Earlestown - Sankey Valley Trail - St Helen's Canal - Mucky Mountain - Earlestown

Derek Smith

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Although on the edge of a large urban area this circular walk is mainly through green spaces and along well used hard footpaths in excellent condition and mainly of tarmac or compact grit and sand. Best walked in summer when the trees are green. The footpath from the car park leads down to the Sankey Valley Trail which has been created along the old Sankey Canal towpath and is the longest footpath on this walk. Passing under the famous nine arched Sankey Viaduct you soon find yourself walking along an isolated section of the disused Sankey Canal. You eventually leave it at Vulcan Village to start the return route through parkland at the edge of an estate and behind a health centre, and then begin your climb out of the valley alongside the Mucky Mountain Nature Reserve. (The photo on the right shows the canal basin by the bottom of Mucky Mountain). Pleasant footpaths take you past a small and drab industrial site, over the railway and a short distance through town back to the car park. There are some chicane barriers which wheelchairs can negotiate, but no stiles or gates. However, they will need assistance over the grassy areas on the return route, and up the short hill out of the valley. In the 'Related Downloads' folder for this walk you will find a plan of the final canal, originally built in 1757 it is one of the oldest canals in the country.

This walk is suitable for children, teenagers, senior citizens and anyone in-between. Excellent for dogs and possible for wheelchairs and buggies in summer when turf is hard. Suitable footwear will be anything stout and flat soled and there should be no problems for anyone wearing shorts. There are toilets near the start and end of the walk, and bench seats are scattered along the route but no picnic tables or shops. By the railway bridge towards the end of the walk you pass a McDonalds café, and just before you reach the car park you pass the Wetherspoons pub Tel 01925 224409. No need to book in advance to get a good meal with your pint and they have a fast service; an excellent finish to a good walk.

England - North England - Merseyside - Canal Walk

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Good for Kids, Good for Wheelchairs, Industrial Archaeology, Mostly Flat, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Toilets, Wildlife