Daresbury - Keckwick Hill - Bridgewater canal - Red Brow - Daresbury (route 1)

Derek Smith

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A very pleasant short and circular walk with Lewis Carrol connections and the downhill stroll through the woods of Daresbury Firs was quite delightful. This section of the Bridgewater Canal was equally pleasant with numerous passing boats to admire. Then there is the descent through the gloomy Red Brow Lane aqueduct. The way this narrow lane climbs up out of this deep and gloomy cutting in dark, damp and solid rock was equally impressive in a different sort of way - an experience not to be missed. At the start of a section along the lanes there are lovely views across the valley, (photo on the right), and having reached to top of the hill you finish the walk along footpaths round cultivated fields and across more meadows. Then if you have children with you find The Lewis Carroll visitors centre in the church, close to the end of the walk - and for more details see the 'Additional Info' section below. This walk includes instructions for walkers from moored canal boats; and another walk in this locality but with a different route is 3966.

This walk is suitable for children, teenagers, senior citizens and anyone in-between. It is excellent for dogs, but hopeless for wheelchairs and buggies due to the numerous wooden kissing gates and flights of steps. Suitable footwear will be anything flat soled, but boots will be best in winter, and there should be no problems for anyone wearing shorts. There is one bench seat in Daresbury Firs, but no picnic tables on this walk; however, there are refreshments and toilets at the attractive Ring O'Bells pub where the walk starts and finishes. If you book in advance, you should be able to get a good meal with your drink; an excellent finish to a good walk. Tel. 01925 740256 and at the same time arrange to use their large car park.

England - North England - Cheshire - Canal Walk