Bridges over the Mersey

Walk leader :  Peter T

Grading of walk :  Moderate

Walk details :  After a walk around Spike island we head to the West bank where the old transporter bridge was sited and then we cross the Mersey on the through-arch Silver Jubilee bridge which was built in 1961.We can also see the double-webb lattice girder railway bridge which opened in 1868. The road bridge has now been modified to take only 2 lanes of traffic and a cycle lane. We also cross the Manchester ship canal and head into Runcorn where we pick up the tow-path of the Bridgewater canal. Some streets take us to a listed swing bridge over the ship canal and we enter Wigg island. This is the former site of a chemical works manufacturing mustard gas but is now a nature reserve opened by Bill Oddie in 2002. We take a circular walk around here to view the magnificent Mersey Gateway Bridge, a cable-stayed suspension bridge which opened in 2017 and cost £1.86bn. We return through Runcorn via a different route to cross back over the Silver Jubilee bridge to return to the start.
The area is rich in history being the site of lots of chemical works and the Mersey estuary is home to many birds. The walk takes in the river Mersey, the Bridgewater canal, the Manchester Ship Canal and the disused St. Helens canal.

This is a moderate, flat 7.5 mile urban walk on paths, streets and canal banks and light weight walking boots will be sufficient. Proper walking boots may be advisable if it is wet. Bring a packed lunch and a drink which will be taken on Wigg island. There are several picnic table sites suitable if not previously occupied. The museum next to the car park opens at 10.00 and there are free toilets which are available to non-museum visitors. It will be closed by the end of the walk.

Risk assessment :  A risk assessment was carried out 05/07/2024. A summary of identified risks is below:
The first path alongside the St. Helens Canal is very narrow and will require single file. The pavement up to the Silver Jubilee bridge is for walkers and cyclists and the latter tend to ride fast. Again single file will be best here. There is one further narrow path alongside the Bridgwater canal and after this section care will be needed crossing a main road.

People who don’t like heights should be aware that we are walking across a bridge which is 80 feet above the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal. There are substantial railings but the view is worth it.

On Wigg island there is a short wooded section with tree roots on the path.

Start time and meeting point :  The walk will start at 12.00 noon from the Spike Island car park which is next to the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre. WA8 0DF is the post code for that museum.

Directions to the start :  From the M62 leave at Junction 7 and take A557 for Widnes. Go ahead at first traffic lights but soon after bear right on A562 signed for Liverpool and Catalyst Museum. Avoid the extreme right lane as that goes to a shopping centre. After the right hand turn keep in the left lane and turn left at the next lights. Follow signs for Catalyst museum.

If coming from the south leave the M56 at Junction 11 following A56. Then take A533 for Widnes and the toll bridge. Leave the bridge at the first exit (signed Warrington) and turn left down Waterloo Road. There is a charge of £2 to use the bridge and there are no pay booths. You have to pay online by midnight the next day. Travelling on the M62 avoids the toll.

Parking:  The Spike Island car park is free.

what/three/words :  ///intervals.will.vets

Public transport :  Widnes train station is north of Widnes and long way from the area of the walk. Thus it is not very practicable. Please consider car sharing and, if you are able, offering lifts to walkers without their own transport.

Contact number on the day :  07903 925 949

Booking : Book your walk here

Changes and cancellation :  Very occasionally, due to severe weather or another serious event, a walk may be cancelled. In these instances, a note will be added to the website at least TWO HOURS before the start time. So, do check the website before you set out, and if in doubt use the walk leader’s mobile contact number. Every effort will be made to contact you should a walk be cancelled.