Sefton’s Winter Walking & Cycling Newsletter Issue 46 / January – March 2018

Wrap up for this Winter’s walks and rides. Contents Walking Cycling Walking Diary 3 Cycling Diary 23 Monday 4 Pedal Away 24 Health Walks Hesketh Centre 25 Netherton Feelgood Factory Health Walks Macmillan Rides 25 Crosby Health Walks Tour de Friends 26 Health Walks The Chain Gang 27 Tuesday 6 Tyred Rides 28 Health Walks Bike Fix 28 Hesketh Health Walks Ditch the Stabilisers 29 Pinewoods Health Walks Dr Bike – Free Bicycle Maintenance 30 Walking Diary Box Tree Health Walks Wheels for All 31 Macmillan Health Walks Active Walks is Sefton’s Please arrive 15 mins early for your first Waterloo Health Walks Freewheeling 31 walk as you will need to fill in a Registration Wednesday 8 local health walk Form. Wednesday Social Walks programme and offers Please note: Please attend a Grade 3 walk Sefton Trailblazers before joining a Progressional Walk. Introduction a significant number Progressional Walks: brisk pace, varied Seaforth Health Walks Whether you like walking or cycling, of regular walking groups terrain, can include stiles/steps/gradients Sports Park Walking Club there is plenty of choice inside and uneven surfaces. Thursday 10 this newsletter to get you active. across Sefton. The walks Guide dogs are allowed on all health walks. Formby Pool Health Walks Everyone, no matter what age or continue throughout Grade 1: suitable for people who have not Prambles ability, should be participating in the year and are led walked much before. Torch Walks regular physical activity. We should Grade 2: suitable for people who are looking May Logan Health Walks be doing at least 150 minutes by volunteers. to increase their activity levels. Ainsdale Sands and Sea Health Walks of physical activity every week The walks range from 10 to 30 minutes Grade 3: for people looking for more Walking for Health in Hesketh Park that raises our heart rate, makes up to 90 minutes for the Walking for Health challenging walks. Walking & Cycling News 12 us breathe a little faster and feel walks and 90 to 150 minutes for walks Special Interest walks: health walks with beyond Walking for Health. Nordic Walks 18 warmer. There are many group a twist. Walking is the perfect exercise as it places walks and cycle rides taking place Progressional walks: for people who have Friday 20 little stress upon bones and joints but uses undertaken Walking for Health Grade 3 walks Southport Central Health Walks throughout the Winter across Sefton over 200 muscles within the body and can and are now looking to take their next steps. Sefton Opera Health Walks and beyond every week, you can just help develop and maintain fitness. Southport Promenade Health Walks turn up and join in, no need to book Southport & Formby Macmillan Health Walks on. All the walks and cycle rides are Dunes Health Walks led by volunteer leaders, they plan Saturday 22 and recce the routes beforehand so Kings Gardens Health Walks you know where you are going and Sunday 22 how long you are going to be. Join a Sunday Health Walks group near you and feel the benefits and discover parts of our borough that you may not have seen before. 3 4 MONDAY Feelgood Factory. andfinish atthe All thewalksstart Canal. taking inlocalparksandTheLeeds eachweek The walkingroutesvary medium walkofaround60minutes. The Feelgood Factory walkisa L305QW Netherton Place: Time: Walk leader: Factory HealthWalks FeelgoodNetherton tea/coffee stopandachat. The groupuselocalcafestohavea clothing andfootwearwillberequired. andLydiateMaghull/Sefton sosuitable based aroundtheruralareasof 90 minutestocomplete,thewalksare The Maghullwalkswilltake around (outside building),L310DJ Place: Time: and John Walk leaders: Maghull HealthWalks 10.00am 10.00am Feelgood Factory, GloversLane, MaghullHealthCentre

Billy Sheila,Chris

5th Feb: 29th Jan: 22nd Jan: 8th Jan: ( Bring yourownrefreshments 5th Mar: 5th Feb: 22nd Jan: 8th Jan: 26th Mar: Jubilee Woods 19th Mar: Village)(Merton 5th Mar: Jubilee Woods 26th Feb: (The Wabbs) 19th Feb: 12th Mar: 12th Feb: Benedictine Chapel 15th Jan: 19th Mar: 19th Feb: ✥ )

no toiletfacilities 4Bridges&2Parks St. Benet’s St.Benet’s Meadows Sefton CanaltoMellingRd TheAlt The Village Diner StandPark EdgeLaneFarm Maghull passing Maghullpassing RimroseValley CanaltoOrmskirkRd TheVillage Diner LuntMeadows LitherlandPark Estate TheBarnOwlin TheCriddleEstate Hartley’s CopyLanePark

✥

Monday eachmonth.Thegroup We meetonthesecondandfourth CrosbyL220LQ Crosby RdNorth, Place: Time: Walk leaders: Crosby HealthWalks afterwards. afterwards. a coffeeintheMecycleCafé The groupfinisheswithachatand walking throughdunesisadvised. so sensiblefootwearsuitablefor the grouppassesthroughdunes lasting foraround60minutes, The Ainsdalewalkisamedium Train Stn),PR83HH Place: Time: Walk leaders: Ainsdale HealthWalks for the10.40amtrain. Waterloo Train Stn(whenappropriate) is involved,oryoucanmeetusat promptly at10.30amwheretransport passorcash.We leavetheLibrary walks marked with( so sometimes usepublictransport 10.30am 11.00am Crosby Library (foyer), CrosbyLibrary MeCycleCafé(nexttoAinsdale Sue,JohnandBeryl AlasdairandPaul

† ) requireatravel

Jan: 26th Mar: Hightown 12th Mar: 26th Feb: 12th Feb: to Brunswick 22nd Jan: 8th Jan: Mar: 5th Feb: 5th 15th Waterloo toHallRd | | RimroseValley HallRdto † Sefton Park Sefton Coastguardsto Festival Gardens 12th | 12th

22nd † †

| | 19th 19th | 29th

† | | 26th 26th

†

5 MONDAY 6 TUESDAY walk of45minutes, gentlepace, The Hesketh Park walkisa short entrance), PR99LN Rd/Park(corner ofAlbert Rd Place: Time: Walk leaders: Hesketh Park HealthWalks Train platform) Stn(S’port 10.00am atBootleNewStrand Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootleor Time/Place: 30th Jan: 10.00am atOrrellPark Train Stn Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootleor Time/Place: 23rd Jan: Train Stn(L’pool platform) 10.00am atBootleNewStrand Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootleor Time/Place: 16th Jan: Train platform) Stn(S’port or 10.00amatBootleNewStrand Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootle Time/Place: 9th Jan: unsuitablefordogs. NB: Bootlewalksare Don’t forgettravelfareorpass! andbeyond. across Sefton on locationandenjoyavarietyofroutes mileseachweekdepending between 2–4 and thegroupwillcoverdistancesof The Bootlewalksareamediumwalk Place: Time: Sandra, LindaandMary Walk leaders: Bootle HealthWalks and gardens. taking inviews ofthelake, wildlife 1.30pm Hesketh Park –seelistings Meetingpointsvary Meeting times vary –seelistings Meeting timesvary Hesketh Park Dobbies Cressington Ormskirk 9.30am corner of 9.30amcornerof 9.30amcornerof 9.30amcornerof 9.30amcornerof Tom andPeggy Anne,Delia,Helen,

6th Feb: Mar: 6th Feb: 6th Jan: 9th Train Stn(L’pool platform) 10.00am atBootleNewStrand Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootleor Time/Place: 27th Mar: 10.00am at61BusStop,MossLane Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootleor Time/Place: 20th Mar: Stop) 10.00am,(No.56 Bus Drive Bailey Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootleor Time/Place: 13th Mar: Train Stn(L’pool platform) 10.00am atBootleNewStrand Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootleor Time/Place: 6th Mar: 10.00am atNorth (No.47Park Stop) Bus Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootleor Time/Place: 27th Feb: 10.00am atOrrellPark Train Stn Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootleor Time/Place: 20th Feb: 10.00am at61 Bus Stop, Moss Ln Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootleor Time/Place: 13th Feb: Train Stn(L’pool platform) 10.00am atBootleNewStrand Watts Lane/Park Lane,Bootleor Time/Place: Birkenhead Park NewBrighton | | | LadygreenLap Maghull/Hare&Hounds CroxtethPark CalderstonesPark StanleyPark 23rd 20th 20th Sefton ParkSefton 9.30am corner of 9.30amcornerof 9:30amcornerof 9.30amcornerof 9.30amcornerof 9.30amcornerof 9.30amcornerof 9.30amcornerof 9.30amcornerof

Health Walks Formby Pinewoods interest within Sefton and beyond. andbeyond. interest within Sefton the groupwill visit variouspointsof minutes tocomplete atarelaxedpace, walk, thewalkswilltake around60 The CarersCentrewalkisa medium South Rd,Waterloo L225PE Place: Time: Walk leader: Waterloo HealthWalks a chat. to thecentreforacuppaand pier andMarineLake, returning walkaroundthegardens, A short PR90BY 20 StanleySt,S’port Centre, Information &Support Time/Place: Walk leader: Health Walks Macmillan the communitygardens. Botanic Gardensand Churchtown, including at agentlepacearound walkof30minutes, A short stated). (unless otherwise PR97LS S’port 192CambridgeRd, Queenscourt, Place: Time: Walk leaders: Box Tree HealthWalks to complete at a steady pace. to completeatasteadypace. walk thatwilltake around75minutes The Pinewoods Walk isamedium Green (offHaringtonRd),L371PR Place: Time: Walk leaders: 10.30am 11.00am 10.30am Pinewoods Pub (front)onWicks Inside Sefton CarersCentre, InsideSefton Box Tree Kitchenfor 10.30amMacmillan Chris Jo Anne, Margaret and John SallyandPeggy

20th Mar: 6th Mar: 20th Feb: 6th Feb: to Cressington 23rd Jan: 9th Jan: Jan: 9th Mar: 13th of thePromenade andFairway The Lakeside onthejunction 27th – Feb: 13th Jan: 16th Jan: 9th inclines throughouttheroute. will besandypathsandgentle and coastalfootpaths,there All thewalksusepinewoods Mar: 6th Feb: 6th Mar: 6th Feb: 6th Lakeside, meetat Port SunlightRiverPark CroxtethHall AinsdaletoFreshfield | | | | | | St. Michael’s St.Michael’s Southport

Sefton Park Sefton 16th 16th 13th 13th | 13th 13th | 30th 27th | | | | | | 23rd 23rd 20th 20th 20th 20th

| | | | | |

30th 30th 27th 27th 27th 27th

7 TUESDAY 8 WEDNESDAY 24th Jan: Train Stn, finishatAigburth Train Stn Time/Place: Waterfront* 17th Jan: NB: nodogsallowedonthesewalks. undertaken atabrisk pace. 90 minutesto21/2hoursandare miles inlengthandlastbetween The walksareusuallybetween5–7 andfinishing points. stations asstart all thatisonofferusingMerseyrail Trailblazers Walking groupexplores lanes andotheropenareas.TheSefton footpathsand Canal towpath,tocountry coastal paths,totheLeedsLiverpool fromthebeachanddunes Sefton There isagreatchoiceofwalksacross Place: Time: Walk leaders: TrailblazersSefton to Penwortham Library Debenhams tocatch10.08amX2Bus Time/Place: 7th Feb: The Walk 31st Jan: 24th Jan: 17th Jan: 10th Jan: andLancashire. and visitavarietyoflocationsacross walksarelonger The Southport stated). PR8 1DB(unlessotherwise Place: Time: Walk leader: Wednesday SocialWalks Time/Place: 31st Jan: Time/Place: start/finish atadifferentstation. start/finish same trainstation, walksin Walks in 10.00am (unless otherwise stated). (unlessotherwise 10.00am Meeting points vary –seelistings Meetingpointsvary TheAtkinson, LordSt,S’port Meeting times vary –seelistings Meeting timesvary Avenham Park Southport Pier Southport BirkdaleviaDuke Stand LuntCircular* St. James Mount&Liverpool BLACK Dobbies ChurchtownviaHesketh Park Hesketh Park

Train10.40am, S’port Stn 10.30am, Formby Train Stn 10.30am, LiverpoolCentral 10.00am, Lords St, outside 10.00am,LordsSt,outside Mike GillandMargaret start/finish at the atthe start/finish

GREEN

Freshfield Train Stn Time/Place: 21st Feb: &LitherlandTrainSeaforth Stn Time/Place: 14th Feb: Park Train Stn Train Stn, finishatBirkenhead Time/Place: Birkenhead Park 7th Feb: 7th Mar: 28th Feb: 10.13am traintoFreshfield TrainS’port Stationtocatch Time/Place: 21st Feb: 14th Feb: Walk includespublunch Time/Place: River Park* 28th Mar: Aughton Park TrainStn Time/Place: 21st Mar: Time/Place: Nature Reserve* 14th Mar: Time/Place: 7th March: Stn, finishat Formby Train Stn Time/Place: 28th Feb: 28th Mar: 10.13am traintoWaterloo TrainS’port Station tocatch Time/Place: 21st Mar: 14th Mar: 10.13am traintoBrunswick TrainS’port Station tocatch Time/Place: Dock to Albert walk tostopata pub orcaféforrefreshments. attheendof (*) denotesanopportunity Bidston Hill & BidstonHill& Brunswick Station BrunswickStation CoastalPaths &Beach* Sefton CoastalPathto Formby* Sefton toAinsdale Canal&RimroseValley GawHill Dobbies BotanicalGardens HallRoad toWaterloo Port SunlightVillage & AinsdaleNational Hesketh Park BirkdaleviaEcoCentre

AnotherPlace* 10.40am,Stn TrainBebington 10.55am, 10.30am, Ainsdale Train Stn 10.30am, Waterloo Train Stn 10.35am, HightownTrain 10.30am, 10.30am, Bidston 10.40am, 10.00am, 10.00am, 10.00am, 10.00am, 10.00am,

(alight atWaterloo Train Stn) 17th Jan: 2–3mileslong. NB:Allwalksare (platform) Place: Time: Walk leader: HealthWalksSeaforth 7th Feb: Sandhills/Ormskirk 31st Jan: Hightown 24th Jan: Bootle Strandby10.25am 17th Jan: L’pool Central/LimeSt 10th Jan: Contact: Place: Time: Mike andSid Walk leaders: Walking Club ParkLitherland Sports (alight atCressingtonTrain Stn) 28th Feb: (alight atHallRoad Train Stn) Coastal Walk 21st Feb: (alight atFreshfield Train Stn) 14th Feb: (alight atAinsdaleTrain Stn) 7th Feb: (alight atBootleNewStrandTrain Stn) 31st Jan: Train(alight atSouthport Stn) Kings Gardens 24th Jan: L’pool Central/SirThomasSt Little Ness 14th Feb: Sandhills/Maghull NB: nodogsallowedonthesewalks. PLEASE BRINGALONG APACKED LUNCH 10.15am Seaforth &LitherlandTrain Seaforth Stn 9.45am Seaforth &LitherlandTrainSeaforth Stn Maghull–Melling AinsdaleBoardWalk 07866 597719

AughtonCircular /LiverpoolCanal Crosby to Hightown CrosbytoHightown Walk intheGardens HightowntoFreshfield –Haylofts Dream St. Helens–The Pier Southport and CressingtontoAigburth SquirrelTrail Neston and Nestonand (4.5)

Lin

Ged,Joe,John,

(6) (5)

(5.5)

(5.5)

(5.75)

Ainsdale 28th Mar: Sandhills/Ormskirk 21st Mar: 14th Mar: Sandhills/ 7th Mar: L’pool Central–Chester Roodee 28th Feb: Lime St–Garswood 21st Feb: (alight atFreshfield Train Stn) 28th Mar: (alight atSt.Michael’sTrain Stn) 21st Mar: (alight atWaterloo Train Stn) Park –Marina 14th Mar: (alight atFreshfield Train Stn) Ainsdale Trail 7th Mar: (0) denoteswalkinmiles (5) Rainford –Town Green Freshfield to CarrMillDam Ormskirk Circular (Lathom) OrmskirkCircular ChesterWalks via Festival Gardens AinsdaletoFormby Walk Mystery Freshfield DuneHeath CrosbyCoastal

(5.3)

(7.8)

(7)

(6)

9 WEDNESDAY 10 THURSDAY Time: Walk leader: the darker evenings aresettingin. dunes. Bringyourtorchwith youas or alongthesandypathsofAinsdale woods nearLifeboatRoad inFormby Winter. Enjoyawalkthroughthe The Torch Walks continuethroughout Torch Walks Linaker PR8 5DB(entrance). St,S’port Place: Time: Walk leaders: Thursday mornings Linaker Children’s Centre activity.for refreshmentsorafollow-on café foracuppaorreturntothecentre pace andsometimesstopoffatalocal walk forabout60minutesandsetthe free tojoin, friendlyandactive.Thegroup Prambles areanamblewithyourpram, Prambles paths andonunevenground. walking throughdunes,alongwoodland Please wearfootwearsuitablefor Natural EnglandNatureReserve. National Trust and NatureReserve and includeCabinHillNatureReserve, There areroutestosuiteverybody 90–120 minutestocomplete. at aquickpaceandwilltake around The Formby Pool walkisalonger area), Formby L374AB Place: Time: Walk leaders: Formby Pool HealthWalks 6.00pm 10.30am 10.30am Formby Pool (mainreception Linaker Childrens’Centre, Steph Hilary andSue Hilary Steph andSally

29th Mar: 22nd Mar: 1st Mar: 22nd Feb: 1st Feb: 25th Jan: 18th Jan: 1st Feb: 25th Jan: 18th Jan: 11th Jan: 8th Mar: Place: 8th Feb: Place: 18th Jan: Place: 22nd Feb: Place: 15th Mar: 8th Mar: 15th Feb: 8th Feb: 29th Mar: Stn, bottomoflargecarpark) (Meet 10.30amat Freshfield Train 22nd Mar: 15th Mar: 8th Mar: 1st Mar: 22nd Feb: 15th Feb: 8th Feb: Longer walk BirkdaleTrain Stn HightownTrain Stn AinsdaleTrain Stn HallRoad Train Stn Formby Hills Park AinsdaleTrail Woods Wicks Wood Kew Woods HorseJenningsWood Southport Seafront Southport Pier Devil’sHole LifeboatLane NicotineWoods Ravonmeols Hills CrosbyProm Seafront Kew Woods KingsGardens CabinHill Kew Woods Victoria Park LostTrail GolfCourseWalk HightownLoop Rotten Row Tobacco Waste KingsGardens Fisherman’s Path

The MayLoganwalkisamedium Healthy LivingCentre,L205DQ Place: Time: Cath, JohnandSue Walk leaders: Health Walks May Logan whilst keeping active. tochat toothers opportunity The walkprovides theperfect increase theiractivitylevels. ideal foranyonewantingto in Hesketh Park, thiswalkis A mediumwalkof45minutes PR9 9NW Place: Time: Glenda, GillyandSally Walk leaders: Hesketh Park Walking forHealthin Health Walks Ainsdale SandsandSea routes alongthecanalandlocalparks. the BootleandLitherlandarea,takingin walksinandaround group enjoysshort complete atagentlepace.Thewalking that willtake around60minutesto for wet,boggypaths. sensible waterprooffootwearsuitable If youwishtojointhegroup,pleasewear a chatandcoffeeintheSandsPub. coastlineand finishwith sea andSefton These walksofferextensiveviewsofthe sand dunes. walks willincludesmallhillsinthe at areasonablepace,someofthe walk lastingapproximately60–90mins The AinsdaleSandswalkisamedium Train Stn),PR83HH Place: Time: Walk leaders: 10.00am 1.30pm 10.30am All the walks start atMayLogan Allthewalksstart Hesketh Park Cafe, MeCycle Café(nextto Ainsdale Debbie,Dot,Brenda, Jen, Barbara, MargaretandPauline

Mar: Feb: 1st Jan: 11th Mar: 8th Feb: 8th Jan: 11th 29th Mar: 22nd Mar: 15th Mar: 8th Mar: 1st Mar: 22nd Feb: 15th Feb: 8th Feb: 1st Feb: 25th Jan: 18th Jan: 29th 1st Little Merton Hike LittleMerton 3Park Loop HattonHill CrosbyMarina | | | | HattonHill DerbyPark RimroseValley RimroseValley Hike LittleMerton DerbyPark | | 3Park Loop 8th 22nd 8th 22nd 18th 25th | | 15th 15th | 25th

| |

22nd 22nd

11 THURSDAY News…

“As a volunteer walk leader, Canal, Volunteer you would be helping people in your community to get Countryside Health Walk active and healthy, providing vital support that they & Coast Leaders otherwise might not get.” The walk is 12 miles long and will start at Sandhills Train Stn wanted Active Walks has over 60 volunteer Challenge (meeting on the platform) The Active Walks walk leaders leading regularly On Sunday 25th February there at 10.30am and will finish throughout the year, walks at different will be a Challenge Walk along programme is seeking at Hall Road Train Stn. levels for all to enjoy and get active. the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, The walk will take around out new volunteers We need volunteers to support through the Sefton Countryside 5 hours to complete. to lead regular existing walks but also to start new and on towards the coast health walks. health walks. starting in Liverpool and Please bring a packed lunch As a volunteer walk leader, you There will be a Volunteer Leaders finishing in Sefton. with you. would be helping people in your Course on Tuesday 30th January, community to get active and healthy, this is a 1– day course and is an providing vital support that they accredited qualification provided by of main roads and busy junctions, otherwise might not get. As well the National Programme Walking instead utilising the many cycleways Sefton (and beyond) as ensuring walks are friendly, for Health. and quiet lanes the borough has safe and well run, walk leaders Themed Cycle to offer. If you are interested please are also ambassadors for walking, contact the Active Walks Team Route Maps Try them all out and let us know your Active Walks and the National on 0151 934 2824 or email To inspire you to ride even more particular favourites, we’d welcome Programme Walking for Health – [email protected] for more miles, don’t forget we have our photos too of your rides, and you showing people that walking information. series of themed cycle route maps, never know they could be included in really can make a big difference covering large areas of Sefton the next newsletter or on our website. to their lives. and further afield. We’d also like to hear about your own In total there are 14 routes starting routes and where the bike takes you; in Sefton, ranging from the gentle we may even make the next themed 3 mile Marram ride to the epic 35 route one of your own! mile Churches and Monuments ride. Download your themed routes from Each route has a different theme https://visitseftonandwestlancs.co.uk/ based on what you might see on the 2330 way, you can also easily mix and Alternatively you can request hard match some of the routes creating copies of the maps from us, email us your own bespoke ride. The routes at [email protected] take in places of interest around the If you have any photo submissions area, showcasing some of the best and/or route suggestions, email us views, whilst mostly steering clear at [email protected] too. 12 13 News… New Year Sefton Torch Walks Cycle Chat There are four torch walks to join in Our last chat of 2017 brought an Holdsworth, who works for the with through the Winter, they all start end to the year of our revamped problem solving team linked to the from a train station at 6.00pm and format of the old Sefton Cycle Forum. Merseyside Road Safety Partnership. last 1 1/2 hours. Again the format of the evening Dan was able to give an in depth The routes vary in terrain from the DON’T FORGET TO BRING started with a feedback session from report on the work we have been Crosby Promenade to the woods A TORCH WITH YOU. members of the panel providing doing in relation to the partnerships at Ainsdale and have been walked information to the attendees cycling thematic group, looking at See page 10 for Torch Walk dates. beforehand by the walk leader. about what work, initiatives and reducing casualty data involving You will need to bring a torch with programmes and cyclists throughout Merseyside. you as the walk leader will not “A torch walk is fun, free, partners had been involved with since The update included information have a supply. exercise and of course dark, the last cycle chat. around the Close Pass initiative and our ‘next steps’ in promoting cyclists All the walks finish at the same there is a ‘lights out’ moment Details provided included the new rights and how we can hopefully station they started from. half way through the walk.” crossing at Fishermans path, which everyone agreed was working and change driver behaviour towards providing a slightly improved method vulnerable road users. After a much welcomed break and Saturday 24th March to cross the railway, information on time to refuel with excellent coffee Time: 10.30am the roll out of Safe Urban Driving and tea from our hosts at Mecycle, Place: Bootle Oriel Road Train Stn (SUD) courses for professional drivers Spring we had an open question and (please bring travel pass or money and how fleet drivers throughout answer sessions and a chance for for return by train) Merseyside have been attending the Nordic training and taking on better driving attendees to talk informally with  Please bring a packed lunch habits, including how to react and members of the cycle chat panel. with you. Challenge deal with vulnerable road users and Everyone seemed to enjoy the an update on the situation around evening again and we certainly Portland Street (Southport) and feel the new format and venue has JoinWalk Angela on her Nordic Challenge, potential proposed ways to alleviate worked, reflecting over the year we a 10 mile walk from Bootle to the current issues. Feedback was hope everyone agrees that things Maghull. If you do the Monday provided by attendees including local have moved forward in a positive afternoon or Saturday morning residents of the area affected. We manner and we have plans in place Nordic Walks you will know the also provided an update on scheme to continue the good work. effort that Angela puts in to making developments in the Formby area The next chat will be on: the routes varied and enjoyable. and how bridge improvements will be > Tuesday 6th March The walk will start from Bootle serviced on key cycle routes. 6.00pm – 8.00pm Oriel Train Station and finish at MeCycle Café, at Maghull Train Station. The chat then welcomed PC Daniel (next to Ainsdale Train Stn)

14 15 News…

The sessions will be once a fortnight at our fully equipped workshop at ‘Smiles for Litherland Sports Park, the sessions Bike Fix are drop in but numbers will be We have a brand new programme Miles’, we are trialling for this New Year – restricted due to space, so priority Bike Fix. will be given to those that pre book but we’ll look to accommodate as the Results Whereas Dr Bike is mainly many as we can, if you miss out one about handing your bike over week, you’ll be given priority at the are in to our friendly mechanic and next available session. then receiving it back all spick So if you need to fix your bike to travel to work, get to college, nip rolling in! and span after you’ve enjoyed We had a good number of riders to the shops or just for leisure/fitness taking part in our friendly challenge, a brew and a natter, Bike Fix purposes then come along and get keeping a track of their distances We’d like to congratulate is about you getting your hands your hands dirty. pedalled during the Autumn months. all those that have taken dirty and fixing your own bike. Unfortunately the workshop isn’t Whilst visiting some of the rides part, well done to you all If you don’t have your own, set up to fix hydraulic brakes or over the last few weeks, it was for in putting in some or your own bike is in tip top suspension systems but we can heartening to see so many people condition but you’d still like to look at most other issues and impressive miles this provide advice on problems we still coming out and enjoying their come along, then we have a cycling, meeting their friends and Autumn and throughout can’t fix on the day. taking in the fresh, if not chilly air 2017, particularly fleet of Sefton bikes that need See page 28 for dates and times. despite the colder, wetter weather given some of the weather constant servicing to help keep – so well done to you all. that’s come our way.’ local riders riding. We are still gathering the results We’ll provide the space, the tools and for those that logged their mileage, the expertise to help you either learn so there’s still time to send new mechanic skills, tackle those through your totals for September, jobs that you simply haven’t got the October and November. tools for or just provide a space that We will announce our leading you might not have at home; there’ll rider on the active travel website still be a brew available too. activetravelsefton.co.uk and Twitter page @SeftonTravel, so keep a look out for the winners and their mileage totals.

16 17 Monday afternoons Wednesday mornings Saturday mornings > FORMBY: > WATERLOO: > FORMBY: weekly – 90 mins weekly – 60 mins fortnightly – 90 mins Walk leaders: Walk leaders: Pat, Peter, Walk leader: Angela Angela and Barbara Liz, Ally and Howard Time/Place: 10.30am Time/Place: 1.00pm Time/Place: 10.30am at Formby Library, at Formby Library, at Crosby Lakeside Duke St, Formby Duke St, Formby Adventure Centre L37 4AN L37 4AN (Bistro side), 13th Jan: Start: 15th Jan Rd, New Year Beach Walk Waterloo L22 1RR > MAGHULL: 27th Jan: Start: 10th Jan weekly – 60 mins Golf Course Path Walk leaders: Brenda, Wednesday afternoons 10th Feb: John and Margaret > SOUTHPORT: Snowdrop Walk Nordic Walks Time/Place: 6.30pm weekly – 60 mins 24th Feb: Maghull Baptist Walk leaders: Georgina, Formby to Ainsdale Enjoy the great choice of Nordic Hall Ln, Maghull John and Steph Linear Walk L31 3DY Time/Place: 2.00pm Bring travel pass or Walking groups available every Start: 15th Jan at Dunes Splash World, money to return by train. Esplanade, 10th Mar: week throughout the Winter. Tuesday evenings Southport PR8 1RX Devil’s Hole > FRESHFIELD: Start: 17th Jan If you have completed the Nordic weekly – 60 mins 24th Mar: Friday mornings Walk leader: Spring Nordic Challenge Technique Training Course then > CROSBY: Steph Bootle to Maghull weekly – 60 mins Time/Place: 6.00pm Meet at: get along to your nearest one, Walk leaders: Joyce, at Freshfield Pub car Bootle Oriel Rd Train Stn Ian and Linda even if it has been a while since park, Massam’s Lane, Bring travel pass or Time & Place: 10.30am Formby L37 7BD money to return by train. you did the training, you will get at Crosby Leisure Centre Start: 16th Jan back into the swing of things. (swimming baths), > CROSBY: Mariners Rd, Crosby fortnightly – 90 mins Nordic Walking is a great exercise L23 6SX Walk leaders: Start: 12th Jan Liz and Peter and when done correctly has Time/Place: 10.30am many benefits. The poles at Crosby Leisure Centre, Mariners Rd, Crosby improve posture, increase L23 6SX Jan: 20th your walking speed and work Feb: 3rd | 17th the upper body. Mar: 3rd | 17th | 31st

18 19 20 FRIDAY walk andisidealforpeople whowould and gardenscloseby. Thisisamedium 60 minutesandcircletheprom, parks The Promenade walkswilltake around This walkisopentoeverybody. PR90BY( S’port Centre,20Stanley St, & Support Place: Time: Walk leaders: Walks Promenade Health Southport  end foracupofteaorcoffeeandchat. parks andgreenspaceswithtimeatthe 45–60 minutes,thegroupvisitlocal Operawalkswilllast The Sefton first floor.) (Press buzzer, mentionthewalk, Opera, 410StanleyRd,L205AE Place: Time: Walk leaders: OperaHealthWalksSefton Nature Trail andMarineLake. such asVictoria Park, Jubilee 30–45 minutes,takinginroutes gentle pacedwalksofaround Centralwalksare The Southport PR81RX (reception area),S’port Place: Time: Walk leaders: Health Walks Central Southport levels gradually. like to increasetheirphysicalactivity the ageof50. N.B. Thesewalksareforanyoneover 1.00pm 10.30am 10.30am MacmillanInformation St. Church/Sefton Matthew’s DunesSplashWorld Steph,SteveandPat Val andAnne Tony, Peggy andTom

off NevillStreet)

Mar: Feb: 2nd Jan: 26th Mar: Feb: 2nd Jan: 12th Mar: Feb: 16th Jan: 19th 30th 30th 2nd 2nd 16th 

| |

| | |

| 9th 9th 19th 9th 9th

30th

| | | |

16th 16th 16th 16th |

26th

| | | |

23rd 23rd 23rd 23rd

Time: Jo, SteveandPat Walk leaders: Health Walks Formby Macmillan & Southport Kings GardensandVictoria Park. Velvet Trail, MarineLake, JubileeTrail, which includetheseawallpath, coastline catching viewsoftheSefton walk alongthecoastandenjoyeye- approximately 90minutes.Thegroup walks atagoodpaceandthelast The Duneswalksaremediumlength PR81RX seating), S’port (outside themainentranceby Place: Time: Walk leaders: Dunes HealthWalks The Macmillanwalksaremedium Sefton andWestSefton Lancs. take placeatvariouslocationsaround anybody affectedbycancer. Thewalks Friday ofeachmonthandarefor The walkstake placeonthefirst of themediumwalks40–45minutes. can lastforaround20minutesinstead optionmeaningwalks but haveashorter 1.30pm DunesSplashWorld, 1.00pm

JeanandTrefor Jean, Moira,Joan,

Jan: 12th by MeCycleCafé Place: Walk Trail 2nd Mar: Bentham’s Way Garden Centre, Place: 2nd Feb: (Bus X2orNo. 47) Ryeground Lane,Formby Place: 5th Jan: Mar: 9th Feb: 9th AinsdaleTrain Stn OutsideDobbies TheGrapesHotel, Freshfield Fun

DobbiesTrail | AinsdaleBoard |

|

23rd 23rd

26th

21 FRIDAY 22 SUNDAY SATURDAY and areamediumpacewalk. The walkslastnolongerthan90mins throughout the The walkswillcontinuetobefortnightly Time: and Steph Walk leaders: Sunday HealthWalks pier andseawall. andsometimesincludesthe main part route stayswithinKingsGardensforthe flexibility toincreaseifneeded,thewalk levels gradually, agentlepacewiththe like tobuilduptheirphysicalactivity This walkisidealforanybodywhowould 30–40 minutestocomplete. at amediumpaceandwilltake around walk The KingsGardenswalkisashort PR81QX S’port Place: Time: Walk leader: Kings GardensHealthWalks 10.30am Carousel/beginningofPier, 2.00pm

Steph Margaret,Brenda Winter

months.

4th Mar: (near church) Place: 4th Feb: Place: 21st Jan: Mar: 3rd Feb: 3rd Jan: 20th Place: 18th Mar: Place: 18th Feb: Place: HightownTrain Stn HillsideTrain Stn HallLane,Lydiate &Crosby Formby Train Stn CrosbyPromenade

GreenBeach

| | Formby CoastalWalk Lydiate Fields HightownCoast

17th 17th

|

31st

that extramince pieandturkey trimmings. 40,000 calories,morethan enough toshed racking upapotential800+ milesandover take andbeyond, youtoallcorners ofSefton So that’s78ledridesthisquarter, thatwill weekandthenonefortnightly.rides every increase yourdaysonthebike, wehavesix to ourprogrammeorsomeofyoulooking it’sfestivefeetup.Forlife after thosenew exciting rideprogrammeburstsbackinto and groupridesthenfearnot,asyour the camaraderieofyourcyclingbuddies If thisisthecaseoryou’vesimplymissed reaches newwidths! whilst yourwaistline the biketorestawhile kinds, possiblyallowing some excesses ofvarious period andindulgedin good timeoverthefestive I trustyou’veallhada welcome to2018! Happy NewYear and Cycling Diary

See pages17and28formoredetails. tackle differentareasofbike maintenance. tolearnnew skillsand a greatopportunity your bike ingoodworkingorder. It’salso a qualifiedmechanicforyoutouse keep We canprovideworkshopspace,toolsand up. then wehaveanewschemestarting If fixingyourownbike ismoreyourthing, soon. something goingnearyouvery please getintouchandhopefullywecan of onethatmaybeinterestedinhostingus, involved withacommunityvenueorknow host ourDrBike sessions,soifyou’re We’re activelylookingfornewvenues to the next800miles. trusty steedinfinefettleandreadytotackle our DrBike surgeriescomein;keeping your bit ofrestandrecuperation, whichiswhere mileage thenyourbike isgoingtoneeda If yougetanywherenearthatkindof 23 Tuesdays from 9th January: Rides take place every Wednesday Pedal Away Intermediate Riders Southport from the 3rd of January and the Our longest standing led-rides have > Litherland Sports Park group meet at: grown and evolved over the years Boundary Lane, Litherland L21 7LA Hesketh Centre > 10.30am 10.00am – approx 12.00pm and now boast an ‘Easy Riders’ Recharge and refresh your mind and Hesketh Centre group. The Easy Riders group acts on the corner of Albert Rd/ as a springboard for either: newer body with a gentle social cycle ride Fridays from 12th January: with the Hesketh Centre Mental Park Rd West, S’port riders, riders returning to cycling Easy Riders Health and Wellbeing Team. after some years or riders seeking > MeCycle Café For more information, contact: a shorter/slower ride – being just 59 Station Rd, Ainsdale PR8 3HH The rides are open to anyone, they are Tony, the group leader an hour in length. 10.00am – approx 11.00am cycled at a very easy pace and we never Tel: 01704 383110 As with all of our led-rides within our leave anyone behind. It’s a great way Community Cycle Clubs programme, Fridays from 12th January: to get some gentle exercise and de-stress these rides are ridden at a leisurely Intermediate Riders at the same time. pace and offer the rider the chance > MeCycle Café The rides cover a variety of routes to chat with like-minded people, not 59 Station Rd, Ainsdale PR8 3HH around the Southport area and include realising the miles are ticking by. 10.00am – 12.30pm a café stop to refuel. Utilising the plethora of cycle paths within Sefton and visiting the many Bikes and helmets are available for loan picturesque places within the borough – advanced booking advised. you’ll be surprised how far and wide For Mecycle your bike can take you. These rides Tel: 01704 579353 also encompass either a café stop Email: [email protected] For more information, contact: midway or a chance to grab a brew, Lucy Holmes – Active Lifestyles For Litherland Macmillan Rides a slice of cake or a sandwich at the Specifically for people affected by Email: [email protected] end. They are open to all, even if you Tel: 0151 934 4576 Tel: 0151 934 2352 Email: [email protected] cancer, these rides provide a great don’t own a bike, cycles and helmets tonic to help raise both physical are available to use and can be fitted and mental wellbeing. to suit the rider. The rides are short and ridden at a very steady pace, lasting approximately 1 hour and staying within Southport, taking in routes such as Kings Gardens and Marine Lake, Victoria Park and the Coastal Path. Feedback from participants has been very positive, providing an incentive to take part and be involved in some gentle exercise. Some bikes and helmets are available for use if required.

24 25 Thursday Sessions – On 1st & 3rd Thursday each month Tour de Friends 10.00am – 12.00pm ‘The Chain Gang’ throughout the year. Crisp, fresh mornings and the > Waterloo Community Centre > Dunes Splash World constant changing colours of nature Old School Buildings, Rides for Esplanade, S’port PR8 1RX are great reasons to keep riding Great Georges Rd, at 10.00am throughout Winter; this Thursday Waterloo L22 1RD the over 50’s Jan: 4th | 18th morning ride is a great way to break Winter is a great time to keep riding, Contact: Bill Cowley Feb: 1st | 15th up your week, get some enjoyable as the trees turn fantastic shades Email: [email protected] Mar: 1st | 15th exercise into your routine and share Tel: 07948 013618 of orange and red the scenery can a chat and a smile with fellow riders. take on a whole new look and what For more information contact: Age Concern on 0151 330 5678 As the name suggests, we place as better way to see it than by bike. much emphasis on the social side This is a great group to join if you’re as on the cycling, these rides are the looking to make the step up from perfect way to get back into cycling your 12 mile ride to the next level. after time off the bike, make new Racking up a distance of about friends or simply increase your cycling 20 miles ridden at a gentle steady with a great bunch of people! pace, you’ll be amazed how easy but The rides last 2 hours and are ridden rewarding it can be to increase your at a leisurely pace, no one is left behind mileage. The ride always incorporates and the routes steers clear of busy a lunch stop around half way, so roads and built up areas, concentrating there’s a chance to refuel before instead on the wealth of cycle routes returning to Southport for about Sefton has to offer. After the ride, it’s 2.00pm. With a wealth of ride leaders all back to Waterloo Community Centre, and experienced cyclists in the group with the option of staying for the any new participants will be in good Community Lunch and a further chance hands, assisting with route direction to chat over an affordable hearty meal. and any mechanical issues that may arise. Don’t worry about expensive cycling kit, come along in appropriate, comfortable clothing and a serviceable bike and you’ll be pleasantly surprised what you can achieve.

26 27 Once the bikes are fixed they are ready Winter sessions Tyred Rides for sale, recycling at its very best, Ditch your from 9.00am –12.00pm: Being part of Alchemy Youth turning once loved bikes back into the > Tuesday 13th February programme, Tyred Rides takes busted community at very affordable prices. Stabilisers Litherland Sports Park bikes and turns them in to brilliant So if you’re looking for a new bike to At our last Ditch Your Stabilisers Boundary Lane, bikes. Working with young people ride to work or nip to the shops on, session we had an unexpected Litherland L21 7LA outcome; it turned out that the to service and repair the bikes, they or your child has outgrown their current > Thursday 15th February provide skills training and increase bike, head down and grab a fully Dad of one of our young riders Shoreside Primary School knowledge to participants in a hands serviced bike at knock down prices. couldn’t ride either, so after successfully Westminster Drive, on fashion, the sessions are every The Alchemy Youth Club is on at the teaching David to ride we set about Ainsdale PR8 2QZ teaching Dad. After about 45 minutes Wednesday evening 5.00pm –7.30pm same time and at the same venue, BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL for young people aged 11–19. so if you have a friend who isn’t of persevering and only a few minor To book, tel: 0345 1400845 So if you’ve got an interest in riding interested in bikes, there’ll be plenty tumbles, Dad was off!! Father and bikes, how they work and how to for them to get involved in too. son were so pleased that they rang Great News! We’ve partnered up fix them then Tyred Rides is perfect For more information, please call Mum to come and watch; Mum was with Sefton Children’s University, for you. All tools, parts, bikes and Paul on 01704 380047. understandably over the moon and so by attending one of our sessions expertise is provided, they have a Or go along any Wednesday, tears of joy flowed. The family are your child can now gain a stamp workshop and keen knowledgeable 5.00pm–7.30pm, Alchemy Hall now set to go out riding together for their passport. and friendly staff ready to pass on (rear of the Parenting 2000, and discovering new parts of the Don’t forget to their skills to get you involved. Mornington Rd, S’port). borough by bike. bring passports We have our usual two sessions of these on the day! extremely popular activities available during school holidays; proving to be the ideal way for parents and carers to get The workshop will be open on the their children riding and with a fantastic Bike Fix 2nd and 4th Thursday of each Month success rate, the hands on sessions for Welcome to our new cycling from 10.00am to 3.00pm: families offer the perfect opportunity programme to encourage and help Jan: 11th | 25th to give your children a head start with people to maintain their own bike, Feb: 8th | 22nd their cycling. keeping them pedalling for longer. Mar: 8th | 22nd With support, advice and guidance We have opened up our fully equipped To ensure a place, contact from our enthusiastic and knowledgeable bike workshop to anyone wishing to active travel on: staff, we provide you with the tools to make use of the space, tools, parts and 0151 934 4576 or get your children riding independently expertise to service or repair their bike. Email: [email protected] without stabilisers and achieve that You will access to the following: real landmark moment in their lives > Bike work stands that they’ll remember for years to come. > Cables > Inner tubes > Oil/lubricants > Brake pads > Chains > Tyres > Specific tools > Wheel truing stand

28 29 Tuesdays from 6th February: Dr Bike – Wheels for All 12.00pm – 3.00pm Wheels for All is a nationally Wednesdays from 7th Feb: Free Bicycle recognised programme that enables 10.00am – 3.00pm children and adults with disabilities GROUP SESSION BOOKINGS Maintenance and differing needs to engage ARE ESSENTIAL, call: in a quality cycling activity. With the continuation of our ‘Bike Cycling Projects on 01925 234213 Works’ initiative, as part of the Sefton’s centres are equipped with or Sefton Active Travel on Department of Transports Cycling and a range of specially adapted cycles 0151 934 4576 Walking to Work Fund, supporting and welcomes individuals, groups Work generally undertaken includes: For more information about the people into employment and training and families to be involved, subject scheme please: with journey planning and bike > Replacing inner tubes to appropriate training. Email: [email protected] maintenance. The community > Replacing gear and brake cables We have two organised sessions Tel: 0151 934 4576 Dr. Bikes are ideally placed to get > Replacing brake blocks operating at our main centre in activetravelsefton.gov.uk your bike back in great condition > Adjusting brakes Litherland and open access sessions and back on track as a viable and > Tuning/servicing gears at Dunes Splash World, organised cost effective form of transport. As this is a mobile service, we may not group sessions run at: Alternatively, if you have received be able to fix all repairs, if this is the > Litherland Sports Park a bike for Christmas why not bring case we will provide you with advice on Boundary Lane, Litherland L21 7LA it along and get a free check up after where to take your bike for the work to completing your initial winter be completed. miles, new bikes can suffer from All sessions are 10.00am–1.00pm cable stretching and bedding in, > Friday 23rd February a quick tune up of the gears and Brunswick Youth and brakes may be just the ticket. Community Centre Freewheeling Operating out of community venues Marsh Lane, Bootle L20 4JQ As the title suggests, the scheme Cycles are available from: across South Sefton the bike doctor > Wednesday 21st February is free and offers Sefton residents > Dunes Splash World can breathe new life into your old L30 Community Centre (Over 16/Conditions apply) the 01704 537 160 steed. So If your bike has seen plenty Stonyfield, Netherton L30 0QS opportunity to access bikes in order > Litherland Sports Park of use over the Summer months, to make cycling a part of their active > Friday 16th February 0151 288 6288 or moth-balled since last Winter then Venus Centre lifestyle or, indeed join us on one it could be the perfect time to give 215 Lane, Bootle L20 6AD of our led-rides. Bikes can be loaned > MeCycle Café, Ainsdale it a health check to make sure it’s Weather Permitting for a full or part day, during centre 01704 579 353 or gears are running smoothly and opening times. Email: [email protected] > Tuesday 20th February brakes are working effectively. Waterloo Community Centre To join the scheme, go along to any For general enquiries about No booking is required; however Old School Building, Great Georges of the centres listed and take with the scheme: the sessions can be popular at some Road, Waterloo L22 1RD you the following identification: Tel: 0151 934 4576 venues and quite busy, so a short Email: [email protected] • A recent utility bill (Gas, water, wait may be necessary. > Wednesday 28th February Litherland Youth and electricity or telephone) These sessions are predominately Community Centre • Any personal photographic aimed at adult bicycles, so precedent 41 Sefton Rd, Litherland L21 9HD identification (Passport, will be given to these bikes. Weather Permitting driver’s licence or travel pass)

30 31 Spring Newsletter out March 2018 For great walks and rides throughout Sefton and beyond, pick up Sefton’s Walking and Cycling Newsletter from your GP surgery, Library and Leisure Centre and other community venues, alternatively download a copy at activetravelsefton.co.uk

For help LOOK OUT! planning 2018 calendars your available while journey: stocks last. Or use the Merseytravel website to plan your journey www.merseytravel.gov.uk – for bus timetables/routes and train timetables. Download the Merseytravel App to your smart phone. Or contact Traveline on 0151 236 7676.

This newsletter has been developed For Walking enquiries: by Sefton Council. The newsletter details [email protected] the different activities organised and 0151 934 2824 promoted by the Walking & Cycling For Cycling enquiries: Team throughout the Winter including [email protected] how to get involved.

0151 934 4576 Design. Web. Advertising. For general enquiries call – Further information is available at: Sefton Plus on 0345 1400845 activetravelsefton.co.uk Calls cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. visitseftonandwestlancs.co.uk @SeftonTravel Designed by www.6770.co.uk