This is the little bridge passing over the old railway line which links Fairfield Road with Kingsway.

Once past these bollards, walkers and cyclists- especially those in charge of small children- can begin to relax, safe as they now are from speeding cars.

Just over the bridge on the left is the access point to the playing fields through which runs the path that connects with the start of the Sustrans cycleway proper.

As previously observed in part 1 of our stroll, much of the course of the old Mickle Trafford railway is in fairly good condition and shows little evidence of dumping.

There have been, however, notable exceptions to this. For example, the stretch of line running behind Durham Road in Blacon and even worse here, behind Thirlmere Road, approaching the Mannings Lane Bridge. This entire wooded embankment, which could be extremely attractive, is covered with all manner of household debris and discarded furniture spilling down from the houses behind.

We saw a large rat here.

Keeping areas such as this in good order is likely to prove difficult without special arrangements being made, including a programme of local education- but the provision of unattractive and expensive, but tenant-proof, high fencing (as has in fact recently been employed at Durham Road) may yet prove to be more effective.