Walks near Ellesmere Port by train

Walk details: Rail Rambles.

A largely flat canal route, mainly along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath (a green, tree-shaded ribbon despite nearby roads and industry), with tarmac and earth footpaths and a wildlife area and an aqueduct over the River Alt. Some unavoidable kerbs and narrow cycle barriers. Mostly follows the Leeds and Liverpool Canal; passes the Rimrose Valley / Brook Vale wildlife area and Aintree Racecourse. Can be split at Old Roan, where there are a few shops and cafes near the station.

Waterway: three quarters along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Time: 3h–6h30

Lunch: A short diversion at Old Roan reaches a few shops and cafes near the station.

Warnings: A stepped footbridge over a main road at the Litherland end (avoidable by crossing at the big roundabout instead); several narrow cycle barriers and a slightly muddy path under the railway.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A superb, mostly off-road walk along the historic St Helens/Sankey Canal towpath (tarmac or metalled earth) through peaceful countryside and with the canal a string of pools and reedbeds. Largely accessible to wheels and cycles with some width restrictions and sometimes stony or muddy surfaces; one steep tarmac climb and a stepped footbridge at Earlestown. Follows the St Helens/Sankey Canal, passing the Sankey Viaduct (George Stephenson's monument, the first major railway bridge in the world), old locks, and the 'Mucky Mountains' spoil heaps of the former vitriol works, now reclaimed by nature. Stations at both ends with working lifts.

Waterway: three fifths along the Sankey Canal.

Time: 2h30–5h30

Lunch: Shops, pubs and eateries at both ends.

Warnings: Crossing the railway at Earlestown uses a stepped footbridge, making the route foot-only.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Beautiful views over the Wales and Hilbre Island. A flat, easy and very accessible coastal walk, mostly on wide concrete or paved seawall and promenade with extensive beach and sea views. A section between the Old Gunsite and Leasowe Lighthouse is unsealed and stony and blown sand can impede wheels in a couple of places. Easy to return on Merseyrail. Refreshments and toilets at Derby Pool, the Green Hut and in Hoylake.

Coastal: almost all along the coast.

Time: 3h–5h30

1 lunch spot: the Green Hut

Warnings: Watch out for cyclists, as the shared cycle and walking paths are confusing and hard to avoid. Blown sand can impede progress in places.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A route that begins with well-paved, gradually uphill road walking through the suburbs, then becomes a green walk on the tarmac path of an old railway, along a canal and through narrow natural paths in undergrowth and with a steep dip in one place. Part of the route follows the Trans-Pennine Trail along an old railway line; it passes Aintree Racecourse.

Time: 2h30–5h30

Lunch: Shops at the Black Bull on Rice Lane, and shops at the Kirkby end.

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a sixth of the walk. The barriers at the Barlow's Lane crossing are very narrow, and parts of the path have subsidence and a steep dip.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A mixture of paved foot/cycle path and bridleway, mostly on the Kirkby Valley Greenway and through shady wooded areas and with sections running alongside the M57 motorway. A gradual final ascent towards Prescot. Plenty of facilities at start and finish.

Woodland: a third under tree cover.

Time: 3h–6h

Warnings: Follows a busy road for half of the walk. The final section includes a busy roundabout and motorway sliproad to negotiate; crosses the busy East Lancs dual carriageway.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A varied route with nice rural stretches along the Bridgewater Canal and Ship Canal, with occasional views of the Mersey estuary and before the ambience deteriorates in the final third. Mostly level; flights of steps and barriers. No refreshments on the route. Wigg Island offers a view of the new Runcorn bridge with Fiddlers Ferry power station behind.

Waterway: nine tenths beside rivers and canals.

Time: 3h30–7h

Lunch: No refreshments along the route.

Warnings: Flights of steps and some barriers.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A route with urban ends and a pleasant rural middle, following the Sankey Canal through good countryside. Surfaces range from tarmac cycle track to unmade, muddy and grassy paths; access gates and steps make it mostly foot-only and parts are liable to flood after heavy rain. Follows the Sankey (St Helens) Canal, considered England's first industrial canal, with remnants of locks along the way; much of the route is a designated cycle route. Free car park at Newton-le-Willows station.

Time: 2h30–5h30

Warnings: Parts can flood after severe rain; several muddy sections, access gates, steps and kissing gates. A couple of road crossings at each end.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Urban walking at each end with lovely Wirral countryside in the middle, crossing fields and a variety of gates. The paths between the towns tend to be narrow and rough and some can be muddy with nettles and brambles encroaching in summer and autumn. Foot only.

Time: 3h–6h

Warnings: Some road junctions are difficult to cross, especially for slower walkers. Paths between the towns are narrow and rough, can be muddy, and have nettles and brambles encroaching in summer and autumn.

Walk details: Slow Ways.