At certain times of the year, the surface of the Burton Marshes NCN 568 cycle path can become covered with sheep muck making the use of this section of the route very unpleasant. Those using the path during these times are likely to find their clothing and their bike heavily soiled by the material. This situation is the result of the local farmer moving his sheep onto the salt marshes for grazing purposes.
Unfortunately there are virtually no safe and user-friendly alternative routes, which means that cyclists may find that they have no option but to proceed with their ride regardless. Many of us feel that it would be helpful to know when the path is clean and clear and when it is heavily soiled so that cycle rides can be planned accordingly.
In order to provide path users with up-to-date information about the status of the path surface, the Chester Cycling Campaign is hosting this ‘crowd sourced’ web page which anyone can use to provide a brief report on current conditions. We invite regular path users to assist others by quickly making a report which states when the route has been found to be soiled and when the route has subsequently been cleared of soiling. If it has been more than a week since the most recent report and the route is still covered in sheep muck, then it might be helpful for a report to be submitted stating this. Note that the website will provide a date for the report automatically.
Please use the comments form below to provide brief details of any recent experience. Thanks for your assistance!
I went through there on Tuesday, December 17th, and the path was all covered with sheep muck. I had sheep muck all over my shoes, my trousers, and my bike – chain, derailleurs, wheels, pedals and clogging my mudguards. Avoid for the time being.