Ellenbrook Loopline

The Ellenbrook Loopline is a short 1.4km rail path from the Leigh Guided Busway at Newearth Road to the Roe Green Loopline, east of Parsonage Road. There has been a path of sorts here for some time, but it never seemed worth a post as it was in very poor condition and was blocked at the western end. However, Salford council upgraded the path last year and the path now makes a useful and usable link.



The entrance off the busway path is well signposted and marked with clear signage, though it is debatable as to how long these will last, given that some have been vandalised elsewhere.



There is a token barrier as you join the path, but nothing too difficult for a bike and trailer or trike.



The first striking thing you notice when you join the path is the surface, it's fantastic!

Compared to the grit strewn, noisy, uneven busway path this is a delight. It is 50% recycled tyres and so quiet. It is also slightly soft and very grippy, so far, far safer than the dreadful surfaces covered in grit. It also has a well laid, even finish and looks like it is porous, so water can drain through it.

This should set the standard for all new rural cycle routes!



The route starts on the old railway route,



but drops off the line of the railway on the approach to Mather Fold Road.



Here there is a bit of a diversion round the gates close to the old Valve House - left of the photo below.



Again there are barriers, but not too much of a problem.



Then back up onto the railway route.



However at Hilton Lane there is a missing bridge, so the path drops quite sharply to road level.



A somewhat odd combination cycle/pedestrian crossing doesn't feel particularly safe and not sure about it's legal status...



On the other side of the road the gradient is really steep. According to the plans this shouldn't be any steeper than 1 in 12, but with a sharp corner half way up it's a bottom gear climb or get off and push, with steps for walkers.



Next the bridge takes the path under the railway,



and then opens out for a short while before closing in again



and curving round to the left to join the Roe Green Loopline.



The entrance at this end is marked by another of the large rectangular sign.



The upgrade has turned a difficult muddy route into a useful short link with a fantastic surface. It's so quiet you can enjoy the sound of the birds as you cycle along.

Parking on Cycle Facilities

It's an everyday occurrence...



They really don't give a shit do they...



Even if the road markings say "KEEP CLEAR"!



And when there is plenty of space on the road...



Even better when the cycle track has just been fenced off!



But that doesn't matter to most drivers...



Even when it's dark.



Just imagine what would happen if you blocked the roadway with a bicycle.

Well, you don't need to imagine - just watch this!



More here.

Why has there been 14 months of inaction on the Irwell Towpath in Ordsall?

Has my ranting and raving on Twitter finally forced some action on the Irwell Towpath?

Hi @OfficialTfGM @urbanvision_uk @SalfordCouncil @VisitSalford
When are you going to fix this cycle route? https://t.co/mJcvjHzCdc pic.twitter.com/EXY8pTXjwZ

— MadCycleLanes of MCR (@MadCycleLaneMCR) March 5, 2017

This path has been closed since December 2015



This morning was the first time in 14 months I have seen work being carried out on the path.



Rubble was being lifted into the area of the collapsed path and raked into position.



On returning this evening it was clear that this was not a long term repair of the towpath but a short term cludge.



Bags of rocks have been placed in the river to provide an outer edge and rubble has been put in between the bags and the remaining path to build the area up towards path level.



The fact that this is a short term measure begs the question as to why it has take over 14 months to get this far?

Tyldesley Loopline Update, Roe Green to Ellenbrook

I last rode the Tyldesley Loopline between Roe Green and Ellenbrook back in August 2014.

Salford council held a consultation about improving this route last December and it seems that there have been some works carried out - sadly that has resulted in the route being almost un-ridable for the time being.

Starting at the junction with the Roe Green Loopline, the path is in reasonable condition.



There are signs of the trees having been cut back, but initially the surface is rideable.



However, the path worsens at this point.



It is seriously muddy, no place for racing bikes...



After the bridge under the East Lancs Road the path goes up steeply to the left and open water appears on the trackbed.



From here the path on the top of the embankment is a bit muddy, but rideable, whilst the trackbed looks more like a lake.



Once the path returns to the trackbed things get much worse



Here the preparation works have churned up the trackbed.



At this point it is very difficult to make progress. The mud is several inches deep in places, and you get wheelspin on the flat.



These conditions last all the way to Ellenbrook and the start of the guided busway.



All in all this route is almost unrideable and well worth avoiding until Salford Council get round to finishing the upgrade works.

Roadworks blocking cycle routes

Most contractors carrying out roadworks couldn't care less about cycling.

This is the site of the Ordsall Chord works in Water Street carried out by Network Rail.

Going south west...



and in the opposite direction



Totally blocked!



And then further along the traffic lights have been dumped in the new cycle lane.

Port Salford Greenway Phase 2

Salford Council are consulting on phase 2 of the Salford Greenway.

Plans showing the proposed phase two improvements are on display at Winton and Worsley libraries until Friday 27 November 2015.

There will be a drop in session at each library where you can discuss the proposals with the team:

Winton Library: 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Monday 23 November.
Worsley Library: 4.30 to 6.30pm, Thursday 26 November.



More details at http://www.salford.gov.uk/portsalfordgreenway.htm

Delph Donkey Line - Delph to Undermill

The Delph Donkey path is on the old trackbed of the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) branch linking Delph with the Huddersfield line, which is still in use today.

Starting out from Delph New Road, just down from the junction with Oldham Road the site of the old station is marked by this sign.



The path goes into a small housing estate on Station Approach.



As Station Approach turns to the left the route of the railway goes onto waste ground.



Here a developer blocked the route back in 2008, but nothing came of it and the fences have been broken down, though the access is over a steep bump.



The path covers the waste ground that was to be the development,



and exits through another broken down fence. Here the steps on the left go down to the road.



Now the path gains a good surface and is reasonably well maintained.



After the first bridge



is the site of Measurements Station marked by another board.



Now the path surface widens and the view opens up to the right,



and then as the land rises to the left there is more to see on the left.



This bridge goes under Wall Hill Road at an angle,



Then after the path curves to the left this short tunnel goes under Streethouse Lane.



Just beyond a house driveway interupts the path on the level with two sets of barriers.



The barriers are set too narrow for many bicycles.



The view now opens out to the left



and this is the most pleasant of the picnic benches, it's the only one with a good view.



Shortly after is the site of Dobcross Station, just before the bridge over Ladcastle Road.



It also has a station board.



The final section of the path ends in another barrier.



The trackbed continues as a footpath for a short way before reaching the railway line.



Here the end of the path is marked by a simple wooden sign.



You can reach the Huddersfield Narrow Canal by going down the road under the old trackbed.



As the road turns right go straight down to reach the canal under the railway viaduct.