Stoke - River Gowy - Picton - Shropshire Union Canal - Stoke

Derek Smith

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Save Our Footpaths - get off the beaten track, some of this circular walk is along footpaths which are not often used and are invisible. The walk is best done is summer as some of the footpaths are likely to be muddy in places all year round but at their best in summer. Some of these paths are probably the most interesting features. Crossing over mixed farmland there is a good mixture of stiles and bridges and most are in fair order, but there are a few gates you will need to climb over. This walk is not for those who are looking for good scenery. It has a Transport Theme; not only will you see a fair amount of the M56 & M53, but also the Shropshire Union Canal, and if you are lucky the Beluga Airbus which looks like a whale and transports wings from the Boughton factory. There is a long length of the river Gowy to follow and in summer the river bank can be a bit overgrown, and one part of it is not an official footpath. Taking a walking stick is advisable as some of the fields are likely to have cows in them. This walk includes instructions for walkers from moored canal boats.

The walk is most suitable for teenagers, senior citizens and anyone in-between, but hopeless for wheelchairs & buggies. Suitable footwear will be boots due to the sections of muddy footpaths especially if it has been recently raining, but there should be no problems for anyone wearing shorts in summer. It’s likely that there will be brambles to do battle with so taking some small secateurs would be very useful. This is not a good walk to take dogs on and there are no refreshments or facilities on this except for those at the pub at the start and finish, (photo on the right). There are no picnic tables but you will find a couple of bench seats alongside the canal towpath close to the end of the walk. If you book in advance you should be able to get a good meal with your pint; an excellent finish to a good walk.

England - North England - Cheshire - River Walk

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, River, Toilets

1/2/2021 - Derek Smith

The walk description warns everyone about the soggy fields and puddles in a wet winter, the rarely used footpaths - and the need for those secateurs. Keep up the good work, these paths need using!

12/29/2020 - Gill Pittilla-Frost

Walk completed 28/12/20. Extremely muddy walk, would recommend good waterproof boots & gaters. Walking stick also useful, the brambles are over grown in areas therefore a small pair of clippers to cut throw to make your passage easier is advisable. The field between the river Gowy & the farm were flooded, however it was possible to wade through as we had the right walking gear. Enjoyed the walk but challenging in places.