Best walks to or from Ellesmere Port

Ellesmere Port Station to Helsby Station

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.

16km. Gentle ascents.

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

Plenty of good pubs in Frodsham.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Ellesmere Port Station to Frodsham Station

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.

18km. Gentle ascents.

Marsh terrain and livestock make it foot-only.

Frodsham is full of good pubs and historic buildings; shops at both town ends.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Bebington Station to Ellesmere Port Station

A straightforward but largely suburban route through residential areas and on many roads, broken up by lovely wooded areas: an old railway walk, the wooded Dibbinsdale valley along the River Dibbin, the picturesque village of Port Sunlight. There are some muddy field paths approaching the golf course and making it foot-only. Passes through Dibbinsdale, now a wetland wildlife area with reedbeds, via Otter's Tunnel. Ten stations along the way with frequent services. Refreshments and shops near Bromborough station.

16km.

Hooton Road (B5133) is busy with fast cars and has poor visibility to cross to a narrow, overgrown pavement. Muddy field paths near the golf course.

Lunch: Garden centre on the A41 has refreshments and toilets; cafes and shops near Bromborough station.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Neston Station to Ellesmere Port Station

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.

13km. Gentle ascents.

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

Cafe and toilets at the restored Hadlow Road Station on the Wirral Way; shopping areas at both station ends.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Shotton Station to Ellesmere Port Station

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.

17km. Gentle ascents.

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.

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

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route