Higher Walton - Bridgewater Canal - Moore - Mersey Valley Trail - Higher Walton

Derek Smith

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Save Our Footpaths - get off the beaten track, some of the route on this circular walk is along footpaths which are not often used. This is a canal and countryside walk and starts with the canal section (see photo on the right). The canal towing path is in excellent order and the first footpath is used regularly and quite easy to follow, there are several old wooden kissing gates, but they are in good order. The second footpath is much less used and has stiles which are not easy to use and not in best order and ends with a very narrow path alongside a reservoir. At the time of my walk all of the fields were meadows and had no animals but passed close to fields with sheep and horses. Near the end the route passes through Walton Hall and Gardens which has free access. You need to avoid this walk in August as the annual Creamfields Dance and Pop Festival with its world-famous D.J.s uses part of the route which will probably be closed to the public. This walk includes instructions for walkers from moored canal boats.

The walk is suitable for older children, senior citizens and anyone in-between. Excellent for dogs, but hopeless for wheelchairs and buggies. Suitable footwear will be anything flat soled, but boots will be best, especially if there has recently been heavy rain and paths could be muddy with numerous puddles. Avoid wearing shorts as there are lots of nettles to pass close to, and for the occasional bramble some small secateurs may be useful. Approaching Moore you will pass the village store and post office which is very close to the towing path and the only shop on the route. There are toilets, refreshments and a café in Walton Hall grounds, and also bench seats and excellent children's play areas. There are also toilets at the pub at the start and finish, and if you book in advance, you should be able to get a good meal with your drink; an excellent finish to a good walk.

England - North England - Cheshire - Canal Walk

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Flowers, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Stately Home, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland