Great Sankey walks

Starting from Burtonwood passing 15c moated Bradlegh Hall on way to Sankey Brook and historic Sankey Canal. The canal, the first in the UK, built to carry coal from Haydock to Liverpool in 1757. Good view of Sankey Viaduct the world's first substantial viaduct built by George Stephenson in 1830 for the world's first intercity rail line. Having completed the canal section the route returns to start.

A circular route beginning at Clock Face Park onto Wheatacre Reserve and returning via Colliery Moss.

A circular walk starting from Clock Face park then taking 'Ladies Walk' between Bold New and Old Halls to Bold Heath. The return section includes a disused railway track and The Dream sculpture.

Starting at Sutton Manor Park visiting The Dream sculpture, Clockface Country Park, Sutton Mill Dam, Brickfields Nature Reserve and Daisyfields Reserve.

Easy walking through woodland and former parkland, with the picturesque valley of Lumb Brook as a highlight.

Much of interest, including a visit to historic Lymm and an (optional) crossing of the eccentric Penny Ferry.

An easy stroll around the pretty village of Grappenhall, including woodland walks.

A circular walk around Carr Mill Dam, Sankey Valley Canal and Burgy Park.

A circular route crossing Carr Mill via causeway onto a rising farmland section leading to Newton Rd. Extensive views over Mersey Plain, Manchester and Cheshire Heights from this midway point. Return route is via open farmland leading to woodland section back to lakeside.

An easy stroll around Lymm’s best-known beauty spot, plus a visit to the historic village centre.

Varied rural walking including contrasting sections of canals that are among England’s youngest and oldest.

Using a part of Lymm Heritage Trail, this circular walk will take you around Lymm Dam. It was created in 1824 by a dam built during the construction of what is now the A56 road.

Circular walkleaving Billinge by Garswood Rd, crossing Barton Clough on route to Chair Wood and then via Longshaw to top of Billinge Hill before descending back to Billinge. Excellent views over Merseyside, Pennines, Welsh and Cheshire hills from the highest point in Merseyside.

Walk starts from Viridor Wood car park and follows anti clockwise circularroute via Viridor Wood and Three Sisters Park.

A circular walk starting from the base of Billinge Hill and ascending it to enjoy views from the highest point in Merseyside. The descent passes through woodland on route to Orrell Waterpark. The return route follows the west flank of Billinge Hill with more great views over Welsh and Cheshire hills back to start.

The walk starts from the car park on Slag Lane and follows a clockwise circular route around Pennington Flash.

The walk starts from Pennington Flash car park and follows the anticlockwise circular route via Golborne Park and Lowton.

The walk starts at Abram by Kingdown Flash (01Start) and follows the anticlockwise circular route via Bickershaw Park and Fan Lodge ponds.

A simple and pleasant stroll beside the River Weaver, returning along the Trent & Mersey Canal.

A varied walk by way of village, canal tunnel, capacious locks and quiet riverside fields.

A walk through rolling countryside to an impressive viaduct with a straightforward riverside return.

Two hillforts, mixed walking in farmland and woodland, and rocky outcrops with wide views.

An interesting, level walk around the bird-rich lagoons and reed-beds of Frodsham Marsh – take your binoculars!

A pleasant woodland stroll to a nearby war memorial with fine views over the Mersey Estuary to Liverpool.

Circular walk starting from Wigan Flashes and including Bryn Gates Lane, Viridor Wood and canal towpath.

The walk starts from Bickershaw and follows the anticlockwise circular route via Amberswood, Low Hall and Victoria Fields.

A pleasant stroll around the village including a riverside section within a Community Woodland.

Varied walking through rolling countryside with a scenic stretch along the Weaver Navigation.

A walk along field paths to a neighbouring village, with views over the Weaver valley.

Starting from Orrell Waterpark then follows lower slopes of Billinge Hill before ascending to Winstanley College and back to the waterpark. Good views over Mersey, Winter Hill and Cheshire hills.
⚠️ 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?

The walk starts at Westwood Road Wigan in order to join the canal and head south. On leaving the canal the route passes through Wigan Flashes and Turners Flash before heading back to start.

Route initially along Rainford Linear Park before heading over open countryside back to start.

A rewarding field and woodland walk to a local landmark with a commanding view over the Mersey estuary.

Two hillforts, mixed walking in farmland and woodland, and rocky outcrops with wide views.

A pleasant stroll around the village and surrounding farmland, with wide views in all directions.

Starting from Sidling Lane Nature Reserve travelling along the edge of the reserve before crossing the railway line to continue over open farmland and country lanes to re-enter via the woodland section of the reserve.

The walk starts from Mill Lane in Hindley and follows the clockwise circular route via Borsdane Wood and Westhoughton Common.

Walk starts from Hindley Mill Lane and follows anticlockwise circular route via Borsdane Wood, Pennington Green, Kirkless Wood and Hindley Hall.

The walk starts opposite Cowburn St Hindley and follows anti-clockwise circular route around Westhoughton Common.

Explore two interesting villages full of historic buildings.

Experience superb views, intriguing industrial relics and a pleasant return through rolling Cheshire countryside.