Monday 12 September 2011

Liverpool to Southport



Liverpool to Southport: 26 Miles: Pan Flat

22 miles traffic free or very minor road - 4 miles main road.

Well here we go again, off to Southport, and just because its pan flat doesn't mean it was my pick. A really good ride with not too much on road, and tremendous places and things to see along the way.

Start on the promenade at Liverpool and continue on though the Albert Dock and across the Pier head.
Power Boats in the Albert Dock
The river festival, which had been on all week was in its final day, and the final of the power boat racing was on, the picture above shows them at rest in the dock.
Its worth noting at this point that the new "Museum of Liverpool" is now open, and I have paid one visit, but could only just get through the door for the crowd, bloody people, anyway will try again soon.
On to the dock road which on a Sunday is very quite, and then for the small amount of main road where we stopped at the cafe below for a brew.
Cafe on Derby Road

The cafe is on the corner of Millers Bridge and Regent road, and apparently does not have a name. Unfortunately that is not all it doesn't have. No service, not clean, dreadful toilet, and the tea was neither good nor cheap.
All in a big miss on this one.

Graffiti on Warehouse

Cool Painting on the warehouse
Seaforth Promenade
Once you get to Seaforth that's the end of the road, back onto the promenade, and along the Sefton Coastal path, truly very nice views back towards the Wirral and the Anthony Gormley Another Place, Or was that really the old bastard. seriously though for anyone who has not been to view them, do so, it doesn't matter how many times you go there is always something new to see.

The path takes a winding track through the dunes and meets up with a track along the edge of the railway line.
Bill having a Paddle (or Anthony Gormley)
A  bit further on and the trail leads up to the station at Freshfield , and to the Deli & Dine, what a contrast, really friendly service, clean and tidy, and a really nice coffee. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

Cafe at Freshfield Station

Onward to Southport through Freshfield nature reserve, and along the coastal path. Although there is no photo we always stop at the Dolphin Cafe at Southport where the service is friendly, and very camp. there is always more food than you can handle which on a good day in the summer sets you up for the return leg, or as on this occasion when the Old Bastard was worn out (honest it was him), keeps you satisfied on the train home.

One good stop well recommended and one bad one. Fifty Fifty I suppose.