Walking along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Route facts
Waterways:
Leeds & Liverpool Canal »
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Circular route
Pretty cottages and quaint waterside pubs are just some of the sites you can see along this walking route.
This is a circular walk which combines the main line of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal with the Rufford Branch and some quiet country lanes of West Lancashire. There is some interesting architecture along the way and some wonderful wildlife to discover.
Waypoints
1. Ring O'Bells Pub to Prescott bridge
Start the route at the Ring O'Bells pub in Lathom and head from the canal towards Hoscar station, turning left into Meadows Lane. The countryside here is flat, fertile farmland and the lane passes several farms and farm buildings. You will then arrive at Prescott bridge.
2. Prescott bridge to The Ship Inn
At Prescott Bridge, turn left onto the Rufford Branch where the towpath will be grassy. There are a number of locks and bridges on the branch to add interest to the walk and give you a little challenge as the ground rises at each structure. You will reach the main line of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at the Top Lock. There are a number of terraced lock cottages around as the whole area was originally a canal settlement. It is here that you will notice The Shipp Inn, an ideal place to stop for a break.
3. The Ship Inn to The Ring O'Bells Pub
Complete the walk by heading back to the main canal and turning left is likely to bring you to a number of moored boats. The towpath will cross the Glovers Swing bridge and continues back to the Ring O'Bells bridge and the pub where you began your walk.
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