The 5 Best Cycling Routes In Warrington

cycling advice

Discovering the 5 best cycling routes in Warrington can be challenging yet fun. Cycling is a healthy and environmentally positive activity for the whole family.

As a result, cycling routes are flourishing all across the country, with plans for a £2 billion government package to increase the number of routes that cyclists can enjoy.

You may be a seasoned cyclist who knows the main routes in Warrington and Cheshire and recognise the cycling route map in this area well.  Or perhaps you’re an enthusiastic novice looking for an exciting start?

Our selection of featured cycle routes in Warrington can offer both.

Why Cycle In Warrington?

Leisure cycling has never been so popular and during 2018/19, statistics showed that nearly 1 million people in the UK used their bikes at least five times a week. An impressive 2.7 million ride at least once a week.

With that level of interest, it can be easy to run out of new cycling routes to explore that are accessible from Warrington.

So with this in mind, below we look at some less well-known traffic-free cycle paths and cycle routes in Warrington that may be new to you and your family or cycling friends.

If you accept the challenge to try one, why not leave a review for other cyclists to get the most out of their experience too? Safety gear on? Let’s get cycling in Warrington!

The Lymm Old Railway Line

The Lymm Old Railway line closed to passengers in 1962. Now the track serves as an excellent path for intermediate cyclists with a good level of fitness.

The route starts at Warrington Central train station on Winwick Street, WA2 7TT.  The whole family can enjoy a day of riding, picnicking and exploring this beautiful cycle track.

The delightfully picturesque Lymm village is close by, offering a perfect place to stop, rest and enjoy some refreshments. This part of the Cheshire countryside is stunning all year round.

It’s important to note that there are 4 moveable bridges on this route. For this reason, we’d recommend checking the opening times before you set off.

Carr Mill Dam

Just north of St Helen’s town centre, Carr Mill Dam is the county’s largest body of inland water and is a venue for national competitive powerboating and angling events.

This route is steady and flat, meaning that it’s great for riders of all fitness levels. What’s more, because of the fact that the route is mostly paved, it’s just as appropriate for beginners as for more seasoned riders.

The route begins at Barmouth Close bus station at Callands, Warrington WA5 9RU.  You’ll be able to enjoy some of the wonderful views near Sankey Brook.

Before returning to the Barmouth Close bus station, you’ll be greeted by the Grade I listed Nine Arches Viaduct. This sandstone and red brick structure is thought to be the earliest major railway viaduct in the world.

Dakota Park Loop

A relaxing ‘easy’ ride from Sankey to Penketh, the Dakota Park Loop is a visual treat. The mostly paved surfaces mean that it’s a smooth experience and great for any fitness or skill level.

At approximately 14 miles in length, the ride takes about 1.5 hours. This affords the opportunity to soak up the dazzling natural scenery that rolls past at every point in this loop. Autumn on this route is breathtaking.

You’ll start and end your route at Sankey for Penketh train station, Great Sankey, Warrington WA5 1RQ. The route will take you through Mary Ann Meadows.

The Dakota Park loop does include a couple of brief interruptions when your bike will need to be carried. This does not detract from the serenity and visual highlights along the way such as the Nine Arches Viaduct, a Grade 1 listed and iconic landmark in this area.

cycling advice

Tatton Park – Dunham Massey Park Loop

Beginning at Warrington Bank Quay train station, this loop takes you through the magnificent view of Tatton Park stately home and the glittering expanses of water that dot this area.

You’ll travel through the charming village of Lymm, where there are several pubs and places for refreshment. There are some movable bridges; for this reason, we recommend that you check the opening times before you begin this route. 

This cycle route is 250ft at its highest and only a mere 25ft at the lowest points. Watch out for mixed road surfaces but on the whole a pleasant and untaxing route.

This is classed as an intermediate bike ride and a good fitness level is required. In addition, the starting point is accessible by public transport. This means that Warrington cyclists can easily embark on this route from anywhere in the city and pace themselves accordingly.
The route does include two movable bridges so it’s helpful to check their opening times to avoid interruptions to your ride. Also, there is an 18-yard segment where it’s necessary to carry your bike.

Woolston Weir – Latchford Locks Loop

Starting from Alford Hall car park WA1 3NJ, this off-road cycle route in Warrington is classed as suitable for all bike types. It takes an average of 2 hours to complete.
Starting on the Manchester road, cyclists can ride up to the Weir, cross or ride over and then travel back down the Manchester ship canal, through Latchford and Kingsway, into Paddington Meadows.
A very pleasing orbit around some gorgeous Cheshire countryside, this is another very popular cycle route in Warrington all year round. Perhaps a bit much for young riders, the lap would best suit people over 16.
The waterways and weir are abundant with natural wildlife. So, take your bird-spotting book and enjoy the leisurely pace. The Woolston Eyes are especially pretty during the winter months when snow transforms the landscape into a real-life Christmas card.
Cycling Shops In Warrington
You’ve discovered the routes and you’re ready to get going. Before you explore the bike trails of Warrington in person, do you have everything you need?
None of the bike routes near Warrington mentioned above are remote or very demanding. But you still don’t want to be caught out with a problem far from home. After checking the distance, inclines and skill levels of your cycle route, it’s essential that you and your bike feel ready.
Whether it’s a mountain bike, electric bike or road bike, it’s good practice to check that everything is in full and proper working order before you set off. Your machine may be in fine fettle, but how’s the essential kit?
Check on your cycle helmet, cycle shorts, bike chain and pedals. It may seem pedantic, but these things are all essential items when you need them and you’re halfway around the Woolston Eyes.
With this in mind, a good bike shop is essential.  Evan Cycles in St Helens is a great option for independent cyclists in the North West. Also, you can rely on stores such as Cycle Space and Cycle Warehouse in Warrington for your repairs and accessories.
You might be new to cycling and need advice on the best type of bike for those just starting out? Decathlon Warrington and Halfords offer an amazing selection of mountain, electric and road bikes for all levels of expertise and age. Their staff really know their wheels and have great reputations when it comes to supporting serious cyclists.

How To Find Cycling Routes Near Me

Thanks to the internet, finding new and interesting cycle routes has never been easier. A simple Google search for ‘cycle routes near me’ can generate a wealth of helpful results and reviews to inspire you. As well as this, you can download cycle route apps to your phone or tablet to make your cycle tour of Warrington the best yet.

There are designated cycling websites that you can join and receive updates from. Sites like Komoot.com and Letsride.co.uk offer easy to follow Warrington cycle routes maps plus real-time alerts about weather issues, traffic or other potential issues its useful to know in advance.

Another great way to get the most out of your cycling is to join groups. The sense of community in cycling circles is really life-affirming and groups such as the Warrington Cycling Club are always happy to welcome new members.

Solitary cycling can be deeply relaxing and unarguably provides precious ‘me time’. But occasionally, it’s nice to meet new people with a shared interest. So why not consider joining a cycling club in Warrington and enjoy the camaraderie of getting there and back as a group? Clubs like the Warrington CTC Cycle club mean that you can enjoy sociable cycling on quiet roads.

Discover More Cycling Routes In Warrington

Cheshire is a beautiful county. Cycle routes in Warrington can offer some of the most uplifting scenery in the UK. Seeing it by bike means that you can experience the elements in a truly memorable and invigorating way with excellent health benefits and minimum environmental impact.

Whether you’re halfway along the Carr Mill Dam loop or admiring the emerald vistas across Latchford locks, the cycle routes in Warrington won’t disappoint. With the right bike and a tried and tested route that enjoys great reviews from other cyclists, you can enjoy hours of two-wheeled relaxation.

Get in touch to find out the best routes for cycling in Warrington. Our advice resource can offer suggestions and insights that can really enhance your cycling experience. With helpful links to associated groups and agencies and legal guidance from the Highway Code, at Warrington Cycle Campaign, we aim to keep cycling fun and enjoyable for everyone.

cycling advice