Neston to Blacon

[Chris]

I regularly cycle from Neston to Blacon. I have three main routes depending on the time and my mood.
1) The A540 - dangerous and unpleasant at some times of day, but direct.
2) Burton Puddington, A540 to the Yacht, Woodbank Lane to the new bridge, Saughall, Blacon.
3) As above but continue along Woodbank lane to the Bridge over the A550 and then the cycleway into Blacon.
4) Cycleroute 56 - Wirral Way, "Missing Link", Dunkirk, Cyclepath by the railway, Canal to Blacon.

However it seems to me that Route 2) above would be much improved if I could get from Puddington to Shotwick - I know there is a public footpath - is this cycle-able, or is there a better way?

[Craig Steeland]

Yes, Shotwick to Puddington is cyclable on a footpath through fields. It can be muddy in places after rain. However, there are no stiles, and I think there is just one gate, which is fairly wide. I cycle through there regularly. I do not have a mountain bike, and I can get through here with road tyres.

Sustrans are working on an alternative link to the west of this footpath. It requires some permissions from farmers and maybe MoD. So longer term there may be a cycle route. Meanwhile the footpath is doable.

[Chris]

Thanks Craig, I will give it a try.

[Chris]

Craig,
I walked this route today to see what it would be like to cycle.
My conclusion was that there was in places,
a) long grass in short sections
b) long sections with paths through fields of crops which were very narrow, and would be extremely wet/muddy on anything other than a dry summer day.
c) Sections with overhanging branches,
d) Sections where the path was accross recently cut turf - not sure what this will be like on a few weeks time.

My conclusion was that I might try this on a mountain bike for an occasional ride, but as a commuting route it is a none starter.

Shame because a decent route accross here would really open up cycling between West Wirral and Chester.

[Chris]

Oh yes, nearly forgot, also two gates 5yds apart.

[Dave]

Hi,
don't want to be a pain and you have said the route is not workable anyway but if it is a footpath we can't cycle on it, it's just for walking. I know this is a pain but it gives us all a bad name if people see us riding on footpaths. One local farmer by where I live will chase after you and give you hell and then make you walk pushing your bike. Please please do not cycle on footpaths

[tangoman]

I agree, but with this path I think Sustrans actively trying to upgrade the Shotwick-Puddington footpath to become a bridleway/cycle route as part of Regional Route 82.

ps it is ridable on a roadbike during the summer