Kingsley, Dutton Locks and the River Weaver

Philip Ingram

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This walk explores the peaceful countryside along the terraces above the River Weaver and beside the river itself. The river is a significant barrier to communication, so the area is only visited by those who live there or who appreciate the unexpected remoteness.

From the terraces, there are good views up to the sandstone ridge on one side and the Pennines on the other. As the valley is approached, the massive Dutton Viaduct comes in sight and trains can be seen crossing it every few minutes. After dropping down into the valley, Dutton Locks can be explored with the help of an interpretation board. There is then a chance to admire the scale of the viaduct as the path passes directly under it. Following a brief encounter with human habitation, the route passes through the most remote part of the lower Weaver Valley. Listen for the birds and animals and keep your eyes open for the special flowers that live near the river.

England - North England - Cheshire - River Walk

Features

Flowers, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Mostly Flat, River, Wildlife, Woodland

4/7/2021 - Gill Pittilla-Frost

Lovely walk, however be aware of women at waymark 19. She is very aggressive, she will not allow you to follow the route as directed & rudely told us to go round the field. Apart from this uncomfortable encounter the rest of the walk was beautiful. The garlic fields & scenery near the river weaver were just stunning. Gaters are worth keeping in your pack, as it is boggy in waymark 20. It may be worth cutting across the field to avoid getting stuck.

5/9/2017 - Philip Ingram

The section from WP19 to WP23 has been 'temporarily' closed by the County Council on the grounds of public safety in the very wet section. The notices imply that they will be doing something about it but I'm not holding my breath. Meanwhile, at point 19, head diagonally left to a stile by the hedge. Cross the stile and follow the hedge downhill cross the stream and then head uphill to a stile in the left hand corner. Cross the stile and follow the hedge to a pedestrian gate next to a metal gate. Pass through the gate and turn right along the metalled lane. This passes point 23, after which you pass under the railway bridge and head up to point 24. Part of the lane is not strictly a vehicular right of way. More importantly, it is very narrow so not many drivers use it more than once!

5/31/2015 - Philip Ingram

The section from WP06 has changed slightly as the hedge on the far side of the lane at WP06 has been removed. Cross the lane beyond WP06 then keep the (new) wire fence on your left until you reach a metal kissing gate. Pass through the gate to continue with the hedge now on your right. This has the merit of avoiding the wet patch.

8/27/2013 - Robert Hughes

I really enjoyed this varied walk but as previously mentioned the section around WM20/21 is always wet and should not be attempted in anything other than waterproof boots. I found some sections a little overgrown but no more than might be expected for less used paths at this time of year - with the exception of the pedestrian gate at WM6 which the notes suggest you have to go around (through a clear opening just to the left). The field just after WM8 currently has a wide tractor track between the crops - take this rather than attempt to follow the field edge. WM 10 is then a few metres to the left of the end of this track. Finally the footpath sign at WM 35 is currently missing but the route away from the river is clear at this point.

7/16/2013 - Philip Ingram

Sue is quite right: the stretch around WP22 /is/ very wet. There's a comment at WP06 that implies a potential issue but is too coy about the problem. Except after a long spell of dry weather, it is probably better to take the alternative route suggested at WP11.

7/16/2013 - Philip Ingram

In July 2013 I have been told that the stiles to point 7 are somewhat overgrown. As I shall not be able to check this myself in the near future, I thought I'd alert anyone planning to use this route.

5/22/2013 - Sue Shaw-Pollard

We walked this on 19 May, it was a beautiful day and the walk would have been perfect had it not been for waymarks 20 & 21. Please be aware that this area is exceptionally boggy and the stream runs through the path marked by the footpath signs so we avoided that and tried to navigate our way across the bog. It was to the top of our boots and over at some points and far too deep around the stile so we had to negotiate the barbed wire a bit further along. On a plus point, the wild garlic in the woodland just after Dutton Locks (waymark 30)was spectacular!

4/22/2011 - Walkingworld Administrator

Our thanks to Pihilip Ingram for his updates and new photos for this walk. April 2011. Adrian (Admin)

1/6/2009 - Walkingworld Administrator

GPX track: http://www.trailguru.com/wiki/index.php/Track:3BII

1/5/2009 - Walkingworld Administrator

Thank you for this comment. Unfortunately your identity has not come through for us to thank you personally.

Walked on a cold bright winters afternoon 5th Jan 2009. Waypoints were very accurate and the only navigational problem was a newly ploughed field.