Gathurst Dean Brook Circular

7 mile circular walk starting from Potters Wood Gathurst, joining Leeds Liverpool Canal before ascending to Bank Top then via Dean Brook back to start.

Technical sheet

n°15017740

A Wigan walk posted on 19/09/21 by gfl57. Last update : 22/04/22

Activity: Walking
Distance: 10.80 km
Calculated time: 3h 20
Difficulty: Moderate
Return to departure point: Yes
Vertical gain: + 84 m
Vertical drop: - 79 m
Highest point: 83 m
Lowest point: 25 m

District: Wigan
Start/End: N 53.552781° / W 2.700672°
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Description

(S/E) Route starts outside car park taking Gathurst Road North

(1) Just before reaching Ackhurst Lane, take track East (right) off road beside house. Take the path beside the wall and follow it West beside Ackhurst Brook.

(2) Follow the path as it heads North (left) upslope. Some good views of Winter Hill in this section. After taking the bridge over the rail line turn East (right) along the footpath beside the rail track.

(3) Turn North (left) on the path heading away from the rail line and take the footbridge over River Douglas. Follow Leeds Liverpool Canal towpath West (left).

(4) Leave canal and take Gathurst Lane briefly South (left). After passing under the bridge carefully cross the road and take the path West beside the railway. Continue on track as it passes under the M6 motorway.

(5) Take footbridge over Dean Brook and follow path North (right). Follow the path as it heads West (left) beside field boundaries up the hill. Take time to admire the view behind over valley to Winter Hill. Take the permissive path through the goose compound onto Ayrefield Road.

(6) Take footpath South (left) between houses and beside field boundary. Turn southeast (left) along Whitley Road. Leave Whitley Road and take farm track heading East (left) downslope towards Dean Brook.

(7) Turn South (right) and follow the path running parallel to Dean Brook as it descends down to Brook. Cross footbridges and continue South along the West bank of Dean Brook.

(8) Take footbridge over Dean Brook and take steps up the East side of the gorge to join a farm track. Upon reaching Gathurst Road turn briefly left (North). Carefully cross Gathurst Road and take Spring Road northeast under M6.

(9) Leave Spring Road immediately after passing under M6 by taking the path northeast (left) beside the motorway.(S/E)

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 62 m - Start
1 : km 0.31 - alt. 60 m - Ackhurst Lane
2 : km 1.02 - alt. 55 m - Potters Wood
3 : km 2.23 - alt. 30 m - Heinz
4 : km 3.59 - alt. 31 m - Gathurst Lane
5 : km 4.45 - alt. 33 m - Dean Brook
6 : km 5.9 - alt. 83 m - Ayrefield Road
7 : km 7.36 - alt. 43 m - Valley Side
8 : km 9.01 - alt. 73 m - Climb
9 : km 10.33 - alt. 66 m - M6
S/E : km 10.8 - alt. 62 m - End

Useful Information

Parking near the start.
Refreshments at Bank Top and Gathurst Station.
Bus 640 960.
Train to Gathurst Station.

More route info at http://www.graemelinford.com/walks/gathu...

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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⚠️ Apparently there is a problem with the route between waypoints (7) and (8). Partway along the footpath parallel to Chair Wood there are signs stating this is private land and there is no right of way. These signs are repeated at the other end of the path on Park Road and the gate giving access to Park Road is locked. If anyone could check and offer another alternative please?

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