Fancy a modest wander through the Warrington countryside? This one-mile circuit around Culcheth Linear Park is short, practical and pleasantly scenic, making it a solid lockdown-era escape without demanding expedition equipment or heroic levels of fitness.
The route covers 1.76km, or 1.09 miles, and takes about 30 minutes. It starts and finishes at the Culcheth Linear Park car park, where parking is available. That is refreshingly straightforward, although busy periods may test the theory that every local car park has infinite capacity.
The route
- Walk towards the road bridge. When you reach it, turn right and use the steps to reach the road.
- Follow the footway to the right for about 110 metres, until you reach a green footpath signpost.
- Turn right at the signpost and follow the vehicle access track and footpath for 160 metres.
- Turn left before the entrance to the farmyard, then follow the path on the left along the grassy field for 300 metres.
- At the signposted junction, turn right and follow the farm access road and footpath towards Blakeley Farm.
- When you reach the farmyard, turn right. Look for the yellow arrow on the wall, then follow the path along the edge of the field after passing through a stile and gap.
- When you reach another stile and some steps, go down the steps and turn onto the path at the bottom. This permissive bridleway runs through Culcheth Linear Park.
- Continue for 600 metres and you will arrive back at the car park.
The appeal is obvious: a compact route with fields, farm tracks and a proper sense of being out in the countryside, while remaining close to Culcheth. It is also short enough for a quick break, a gentle family walk or anyone wanting exercise without pretending they are training for the Pennine Way.
Do bear in mind that grassy paths and farm access tracks can become muddy, particularly after the sort of rain Warrington regularly serves up with suspicious enthusiasm. Stiles, steps and uneven ground also mean the route may not suit every walker.
The walk was originally shared by David Morgan, Reporter, during lockdown. The article was presented through an exclusive subscriber partnership with USA Today and written by American colleagues, with a note stating that it did not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Whatever the editorial paperwork, the route itself remains a useful little local circuit, and Culcheth Linear Park does the heavy lifting rather well.