Walks from Ellesmere Port

A foot-only route, first along a well-paved towpath on the Shropshire Union Canal as far as Stoak, then a lengthy section of country walking across the marshes with sheep and cows, before an unpaved stretch and a track out across Frodsham Marsh. A good open rural route and only somewhat marred by heavy industry at the edge. Begins on the Shropshire Union Canal towpath; crosses Frodsham Marsh.

Time: 4h30–8h30

End-of-walk reward: Plenty of good pubs in Frodsham.

Warnings: A stretch alongside a busy road from Thornton-le-Moors. A foot-only route due to the marsh terrain.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A foot-only rural route: a well-paved towpath along the Shropshire Union Canal as far as Stoak, then a lengthy section of open country walking across marshes grazed by sheep and cattle, paved roads through Thornton-le-Moors, a track out across Frodsham Marsh into Frodsham. A good open rural route and only somewhat marred by heavy industry at the edge.

Time: 5h–9h30

End-of-walk reward: Frodsham is full of good pubs and historic buildings; shops at both town ends.

Warnings: Marsh terrain and livestock make it foot-only.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A route of two halves: suburban pavements and housing estates out of Ellesmere Port, then the lovely off-road Wirral Way (a former railway multi-user track) and including a wooded section cut through red sandstone bedrock. Some of the Wirral Way can be wet and muddy underfoot. Slopes of up to 16 degrees on the brook crossing.

Time: 3h30–7h

End-of-walk reward: Cafe and toilets at the restored Hadlow Road Station on the Wirral Way; shopping areas at both station ends.

Warnings: Badgers Rake Lane has no pavement and a tricky dog's-leg bend. The busy A550 crossing has traffic lights.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A foot-only route across fields with wet, cloying soil, plus stiles and kissing gates, two lengthy unpaved road walks. Where paved and surfaces are good with crossings and ramps.

Time: 4h30–9h

Lunch: A few shops and pubs along the way, with shops at each end.

Warnings: The only access to Shotton's lower station is via stairs; there are stiles, kissing gates, two long unpaved road walks and crossings of two busy A-roads. Fields are often wet and muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.