Cycling from Guildford to Liverpool via the Prospect Reservoir and the M7 cycleway
Southwest Sydney has one of the safest cycleway networks in New South Wales.
I’ve just finished riding a comprehensive cycleway to Liverpool from Guildford and the Prospect Reservoir — the whole 35km ride was mostly off the road.
The route travels past some great locations like the Lower Prospect Canal, historic Prospect Reservoir, the M7 and the Western Sydney Parklands.
A person with any fitness level can complete this ride. It’s obviously long — you’ll need to switch yourself into ‘marathon mode’ and take some water and food.
There are five moderate hills that you’ll need to tackle on the ride. Two of them are located at the southern end of the Prospect Reservoir — the other three are located alongside the M7. The hills are not steep, but the inclines are long — if you don’t like hills, simply put your bike into a lower gear and accept the challenge.
Remember that with every hill, there’s a rewarding down-hill.
There are plenty of moments on this route where you’ll simply steer your bike while rolling down a decline. Your legs will enjoy the rest.
The reason why I chose to start and end this cycle at Guildford and Liverpool is because both suburbs are serviced by the south-west rail line — which meant I was able to put the bike onto the train and return home.
The first section of the ride starts just west of the Guildford railway station — riding along the Lower Prospect Canal Reserve cycleway to the Prospect Reservoir. This part of the ride is amazing — you’ll find more specific info about the water canal cycleway here.
One very important thing you’ll need to consider if you’re going to do this ride is that Sydney Water enforces strict gate opening and closing times at the Prospect Reservoir.
At the time of writing this article, Sydney Water signage advises that the Prospect Reservoir gates are opened 6am to 6:30pm during daylight saving time and 7am to 4:30pm during non-daylight saving time.
Before you leave the Prospect Reservoir, have a break and take in the view — you might even spot a kangaroo.
To access the M7 cycleway from Prospect Reservoir, you’ll need to ride alongside the fenceline at the southern end of the dam wall. This route follows the edge of the dam wall.
At the southern exit from the Prospect Reservoir you’ll travel past the gates to the water filtration plant and exit the Sydney Water boundary at Chandos Road Wetherill Park.
Be aware that between April & July in 2021, WaterNSW says they’re closing the cycleway access at the southern end of the dam so that the can replace a bridge. A sign says there will be an alternative cycle route during this period.
At this point you’ll cross the road and enter a cycleway inside Western Sydney Parklands.
You’ll travel south and eventually join the cycleway on The Horsley Drive which will take you directly west and onto the M7 cycleway.
Once you come to the major intersection at The Horsley Drive and the M7, head south.
The directions to the M7 cycleway are well sign posted — the bike path in this region runs alongside the eastern side of the M7.
The ride south along the M7 is really safe. Riders are fully protected from the traffic on the M7.
You’ll pass many cyclists on the cycleway — it’s busier on weekends. The cycle way was opened in 2006.
The Liverpool exit from the M7 cycleway is located near the Hoxton Park Recreation Reserve.
The cycle route into Liverpool follows access roads along Hoxton Park Road, Miller, Cartwright and Lurnea.
I hope you enjoy your ride. I’d be interested in hearing about it – you’ll find me on social media at @BrendenWood.
#Cycling #M7 #Guildford #Prospect #Liverpool
