Beachcombing the Dee Estuary (Gravel)

A mixed surface ride taking in roads, paths, bridleways, canal towpaths, forest paths etc., over a 1/3 of the route is off-road makes for a challenging and fun day. Intended for riders with some off-road experience and a suitable machine* An extended version of "See That My Bike's Kept Clean". The first 40km to Wincham is mainly on roads but does use any nearby available bridleway sections where ever possible including a charming section at Brerton Green and a great section of "Lauren's Ride". From Wincham it is traffic free designated paths for most of the next 30km kilometers as we head crossing the park to The Anderton Boat Lift (cafe and toilets available) then down the River Weaver to pick up the start of the delightful Whitegate way. More lanes with the odd forest trail and bridleway gets you over to the garage at Helsby for a control. The next 10km is mainly on road to get us to a bike path through Chester zoo, followed by a canal and some quiet lanes and bridleways to the Wirral peninsula. The other side of Capenhurst we ride a wonderful section of the Wirral Way, passing the restored Hadlow Train Station (that has a decent cafe too) and some stunning sections through stone cuttings, the path finishes near Parkgate with it's famous ice cream shop if you are so inclined. Bike paths from Parkgate get us to Hawarden Bridge including a short boardwalk section over the marsh and on to pick up the truly delightful River Dee Cyclepath all the way to Chester, one of my "life's greatest pleasures". Chester to Christleton is on the canal towpath and passes repurposed former warehouses and a shot tower (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Shot_Tower), in Christleton we rejoin the shorter route. The return from here is mainly road based but does include a few really nice bits including the medieval pack horse bridges at Hockenhull Platts, a great section of (uphill) bridleway at Tirley Garth and a lovely wormhole at Cotebrook that gets you to a forest track near Oulton Park where we get back on the road for the final 22km. The route finishes near a Tesco Express and McDonalds for the final proof of passage. The route is intended to be as arduous as a 200km road based event and has maximum time allowance of about 13.5 hours to complete based on a 13.5km/h minimum. The Route can be seen here - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49040857 Note 1. You must ride to your abilities and the course conditions Note 2. There is a ford at Swettenham, riders should dismount and use the footbridge on the left Note 3. At https://w3w.co/music.slice.civil riders must dismount to cross the busy A556 using the pedestrian crossing provided. Note 4. The cobbled medieval bridges at Hockenhull can be slippery when wet * You can of course ride any bike of your choosing. I would recommend a minimum tyre width of 35mm and some form of knobbles most of the year around.