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Bidston Moss Community Woodland
Main entrance, A5088 Wallasey Bridge Road GR SJ 298907, OS Sheet 108
Alternative entrance from Millennium Cycle Route 56, bridge over the railway by the motorway flyover GR SJ 289912.
For main access, from the end of the M53 take the A5139 dock exit and turn right at the roundabout on to Poulton Bridge Road. After a few hundred metres, just as you come to the waste disposal site, a footpath leads on to the Bidston Moss Community Woodland. Unfortunately most of this access path is consolidated gravel, so roller skis should not be put on until the cycle track is reached. The car park (entrance further along which has been used in the past) is private for the MWDA only and is likely to be locked outside normal working hours. Street parking can be found round Beaufort Road a little further along on the left and in the new station car park. However, it is a bit of a walk back. Whilst parking on the road is not illegal, it is rather busy with many large vehicles using it. It is better to use the alternative entrance if approaching by car.
Alternative access from M53 Junction 1. Take A554 Birkenhead exit from the roundabout and then first left into J1 Retail Park. Park at the far left hand end of the Retail Park (not too close to the B & Q bulk exit) and patronise the cafe and toilets in B & Q. Note there may be fines for long stay. From here, go through the small pedestrian gate at the left-hand end of the building and turn right (permissive pathway, retailers do not own the car park). Walk for about 30 metres under the motorway to the Millennium Cycle Route 56. Go right to the zigzag track over the railway bridge and into the Woodland. This track (see safety details) leads quickly on to the main cycle circuit.
Nearest station to main entrance Birkenhead North, Merseyrail Wirral Line Liverpool-West Kirby or New Brighton services (each quarter-hourly).
Pedestrian/ Roller ski access from Chester-Wallasey National Cycle Route 56 and Bidston Station, Merseyrail Wirral Line Liverpool-West Kirby (quarter-hourly) or Bidston-Wrexham (hourly, change Shotton for Chester-Llandudno).2.2 km circuit, 4 m wide.
Tarmac purpose-built cycle and pedestrian track. Suitable for skate or classic. There is a short hill which can be used to practice uphill and downhill techniques.
ON NO ACCOUNT ATTEMPT TO ROLLER SKI OFF THE BRIDGE IN EITHER DIRECTION! The sharp steep zigzags are an obvious hazard, but the descent on the other side into the Woodland looks tempting. DON'T DO IT! Unfortunately it is not obvious that it leads on to a gravel track which is not rollerskiable. Furthermore, there is a sharp ramp where the gravel starts which will catch the bottom of most roller skis. Wait until you reach the main circuit before putting roller skis on.
It is best to ski the hill anticlockwise since it is too long to be taken safely from the steep top and there is a left turn at the bottom with no room to run-out straight. There is little opportunity to bale out once started.
There is a white line which separates cyclists (outside lane) from pedestrians (inside lane). Be aware of other users, cyclists, pedestrians, dogs etc.! As with most cycle tracks, there may be some gravel, particularly where it gets washed off tracks leading down off the hill and by the Waste Disposal Centre.
The south-west corner of the circuit is permanently flooded (even in dry weather), making a complete circuit no longer viable. A bypassing footpath has developed which is not rollerskiable.
None at present. May be negotiable with neighbouring rugby club (at a price) and at a small education centre in the waste disposal company offices. Better parking arrangements are also under discussion.
In season, the blackberries are delicious.
Details by MCCSC
Last updated 31-10-2020