Wigan To Leigh

Stage 1 of the 'Carbon Trail' walking route - created as part of the Carbon Landscape project - links the town centres of Leigh and Wigan. The walk can easily be split into smaller sections by using the bus connections indicated on the map.

The leisurely, level route follows the towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal through the heart of the planned Wigan Flashes National Nature Reserve. The flashes are lakes formed as a result of mining subsidence and are now a nationally important haven for wildlife, including an astonishing variety of bird species.

Highlights include:
- A lovely tree-lined route connecting Leigh town centre and Pennington Flash
- Pennington Flash, the largest of the flashes, where you can watch the birdlife from specially constructed hides
- The Lightshaw Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
- Spectacular views in both directions over Scotsman's Flash and Pearson's Flash
- Industrial heritage in Wigan Town Centre, including Trencherfield Mill and the site of Wigan Pier.

The majority of the route is step-free and therefore largely suitable for pushchair and wheelchair-users. However, some users may find it challenging to negotiate the bridges that have to be accessed and crossed along the way. Also, some sections are better paved than others.

Toilets are available at Leigh and Wigan bus stations (for a fee), at Pennington Flash visitor centre, and at both train stations in Wigan.

Refreshments opportunities can be found in Leigh and Wigan town centres. Note that there are no pubs or cafes directly on the route all the way from Pennington Flash to Wigan town centre, however, there are some pubs off route (indicated on the map).

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