🌅 Who says retirement means slowing down? Join me on a fun, spontaneous before-breakfast cycle adventure from Formby to Southport — a perfect example of active retirement freedom!
In this early-morning ride I pedal along the scenic cycle route (part of the Squirrel Route along the Sefton Coast) through beautiful pine forest, stumble upon the eerie abandoned Pontins Holiday Camp, unexpectedly come across preparations for the 2026 Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale, then cruise into Southport to enjoy the promenade and seafront attractions. I even catch the train back to Formby in time for breakfast!
This video captures the joy of simple, active day trips in retirement — fresh air, surprise discoveries, beautiful coastal scenery, and being back before the day has properly begun.
Highlights:
•  Scenic pine forest cycle path from Formby
•  Discovering the abandoned Pontins Holiday Camp
•  Royal Birkdale Golf Club preparations for The Open 2026
•  Southport Promenade & seafront sights
•  Train ride home in time for breakfast
If you’re looking for inspiring active retirement adventures or easy UK coastal cycle ideas, this one’s for you!
👇 Have you ever done an early morning adventure ride or stumbled upon something unexpected on a cycle? What does retirement freedom look like to you? Comment below — I read every one!
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Before Breakfast Retirement Freedom Ride
00:41 – Starting from Formby – Pine Forest Cycle Path
05:20 – Stumbling Across Abandoned Pontins Holiday Camp
09:45 – Royal Birkdale Golf – 2026 Open Championship Preparations
13:30 – Cycling into Southport Promenade & Attractions
17:10 – Train Back to Formby Before Breakfast
19:45 – Final Thoughts on Active Retirement Adventures
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#ActiveRetirement #FormbyToSouthport #CycleAdventure #AbandonedPontins #RoyalBirkdale #TheOpen2026 #RetirementFreedom #DayTripperAdventures #UKCycling #SeftonCoast
3 Comments
Really enjoyed watching your video, your observations and comments about Pontins were spot on. Its hard to believe people actually wanted to go and stay there, but now its just a shabby relic.
It’s surprising what you can find on a short early morning cycle ride before breakfast when visiting a new area. Did anyone go to Pontins – it’s really a relic from the past now, how things have changed. Are you looking forward to the Open Golf? Who knew it was here? Please leave a comment.
Yes!! Another bike packing video has dropped! I can't wait to watch!! I love following your travels đź’•