th August Place: Macmillan Information Centre & Support/ Living Well Centre 2nd September: Botanic Gardens Place: Botanic Gardens Café 9th / 16th / 23rd / 30th September Place: Macmillan Information Centre & Support/ Living Well Centre FRIDAY

7 SATURDAY SUNDAY THURSDAY Kings Gardens Health Walks Walk leader: Steph Place: Carousel/beginning of Pier, PR8 1QX The Kings Garden Walk is a short walk at a medium pace and will take around minutes to complete. This walk is ideal for anybody who would like to build up their physical activity levels gradually, a gentle pace with the flexibility to increase if needed, the walk route stays within Kings Garden for the main part and sometimes includes the Pier and sea wall. Sunday Health Walks Walk leaders: Margaret, Brenda and Steph or 2.00pm Please note: AFTERNOON WALKS ADDED! The walks will continue to be fortnightly throughout the Summer months, please make a note of the start time on each walk. The walks last no longer than 90 minutes and are a medium pace walk. Walks in BLACK start at 10.30am, Walks in GREY start at 2.00pm. Prambles Prambles are an amble with your pram, free to join, friendly and active. The group walk for about 60 minutes and set the pace and sometimes stop off at a local café for a cuppa or return to the centre for refreshments or a follow-on activity. Please note: this months Prambles take place on a Thursday. * Refreshment stop 9th July 23rd July: No walk 6th August 20th August 3rd September 17th September 3rd July: Blundellsands to Hightown Linear Place: 10.30am Blundellsands Train Station Finish at Hightown Train Station 17th July: Maghull Trail Place: 10.30am Maghull Train Station 31st July: Crosby Promenade Circular Place: 10.00am at Hall Road Train Station 14th August: The Dunes Trail Place: 2.00pm at Hillside Train Station 28th August: Formby Pinewoods Trail Place: 2.00pm Freshfield Train Station 11th September: Lydiate Loop Place: 10.30am at Hall Lane, opposite The Hayloft Tea Rooms 25th September: Freshfield-Ainsdale Woods Circular Place: 2.00pm Freshfield Train Station Linaker Children s Centre Thursday mornings Walk leaders: Steph Time & Place: 10.30am at Linaker Children s Centre Linaker Street, Southport PR8 5DB (entrance is on Linaker Street) 7th July: Kew Woods* 14th July: Formby Pinewoods Picnic 21st July: No pram walk 28th July: Seafront 4th August: Rotten Row* 11th August: Marine Lake 18th August: Kew Woods* 25th August: No pram walk 1st September: Kings Gardens and Pier* 8th September: Crosby to Hightown 15th September: Kew Woods 22nd September: Victoria Park* 29th September: Seafront Cycling News Although cycling can be an all year round activity, many dislike the dark days and murky weather but with a decent spring now behind us and a sunny summer looming, it s the perfect time of year to get pedalling again. We have a good range of cycling opportunities available in Sefton, from discovering the freedom of two wheels for the first time with Ditch Your Stabilisers to discovering the fantastic scenery Sefton has to offer with our led ride programme. If group riding isn t for you then we also have a series of themed route guides ranging from short 3 mile loops to 35 mile day rides. These routes are available to download ( or contact the activetravel@sefton.gov.uk for hard copies. If after all this riding your bike needs a bit of TLC, then get yourself along to a community Dr Bike workshop, were your bike can receive a free basic service and you can learn some handy hints and tips to keep it running smoothly. Ditch those Stabilisers These ever popular, hands on activities, are proving to be the ideal sessions for family members to get their children riding. Over 90% of participants come away riding independently, providing a real sense of achievement for both the child and family members. With support, advice and guidance from our enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, we will equip you with the tools to get your whole family pedal ready. Wheels for All The Wheels for All initiative is a nationally recognised programme that embraces children and adults with disabilities and differing needs, to engage in a quality cycling activity. Centres are equipped with specially adapted cycles and welcome individuals, groups and families to become involved. Wheels for All training can be arranged to provide individuals, family members, carers and support staff with the knowledge and confidence to work with adapted cycles for their clients or family member, ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits of cycling in a sociable environment. Sefton is also taking part in Cycling UK s national Big Bike Revival, with MeCycle (Ainsdale) and Tyred Rides (Southport) getting involved. So if you have a bike that s in need of reviving, take it along to one of these two great bike recycling centres and rediscover your love of cycling. If getting your own hands dirty is more up your street, we have a new basic bike maintenance publication available for the budding mechanic; bikes are often consigned to the shed, back garden or under the stairs when things go wrong and often a quick fix that will get you riding again. This handy guide will help you keep on top of your cycle maintenance, keeping you active and saving you money on workshop repairs. The guide is available to download from or contact the activetravel@sefton.gov.uk Summer sessions from 9am 12pm: > Tuesday 26th July & Tuesday 23rd August Litherland Sports Park, Boundary Lane, Litherland L21 7LA > Thursday 28th July & Thursday 25th August Shoreside Primary School, Westminster Drive, Ainsdale PR8 2QZ Booking is essential, to book: Tel: Available cycles include tandems, tricycles, hand cycles and wheelchair accessible cycles. Wheels 4 All Centres > Litherland Sports Park, Boundary Lane, Litherland L21 7LA Adult sessions on Wednesdays from 10.00am 3.30pm Booking is essential, to book call: Cycling Projects on or Sefton Active Travel on > Dunes Splash World, The Esplanade, Southport PR8 1RX Cycles also available during centre opening times, contact centre direct for details For general enquiries about the scheme call or cycling@sefton.gov.uk

8 Freewheeling The scheme is free and offers Sefton residents (conditions apply) the opportunity to access bikes in order to make cycling a part of their active lifestyle or, indeed join us on one of our led rides. To join the scheme go along to any of the centres listed and take with you the following identification: A recent utility bill (Gas, Water, Electricity or Telephone) Any personal photographic identification (Passport, Driver s Licence or Travel Pass) Community Dr Bike The summer cycle servicing surgeries are back with you again, setting up at One Vision Housing Job Clubs across South Sefton. The summer is a great time of year to get out on your bike and discover the wealth of fantastic cycle routes around Sefton, so dig out your old bike and bring it along for a free basic service; alternatively, if your bike is your main form of transport, we can keep those wheels whizzing and brakes braking for many miles to come. There is no need to book, however these popular sessions can get quite busy, so a short wait may be required; we aim to look at every bike and typically repair work includes: > Replacing worn tyres > Replacing inner tubes > Replacing gear and brake cables > Replacing brake blocks > Tuning gears Cycles are available from: > Dunes Splash World > Formby Pool > Litherland Sports Park > MeCycle Café Ainsdale or us@mecycle.co.uk For general enquiries about the scheme: Tel: activetravel@sefton.gov.uk As this is a mobile service, we may not be able to fix all repairs, if this is the case we will provide you with advice on where to take your bike for the work to be completed. > Tuesday 9th August, 10am 1pm Willow House, Maple Close, Seaforth L21 4LY > Wednesday 10th August, 10am 1pm (Weather permitting) Litherland Youth & Community Centre 41 Sefton Road, Litherland, L21 9HD > Wednesday 3rd August, 10am 1pm L30 Community Centre Stonyfield, Netherton, L30 0QS > Friday 12th August, 10am 1pm Brunswick Youth & Community Centre Marsh Lane, Bootle, L20 4JQ > Friday 5th August, 10am 1pm Venus Centre, 215 Linacre Lane, Bootle L20 6AD Pedal Away If riding your bike, meeting new friends, visiting new places and discovering new cycling routes sounds like your thing; then come along to one of our led rides. Our ride leaders will show you many routes in and around Sefton, sometimes venturing further afield into West Lancashire and Liverpool. All rides are fun, free and friendly and often involve a café stop either in the middle or at the end of the ride. The routes are predominately traffic free or on quiet roads where necessary and the ride leader will advise you on correct riding etiquette and techniques, helping you get the most out of your riding and your bike. So if you re relatively new to cycling or an old hand, these rides will appeal to all. Rides for the over 50 s in partnership with Sefton Age Concern THE CHAIN GANG ARE COMING! Did you know that the AA published a Highway Code for Cyclists? It contains the sections of the main code which are relevant for cyclists as well as offering advice on the purchase and maintenance of bikes and the full syllabus for the national Bikeability cycle training programme. Chris Boardman, former Olympic gold medal winner, said: The bicycle is such a simple tool, but one which can improve your health, reduce congestion and make our towns and cities more liveable. > Tuesday 10am approximately 12pm Litherland Sports Park, Boundary Lane, Litherland L21 7LA > Friday 10am approximately 12pm MeCycle Café, 59 Station Road, Ainsdale PR8 3HH If you want to get back into cycling or need to boost your confidence on a bike, this is for you. > Friday 13.30pm 14.30pm MeCycle Café, 59 Station Road, Ainsdale PR8 3HH Bikes and Helmets are available for loan advanced booking required. Tel: cycling@sefton.gov.uk When did you last go for a cycle ride? On 1st & 3rd Thursday each month throughout the year, about of us meet outside Dunes Splash World at 10am. NEW You may have seen us: we re THE CHAIN GANG. Our basic clothing includes a cycling helmet as a minimum and high viz jacket. On the day the leader decides our destination and route, usually along country lanes or cycle tracks, before we settle for bite to eat in a café or pub; yes, we stay away from main highways! We cycle strictly in single file, and fear not, we don t race along. 7th / 21st July 4th / 18th August 1st / 15th September For more information please contact: Dawn at Southport Age Concern on , visit the Age Concern office at 8-10 Hoghton Street or meet the ride leaders at Dunes. Waterloo Social Rides TOUR DE FRIENDS > More than just a bike ride > A chance to meet people and make new friends > Age and ability are not barriers > No bike? Then let us know we may be able to help > All rides start and finish at the Centre > Come back for lunch at the Community Kitchen > Rides are every Thursday starting at 10am > Rides mostly on dedicated paths, and away from major roads Contact Bill Cowley via billcowley@blueyonder.co.uk Mobile: Waterloo Community Centre, The Old School Buildings, Great Georges Road, Waterloo L22 1RD Southport Hesketh Centre rides Recharge and refresh your mind and body with a gentle social cycle ride from the Hesketh Centre. The speed of the rides is always kept to an easy pace and we never leave anyone behind. The rides cover a variety of routes around the Southport area and include a café stop to refuel. Bikes and helmets are available for loan on the rides but need to be booked in advance. Rides take place on Wednesdays and the group meet at: 10.30am Hesketh Centre on the corner of Albert Road/Park Road West, Southport Or 11.15am Dunes Splash World, The Esplanade, Southport PR8 1RX For more information please contact the group leader on

9 Maghull & Lydiate U3A Our second targeted group involved Maghull and Lydiate U3A. We were approached by an active member of the group, who was looking to rediscover cycling after a prolonged break from riding. We provided one to one cycle training to Brenda and soon got her up and riding once again, Brenda informed further participants of the U3A as to her new found love of two wheels and they expressed a wish to accomplish the same. We therefore undertook a course of adult cycle training for the wider group of 12 participants, resulting in the entire group becoming proficient in cycling. This was a great achievement by all involved, particularly considering some of the individuals hadn t ridden for 30 years. The group began running their own group rides on a weekly basis, increasing the ride distance and their confidence at the same time. After several weeks of independent group riding, we challenged them to a longer, full day challenge ride. The route and distance was kept a secret until the morning of the ride, when our ride leader announced that the ride was to be a whopping 30 miles!, their previous best being 17, still a great distance for a group who couldn t ride just 5 months previously, but this was going to be a big step up. The group completed the ride, cycling along the Cheshire lines from Litherland, up to Ainsdale before having a well earned food stop at the excellent MeCycle Café. We then headed south along the fantastic Sefton Coastal route, through Formby, Hightown and on to Crosby. We then cycled inland through the picturesque Rimrose Valley and back to Litherland Sports Park. A superb day was had by all and the group were rightly overjoyed and amazed at their cycling achievement. The Pedal Pushers group are continuing to meet, racking up the miles and smiles and are looking forward to discovering more routes in and around Sefton. If your, school, community organisation or workplace would like to engage in some sort of cycling programme, then get in touch to discuss if we are able to help. Tel: activetravel@sefton.gov.uk For help planning your journey: For help planning your journey to attend one of our walks, rides or other activities download our SeftonTravel App available for free on ios and Android. Or use the Merseytravel website to plan your journey for bus timetables/routes and train timetables. Download the Merseytravel App to your smart phone. Or contact Traveline on This newsletter has been developed by Sefton Council. The newsletter details the different activities organised and promoted by the Walking & Cycling Team throughout the Summer, including how to get involved. For general enquiries call Sefton Plus on Calls cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company s access charge. stephanie.boote@sefton.gov.uk ross.adams@sefton.gov.uk General enquiries: cycling@sefton.gov.uk Further information is available at: