Following the success of our October walk from Sale to East Didsbury, Dr Andrew Read (creator of the Greater Manchester Ringway long distance trail) is leading a second walk for CPRE Lancashire - this time, a circular walk in Wigan.

This leisurely circular walk from Wigan town centre includes heritage sites, a dramatic flight of locks on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, and a gentle descent through woodland into the valley of the River Douglas. Approximately half of the walk explores the greenbelt of Wigan borough, which has the highest proportion of green space of any metropolitan borough in the country! Footpaths are well-made and maintained all the way.

Setting off from Wigan North Western station, we proceed to Trencherfield Mill and collect any walkers starting from there. After joining the canal near the famous Wigan Pier, we head east along it, soon ascending gradually past the unique flight of 21 locks. These raise the canal by 200 feet (60 metres) in a distance of only two miles. At Top Lock, we break for about 45 - 60 minutes at the adjoining Kirkless Hall Inn. (For those bringing packed lunches, there should be good lunch spots under the trees by the canal.)

We then veer left with the canal on a very pretty stretch through open countryside with wide views. On reaching the bridge within Haigh Woodland Park, we leave the canal for a lovely descent along the part of the new GM Ringway long-distance trail. This takes us through the wooded Haigh Lower Plantations on very well-made paths. The final part of this section keeps us by the waterside all the way to Wigan town centre for the short stroll along Standishgate and Wallgate back to the start. Expected finish time 3 pm or so.

Walk details:

Length: 6.1 miles / 9.9 km

Difficulty: Leisurely - mainly very good paths; some ascents and descents but gradual with no steep sections; accessibility for pushchairs and/or wheelchairs will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Access: As it's a circular walk, those arriving by car can use the car park at Trencherfield Mill (postcode WN3 4AN); otherwise, there is an excellent train service to the two Wigan stations from Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton, Warrington, Preston and Lancaster.

- For toilets and refreshments, there are pubs about half-way along but no public toilets except in Wigan town centre (at the start and for the last 300 metres or so).

The walk is open to all and there is no charge, but booking is essential.

Photographs will be taken during the day which may be used in future publicity, publications or on websites. If you’d prefer for your photo not to be used please let one of our walk leaders know on the day and try and make sure you are not included in photos being taken.