Shoche one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Almost fully accessible route for all (as ever, the steps at Shotton station are a problem for wheeled users), mostly along the wide tarmacced path that runs along the embankment aside the Dee, with only one road crossing along the way until we hit Chester.

It is well-used by both walkers and cyclists alike, and there is the odd bench along the way to stop for breaks. It moves from industrial Shotton into the countryside, before once more returning to the industrial and urban areas of Chester.

With transportation links and shopping at both ends, this is a pleasant, albeit exposed, wander from Wales into England.

An almost perfectly accessible, well-paved, and almost entirely off road route that closely follows the Dee Coastal Path. We walked it from Chester to Shotton, and - although very practical and a good candidate for the Slow Ways network - it would probably be more interesting to cycle this route as at a walking pace the view gets very monotonous. Additionally, and though not presenting many issues when following the route, its plotting through Chester is more as the crow flies from point to point than following actual paths.

Took this route in the Chester -> Shotton direction, mostly to avoid having to climb the 4% grade (1:25) Canal St/S View Rd leg at the end of the trip! Other than that stretch, the entire route is off-road on shared cycle/pedestrian paths, generally flat and almost entirely paved (main exception is the short bit through the Cop park on Sealand Rd to get onto the Wales Coast Path). While that should make it excellent for a wide range of users, unfortunately gates have been installed at most entrances/exits to the path, many of which are incompatible with wheelchairs/mobility scooters, and some of which are challenging even for cyclists - hence only 4 stars awarded. There are about half a dozen of the 'slalem' style gates, which are generally navigable at a snail's pace, but the bigger problem is the slanted gates, which are not even wide enough for my bike to get through without dismounting and wriggling (see final photo). Considering my handlebars are 59cm wide at ~1m off the ground, and wheelchair-accessible doorways are typically 80cm wide, that's not remotely mobility friendly. Barrier-free access is only possible from Sealand Rd, Bumpers Ln, Hawarden Bridge train station (must use level crossing and manual gates) or via the Millennium Greenway. Slalem gates are found at Ferry Ln. (-> Chester direction only) and Jubilee Bridge/B5441 (-> Chester only; -> Shotton has a slanted gate just beyond the slalem). The rest have slanted gates. There are also some very narrow/angular sections around cross-roads (particularly Ferry Ln) and some rather confusing signposting (Ferry Ln again and Jubilee Bridge/B5441, Shotton side).
However, once on the path, you are rewarded with some spectacular views in a remarkably quiet setting, complete with benches at regular intervals for contemplation and rest. And for cyclists, the path connects neatly with NR 568, 563 and 5 via the Millennium Greenway and cross-roads. Bonus pleasure - due to some loose boards on the pedestrian/cycle path adjacent to the railway bridge between Hawarden Bridge and Shotton, crossing the bridge on a bike results in a rhythmic 'chu-chun' sound like a steam train on rails... For reference, the loop from Chester to Shotton and back via the Millennium Greenway at a gentle cycling pace took about 1.5 hours (15.6 miles).

Enjoyed walking from Chester, thru golf course to pick up Dee path on the other bank of river to main path. Short road section ( by GoOutdoors) but lovely wander and path. Only walked to first bridge at Garden city before crossing river and walking back in to chester - total 7 miles.

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