Distance: 21km (13 Miles) 
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Bike: Any sturdy bike is suitable
Altrincham is a busy town in the borough of Trafford, southwest of Greater Manchester. Less than 2km from the station you can be out in attractive countryside. This route has a figure-of-eight form, heading west to Lymm off-road on the Trans Pennine Train and returning on-road by quiet lanes.
This route crosses the Bridgewater Canal several times. Built for the Duke of Bridgewater to transport coal from the pits in Worsley, it opened in the 1770s. Now, it is popular with anglers, walkers and for narrowboat cruising.
The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) follows the route of the old railway line between Broadheath and Warrington. The last passenger trains ran in 1962 before falling victim to Dr Beeching's cutbacks. Freight traffic survived until 1985 when the line was closed completely. It has since been converted into a fine trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
One famous landmark in Lymm is the Cross, which stands in the centre of the village. Carved from natural red stone and worn with age, the landmark's origins and history are a mystery although it is undoubtedly an ancient feature.
Rob your host will text you on the day telling you where he is and what he's wearing in The Slug and Lettuce so you'll have his number just in case you're running late or want him to meet you outside first.
