Carbon Trail Warrington-Irlam

by Andrew Read
2 years ago
Near Warrington, GB

71 views

This stage of the 'Carbon Trail' walking route - created as part of the Heritage Fund-supported Carbonlands project - links Warrington town centre and Irlam in Salford. The attractive, largely traffic-free walk can easily be broken into shorter routes, using trains or buses from Birchwood or buses to or from Woolston and Hollins Green.

Highlights include:
- Riverside paths along the Mersey
- The 'New Cut' Heritage & Ecology Trail
- Pretty Woolston Park, including the newer 'Linear Park' with its cycleway
- Streamside paths alongside Birchwood Brook, leading to Birchwood Forest Park
- Wide views from Pestfurlong Hill, topped by innovative willow sculptures
- Hollins Green village, with its pubs and duck pond
- The friendly Irlam Station cafe and bar.

Almost all of the first half of the route, from Warrington to Birchwood, is step-free and therefore suitable for pushchair and wheelchair-users. A lift is available at Birchwood station, to which access can be obtained from the southern side by pressing a button that alerts station staff. There may be muddy sections and rougher ground on the field paths between Birchwood and Irlam.

Toilets are available at the train and bus stations in Warrington and Birchwood, and in Warrington town centre, Birchwood shopping mall and Irlam station cafe, and in Birchwood Forest Park (subject to staff availability).

Refreshments opportunities can be found in Warrington and Irlam town centres, Birchwood shopping mall, and also at the two pubs in Hollins Green village and at the Irlam Station cafe and bar.