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Parbold and the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, West Lancashire
March 30
Walk leader : Dave H
Grading of walk : Moderate
Walk details :
This is a moderate circular walk of approx. 6 miles from the pretty village of Parbold. The walk should take us about 4-5 hours inc. a lunch stop. We begin with a short walk along the Leeds-Liverpool canal and then a long, steady, gradual ascent through farmland up to Parbold Hill. Our route takes us through the Fairy Glen woods (yes, the Fairy Glen! How apt!) then on to Appley Bridge and finally, back along the canal into Parbold. On a clear day, there are some lovely views out towards the Wirral, Liverpool and and the mountains of North Wales.
It is mostly canal and field paths, some road walking and a few stiles. The paths are rough and uneven in places. It will be muddy in places so please come prepared for mud – walking boots or wellies ideal! Dogs are welcome but there are some fields with sheep/cattle so dogs must be on lead here.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any benches or walls where we can sit for lunch – so please bring something waterproof to sit on as we’ll have to sit on the grass. Sorry!
There are no shops/cafes on the walk route so please bring your lunch/drink. But there may be a coffee van just prior to the Fairy Glen (about half way through) where we can stop briefly for a hot or cold drink/cake to go.
Hopefully we should arrive back in Parbold about 4pm. There are a couple of pubs in the village – if people are keen to stay on we can visit one for a drink or two and rest. I have not visited either pub but they do look welcoming and cosy!
Just a reminder that today is Mothers Day and the roads are likely to busy so please allow plenty of time for your journey. In addition, the clocks will go forward an hour today!
Risk assessment : A risk assessment was carried out 16/03/2025. A summary of identified risks is below:
The walk route is mostly through open farmland with little in the way of shelter – so please come prepared with waterproof and warm clothing.
The canal path is in good condition – its fairly wide and gravel has recently been laid in most places but care will be needed near the water. The canal path is also popular/busy with cyclists, runners and families with pushchairs. The paths elsewhere on the walk are muddy, rough and uneven in places and some with exposed tree roots. There are a few stiles and footbridges – some have seen better days – so care will be needed climbing over these.
On the route, there is a railway crossing and busy A road we need to navigate in a couple of places. Care will be needed here. There are livestock in some of the fields – please keep your dog on a lead.
Start time and meeting point : We’ll meet at 11.30am in Parbold – just by the canal/bridge. There is a cafe here called Yours is the Earth (post code WN8 7NW). This is the starting point for the walk. On Sunday’s its open 10am-4pm, if you want to arrive early for coffee. Its popular and likely to be busy – especially as its Mothers Day. There is another small cafe, further into the village, called the Greenman Bakehouse – also open from 10am.
Directions to the start : Parbold is located between Standish and Burscough, in West Lancs. It’s about 50 mins drive from city centre Manchester. Take junction 27 off the M6 and follow the A5209 and follow signs for Parbold. Turn right at the Stocks Tavern pub inro Mill Lane and Parbold village. Follow the road, crossing over the canal and railway crossing as you drive further into the village.
Parking: As you drive into Parbold, there is a small free car park opposite the cafe meeting point but over the bridge, on the left. There is also ample free parking further along (about 100yds) behind a row of shops. Failing that, free on-street parking is available.
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Public transport : There is a limited train service – direct trains from Manchester Victoria to Parbold every two hours! The journey time is approx. one hour – there is a train at 9.26am arriving at 10.24am – time for a coffee in Parbold. (NB: The next train is at 11.35am which will be too late for our walk) Return trains a 3.57pm and 5.57pm. Adult return fare is £9.50. Please check train timetables for any engineering works or cancellations etc.
Contact number on the day : If you need to cancel your place on this walk then please use this number to send a message to the walk leader.
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.