Motorcycle & CBT Training In Wigan — South Down the M6 to Thelwall

On Your Bike’s training centre at Thelwall Parish Hall, Bell Lane is just 14 miles south of Wigan — a quick M6 run that takes around 20 minutes in normal traffic. Our DVSA-approved instructor Angela, an IAM Advanced Rider with years of local road knowledge, runs a friendly, thorough one-day CBT from £225, with bike, helmet and jacket all included.

One-day Course From £225 — Bike, Helmet & Jacket Included

If you’re based in Wigan, our training centre is just 14 miles south — a quick, straightforward run. The full address is Thelwall Parish Hall, Bell Lane, Thelwall, Warrington, WA4 2SX.

Getting Here by Car from Wigan

From Wigan, the fastest route is to head south on the A49 Warrington Road, then join the M6 southbound at Bryn and travel south to Junction 20 (Lymm Interchange). From Junction 20, follow signs towards Thelwall village — Bell Lane is in the heart of the village and the Parish Hall has parking on site. The journey takes approximately 20–25 minutes.

Alternatively, staying on the A49 all the way south through Newton-le-Willows and into Warrington avoids the motorway entirely — useful if you prefer A-roads. This route takes a little longer but passes through Winwick and picks up the road south towards Thelwall from there.

Getting Here by Public Transport from Wigan

By Train

The quickest option from Wigan is by train. Avanti West Coast operates a frequent service from Wigan North Western station to Warrington Bank Quay, running hourly with a journey time of just 9 minutes — one of the fastest rail connections in the region. From Warrington Bank Quay, make your way to the Bus Interchange and catch the 5A bus towards Lymm, alighting at Thelwall, Pickering Arms. Bell Lane is a short walk from there. Total journey time is approximately 40–45 minutes.

By Bus

The 360 service from Wigan Bus Station runs to Warrington, passing through Golborne and Newton-le-Willows, taking around 50 minutes. From Warrington Bus Interchange, pick up the 5A towards Lymm and alight at Thelwall, Pickering Arms.

About Wigan

Wigan is a proud, straight-talking town with one of the most fascinating industrial histories in the North West. During the Industrial Revolution it became a major mill town within a large coal mining district, with an estimated 1,000 pit shafts within 5 miles of the town centre. The last colliery closed in 1992, but the town’s heritage lives on at Wigan Pier — the famous wharf on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, immortalised by George Orwell in his 1937 book.

Wigan is synonymous with rugby league — the Wigan Warriors are the most decorated club in the history of the sport. The town sits 14 miles north of Thelwall, connected by both the M6 and the A49. Once you’re licenced, those same connections open up the whole of the North West from your front door.

CBT FAQ

The questions Wigan riders actually ask us before they book.

Is the train the best way to get to training from Wigan without a car?

Yes, easily. The Avanti West Coast service from Wigan North Western to Warrington Bank Quay takes just 9 minutes — it’s almost comically quick. From Bank Quay, it’s a short walk or bus ride to Warrington Bus Interchange, then the 5A to Thelwall. Total door-to-door time is around 40–45 minutes. Trains run hourly so check the timetable and aim to arrive at our venue 10 minutes before your start time. It’s one of the most straightforward public transport journeys of any area we serve.

Is the M6 or the A49 better from Wigan by car?

In most conditions, the M6 to Junction 20 is quicker — you join at Bryn and it’s a straight motorway run south to the Lymm Interchange, then a short drive into Thelwall. In morning rush hour when the M6 south of Wigan can be heavy, the A49 all the way through Newton-le-Willows and Winwick is a useful alternative — slower in theory, but more predictable. For your first visit, the M6 route is probably clearest to follow. Either way, you’re looking at 20–25 minutes from most of Wigan.

What are the best rides from Wigan once I have my CBT?

The roads heading south from Wigan open up beautifully once you’re on two wheels. The A49 south to Warrington and then into Cheshire is an excellent first route — varied, manageable and rewarding. The lanes around Leigh, Golborne and Newton-le-Willows are great for early L-plate confidence-building. Head west from Wigan and you’re into the Lancashire countryside; head east and the Pennine foothills are within reach. When you’re ready to go for your full licence, the M6 and M61 become your gateway to the whole of the North West and beyond. We’re here for that next step too.

Other Areas We Cover

We train motorcycle riders from right across the North West. Here are some nearby areas — or see our full list of locations.

Ready to Ride?

Book your CBT today — from £225, bike and kit included. We’re 14 miles from Wigan at Thelwall Parish Hall, Bell Lane — south on the M6 in around 20 minutes.