Walks you can reach from Padgate by train
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Frodsham Station to Warrington Central Station (Cheshire)
3m direct from Padgate.
An alternative that stays on the Bridgewater Canal all the way to Stockton Heath before entering Warrington and making a very nice canal walk between the urban areas.
18km.
Lunch: A pub at Moore on the canal.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Runcorn Station to Warrington Central Station (Cheshire)
3m direct from Padgate.
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.
13km. Moderate ascents.
Flights of steps and some barriers.
Lunch: No refreshments along the route.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Newton-le-Willows Station to Warrington Central Station (Lancashire)
3m direct from Padgate.
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.
Easy: 10km, gentle ascents.
Parts can flood after severe rain; several muddy sections, access gates, steps and kissing gates. A couple of road crossings at each end.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Irlam Station to Urmston Station (Lancashire)
15m direct from Padgate.
A foot-only route mixing pavement, a wooded earthen path through Linear Park alongside the railway, farm tracks and field paths. Some muddy areas, dips and climbs and plus steps and a footbridge over the locks and Manchester Ship Canal. Amended to divert away from now-blocked access to the Manchester Ship Canal; passes the art installations in Station Park.
Easy: 7km, gentle ascents.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Urmston Station to Eccles Station (Lancashire)
15m direct from Padgate.
A mostly road-based walk rather than off-road and good for a summer day.
Easy: 5km, gentle ascents.
Lunch: Shops along the way for refreshments.