LOCATION
(Click on
to see a map of the start location.)
Connah's Quay car park.
GR 299 698, OS Sheet 117. From the A550 follow the signs to Ffflint. Shortly after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dee turn left and follow the signs to Connah's Quay.
As you drive into Connah's Quay from the West, pass a church on the right. Take second street on the left signposted Recycling Centre. If you miss it, take the next street, Dock road, which turns back on to the other road. Follow the winding road to the car park just under the barrier.
OR:-
Start at Sealand Road, Chester
GR SJ 396666, OS Sheet 117
DISTANCE
11k from Connah's Quay to Chester. There is the option to take the train from Chester back to Shotton, but it is a bit of a trudge to get to Chester Station. At Shotton cross the bridge over the railway and loop down and round onto a hidden tarmac path that leads you back to the Dee.
SURFACE/DESIGNATION
Tarmac off-road cycle track. Suitable for skate or classic.
Very good surface. Ideal for roller skiing. Almost dead flat from start to finish. Good location to practice technique without any distractions but could be boring without company.
SAFETY DETAILS
You have to cross a busy road at one point. No additional problems other than the occasional cyclists and dog-walkers. Not fenced from the river but wide bank.
FACILITIES
Refreshments and toilet available at Hatties Tea Shop, see below, and at lots of other places in Chester.
At Connah's Quay there is a tea shack in the car park just before the cycle track car park. Toilets in town are not recommended.
OTHER DETAILS
The tarmac finishes at the point where the Dee turns through 180. Cross the road at this point and take the second left leading to the canal, which is also the end of the Chester Railway Path route. Take steps to the town wall and follow leftward to Northgate. Head for Rufus Court where you will find Hatties Tea Shop. The Soup/Apple Pie combination is recommended.
Short walk from Shropshire Union Canal National Cycle Routes 70 and 71. Links with Chester Railway Path, National Cycle Route 5, at Hawarden Bridge. This makes a circular route possible. As it is very straight and runs along the river the whole of the way, this path is a bit dull, but excellent for a long blast. There is a short link-track to Shotton Station with hourly trains both on Chester-Llandudno and Wrexham-Bidston lines. N.b. only rush-hour trains stop at Hawarden Bridge.
Alan Jones,
Merseyside Ski Club