Manchester Weekend Walkers lead public transport walks into fantastic countryside all year round.
A mixture of quiet country lanes, woodland paths and field paths.
The walk starts from Appley Bridge Railway station and after after a short trip past a quarry and some field paths we descend into the picturesque Fairy Glen with its small waterfalls and steep cliff faces. After a short busy road section we then make our way through narrow rocky paths to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which we walk along for a short time before reaching the old site of Parbold Chapel, which is now marked by a single cross. More field paths and quiet lanes follow, as we start to make our way uphill to the highest point on the walk, Ashurst Beacon. It's then downhill all the way through woods, lanes and muddy paths back to Appley Bridge.
A moderate level of fitness is required for this walk.
Train-based walk
Leader: Mark F
Ascent: 350 metres
Transport to Walk Start: 10:09 train from Manchester Victoria station (final destination Southport).
Meet Point: Near the ticket barriers at Victoria Station. Alternatively, meet the group on the train or at Appley Bridge Station.
Suggested Ticket: Off Peak Day Return to Appley Bridge £7.50.
Walk Start: Appley Bridge Train Station at 11:05.
Waypoints: East Quarry, Fairy Glen, A5209, Parbold Hall, Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Lees Lane, Hillock Lane, Dalton Lees, Ashleigh Farm, Ashurst Beacon, Atherton's Farm, Marton's Farm, River Douglas.
Return Services: To Victoria: x:55 until 19:55, then 22:55. To Oxford Road: x:24/28 until 21:28
Extra: No toilets at walk start or en route. Optional post-walk drinks at the Boathouse in Appley Bridge, or it's two stops back to Wigan for more pub variety.
