St Helens: The Waterside - Carr Mill Dam - Clinkham Wood - Hollin Hay Farm - The Waterside

Derek Smith

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This delightful circular walk is very popular and features an enchanting lake with water birds, fishermen, and often power boat racing and water skiing. The route is entirely along good paths or pedestrian old roads which are tree lined for most of the way, frequently turning into narrow belts of woodland. Although frequently used, most of the footpaths are not marked as public footpaths on the map. There are no stiles and few gates, and the footbridges are in excellent condition. The upwards section along Goyt Brook is particularly pleasant with lots of birds and occasional wildlife and numerous footbridges. At the top of this is the only section of walk across a farm meadow. The Garswood Old Road crosses the ancient industrial dam for the lake, with waterfall and excellent view from the top of the lake overflow down into the old brook.

This walk is suitable for children, teenagers, senior citizens and anyone in-between. It is excellent for dogs, good for buggies, but hopeless for wheelchairs. Suitable footwear will be anything flat soled and there should be no problems for anyone wearing shorts. However, wheelchair users could probably manage to circular walk just round the lake, but you would need assistance in places, and it will be a bit of a challenge. On your route there are refreshments and toilets at the pub at the start and end of the walk, and also at the Boat House tea rooms on Friday, Sat and Sun from 10-00am - 4.00pm (where there may also be Mountain Monkeys). The tea rooms are alongside the lake, near the end of the route. There are occasional bench seats round the lake but no picnic tables except outside the pub. If you phone and book in advance, you should be able to get a good meal with a drink; an excellent finish to a good walk, but at the same time enquire about parking for the duration of your walk and meal.

England - North England - Merseyside - Woodland or Forest

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Good for Wheelchairs, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland