Take in the splendours of the season the next time you’re in Warrington; make sure to stop by some of these scenic locations and vibrant parks on your next outing.
Lymm Dam
Take in the countryside and learn about the history of the Lymm area by visiting this local landmark. Built in 1824 as part the construction of a road from Warrington to Stockport – now the A56 – the resulting lake is a haven for wildlife and a lovely place to visit whatever the weather.
Bring your own picnic and enjoy it on one of the tables while savouring the views of the water and surrounding woodland or try a bite to eat from the snack van that is usually parked on the main A56. There is also a pub with great little deli near by to buy local produce, teas or coffees and amazing cakes, pies and sandwiches. Aside from the ducks and squirrels, there are sculptures to enjoy.
There’s usually plenty of parking on nearby Crouchley Lane (WA13 0AS) and its clearly signposted. Benches are provided if your relative or friend needs to take a break from the walk. Some of the path is suitable for wheelchairs or strollers but local toilets are either at the nearby pub or shops and café’s in Lymm village centre.
Many of our clients enjoy taking in the beauty and tranquillity of the dam and it brings back many happy memories.
Risley Moss, near Birchwood
Want somewhere quiet enough to calm the soul? Why not commune with nature in this park, which is popular with walkers and dog walkers alike. You can chill out by enjoying wildlife – the Moss has squirrels, great crested newts and water birds galore. You can sit in one of the hides to watch your feathered friends.
Located a few minutes’ drive from the shops at Birchwood Mall, there are plenty of benches to stop and rest on your walk, a visitors’ centre and toilets. There’s no café on site but you could try the one at nearby Birchwood Forest Park.
There is car parking provided but the Moss gets very busy at weekends and on Bank Holidays and be ready to stretch those legs, Risley Moss has a few inclines for wheelchairs to negotiate.
Walton Hall and Gardens
Whatever your idea of a good day out, there’s probably something to interest you at Walton Hall and Gardens.
You could amble through the extensive grounds, enjoy the woodlands and the ponds, challenge your relative to a game of pitch and putt, or talk to the animals in the hall’s very own zoo. There’s plenty of paved surfaces so getting around is easy for wheelchair users or people with a stroller.
If you’re feeling peckish, grab a snack, a drink or a meal at the Heritage Café or the ice cream vans which visit in summer.
You don’t pay anything to visit most of the attractions, but there is a charge for parking on site. There are good toilets on site with plenty of access. We get so many recommendations from clients as it is a great place to visit and one of those hidden gems.
Culcheth Linear Park
Looking for a straightforward walk in the country? Look no further than this relaxing stroll along the former Lowton to Manchester railway line.
The lower path runs non-stop to the former bridge over the main railway line which is still running and is well used by walkers, cyclists, dog walkers and horse riders.
You could stop for a picnic at one of the many tables on the route, take a detour along the tracks across the local farmland.
There is no café on site, but you could pop to the one at nearby Partridge Lakes or try the cafes in nearby Culcheth. Car parking is limited. Not sure about toilets but may need to put something in about that.
Sankey Valley Park
Take a stroll into the past when you walk alongside the first canal built in the industrial age, which is no longer used by boats. Opened in 1759 to transport coal, the Sankey Canal forced rivals to build the Bridgewater Canal. Or watch the fishermen just enjoying the peace and quiet of the place.
There’s plenty of wildlife to see on the one and a half mile route between Callands and Sankey Bridges, including swans and other water birds and there is car parking.
Perhaps best of all, you can visit this park 24 hours a day. There is no café in Sankey Valley Park, but many of our clients enjoy using The Maltings pub, Bewsey, which walkers can access from the park. It’s an eight-minute drive away if you’re in a car and prides itself on being dog friendly.