Walks you can reach from Headbolt Lane by train
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Seaforth & Litherland Station to Kirkby Station (Lancashire)
2m direct from Headbolt Lane.
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.
Easy: 12km, gentle ascents.
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.
Lunch: A short diversion at Old Roan reaches a few shops and cafes near the station.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Kirkby Station to Prescot Station (Lancashire)
2m direct from Headbolt Lane.
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.
Tough: steep ascents. 11km.
The final section includes a busy roundabout and motorway sliproad to negotiate; crosses the busy East Lancs dual carriageway.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Bootle New Strand Station to Kirkby Station (Lancashire)
2m direct from Headbolt Lane.
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.
Easy: 10km, gentle ascents.
The barriers at the Barlow's Lane crossing are very narrow, and parts of the path have subsidence and a steep dip.
Lunch: Shops at the Black Bull on Rice Lane, and shops at the Kirkby end.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Wigan Wallgate Station to Ince Station (Lancashire)
30m direct from Headbolt Lane.
A slightly longer alternative that is almost entirely off-road and maximising use of the canal towpath and taking in the historic Wigan Pier area. Uses the canal towpath and forms part of the Community Rail Trail between Wigan and Bolton, taking in the historic Wigan Pier.
Easy: 2km, moderate ascents.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Hindley Station to Westhoughton Station (Lancashire)
30m direct from Headbolt Lane.
pleasant open countryside with far-reaching views. A pleasant route making full use of the path through delightful Borsdane Wood, emerging from an industrial estate into open countryside with far-reaching views, on waymarked and well-defined tracks. Very muddy in places; a steep set of steps down into the wood. Goes through Borsdane Wood and forms part of the Community Rail Trail between Wigan and Bolton.
Tough: steep ascents. 5km.
A steep set of steps leads down into Borsdane Wood.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Hindley Station to Atherton Station (Lancashire)
30m direct from Headbolt Lane.
A fairly direct route along a quiet road with fields on one side, then footpaths through woods and across fields, with a cut through Central Park towards the finish. Some sections off-road can be overgrown and one footpath surfaced with broken roof tiles. Finishes at St John's Church, Atherton.
7km.
A blind bend when crossing Coupland Road from the south; one short footpath was so overgrown it was easier to stay on the road.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Ince Station to Hindley Station (Lancashire)
30m direct from Headbolt Lane.
Uses former railway lines through now-wooded areas with reed-filled ponds, plus narrower and muddy paths through Amberswood Common and an unclear footpath around playing fields. Good paths on the railway sections; heavy metal kissing gates restrict wheel users. Uses former railway lines from the Wigan coalfields; good for birdsong and wildlife, with deer seen.
4km.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Westhoughton Station to Atherton Station (Lancashire)
45m direct from Headbolt Lane.
Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Walkden Station to Swinton (Manchester) Station (Lancashire)
45m direct from Headbolt Lane.
A pleasant, largely urban route that makes the most of green spaces, starting on a smooth wide woodland cycle track (the Roe Green Loopline), then a footpath parallel to the motorway, more woodland and fields and before crossing a pedestrian bridge over the A580 and finishing through residential streets and Moorside Park. Steps and a cycle barrier on the loopline section. Uses the Roe Green Loopline cycle track. Crosses two major roads (M60 and A580) but has a surprising amount of green space.
5km.
Steps at both ends of the cycle-track section and a cycle barrier; the A580 footbridge has shallow sloping steps.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Walkden Station to Kearsley Station (Lancashire)
45m direct from Headbolt Lane.
Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Walkden Station to Farnworth Station (Lancashire)
45m direct from Headbolt Lane.
Easy: 4km, moderate ascents.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Kearsley Station to Swinton (Manchester) Station (Lancashire)
1h direct from Headbolt Lane.
a magnificent view from meccano bridge at Nob End. A great walk that winds downhill from Swinton into a lush country park created from former mining land, contrasting natural beauty with industrial monoliths and past a lake and marina. There is one short steep climb to a fine viewpoint near the end. Starts near the birthplace of L S Lowry. The route can be extended to Ringley to see the bridge and the River Irwell, and to Nob End for the viewpoint.
Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.
A field on the route often contains horses; an alternative around it is suggested. Part of the published route uses a private road.
Lunch: A cafe at Clifton Country Park, mid-route.
End-of-walk reward: the Horseshoe.