The best running trails around Shotwick

A 'tip' rather than a 'highlight' "The station is not staffed and only has basic amenities (departure screens, waiting shelters and timetable poster boards on each platform). Step-free access is available to both platforms, but transfer between them requires the use of a level crossing at the end of the platforms towards the bridge. The Chester Millennium Greenway cycle route runs adjacent to the station and provides access to the northbound platform. The route also connects the station to Shotton." You can't buy tickets at the station but you can buy them online or on board from the ticket inspector. From Bidston, where the trains terminate in one direction, you can join the Merseyrail network to travel onwards to the Wirral and Liverpool. Sources; https://tfw.wales/places/stations/hawarden-bridge https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawarden_Bridge_railway_station

"The Jubilee Bridge (also known as the Blue Bridge) is a double leaf rolling bascule bridge which spans the River Dee at Queensferry, Wales. The bridge was built by Sir William Arrol & Co. between 1925 and 1927.  It takes its name from an earlier bridge on the same site which was completed during the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897. The abutments of the old bridge are still visible at both sides to the left (facing north) of the current bridge. The remains can be seen at low tide near the abutments. By the 1960s shipping had ceased on the River Dee. The bridge's lifting mechanism was removed and the roadway fixed permanently in place. In 2005 the Jubilee Bridge was awarded Grade II Listed building status by Cadw." Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jubilee_Bridge_(Queensferry)

"Hawarden Bridge (/ˈhɑːrdən/; Welsh: Pont Penarlâg) is a railway bridge over the River Dee, near Shotton, Flintshire, Wales. It was built by the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway (which later became the Great Central Railway), as part of the Chester & Connah's Quay Railway. It opened on 3 August 1889. During the 1880s, the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway Company undertook the construction of a line between Chester Northgate and what is now known as Hawarden Bridge Junction. The most significant geographical feature of the route to overcome was the River Dee. It was decided to opt for a 165 meter-long bridge to cross over the river; this structure was complicated by the need to incorporate a means of passage for the tall ships that traversed the Dee at this time. The Board of Trade, advised by Sir George Nares, decreed that the envisioned bridge would need a single navigable opening of at least 140 feet. Hawarden Bridge was designed by the civil engineer C.A. Hobson. The bridge was officially opened to traffic on 3 August 1889; the opening ceremony was officiated by Catherine Gladstone, the wife of Prime Minister William William Gladstone. A key feature of the Hawarden Bridge was its central section, which was referred to as Span 10; this allowed it to function as a swing bridge. As originally built, it was able to rotate through 90-degrees to enable the passage of tall ships on the River Dee.  At the time of its completion, this was the largest opening span of any swing bridge in the United Kingdom. Presently, the bridge can no longer open, the span having been welded shut decades ago. The last time that Span 10 was opened was during 1960. The remains of the rotating mechanism – hydraulic cylinders attached to a drive chain and sprocket – are still visible beneath the bridge. Both pedestrians and cyclists may also traverse Hawarden Bridge via a dedicated walkway. The walkway, which connected between the Wales Coast Path and the Chester Greenway Railway Path section of National Cycle Route 5, is the responsibility of registered charity Sustrans Cymru." You can read more about the bridge here; https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawarden_Bridge

"The John Summer Clock Tower building opened in 1907 and was the headquarters of Shotton Steelworks, before closing in 2009 and falling into serious disrepair after being sold by the company. Wilsons Auctions have now taken on the restoration project, with a view to securing the future of the historic and Grade II listed site." You can read more about the history of the building, Shotton Point and surrounding areas here; https://www.wilsonsauctions.com/news/history-of-shotton-point/

Handy if you spot a stray animal and need to put it somewhere safe

A great path for spotting wildlife usually quiet

Good riding baby

The River Dee round is a safe, completely traffic-free loop of 24 kms (15 miles). It follows the National Cycle Network Route 5 to the west of the city as far as Hawarden Bridge, returning via the riverside cycle path along the River Dee. Chester Cycling Campaign’s seven Family Cycle Rides have been planned with all members of the family in mind. The routes use quiet lanes, established cycle routes and canal tow paths wherever possible, except for some occasional short sections on busier roads. All rides are between 15 and 20 miles in length, and are suitable for families with children, either riding their own bikes or riding on a trailer bike. Some rides include short off-road sections. The directions for these rides also include a description of a minor road alternative. Route Grading: (A) Quiet Route – This is a route with long stretches of off-road cycleway.