This walk is just under 8 miles and is a flat walk mostly on decent tracks/paths with no stiles. On leaving the car park, we follow the Sankey Canal to walk round Spike Island to join Route 62 which follows Victoria Promenade. We then cross the Silver Jubilee Bridge over the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal to join the Bridgewater Canal. On leaving the canal, we cross over the Old Quay Bridge over the Ship Canal to enter Wigg Island and its Community Park. Our return journey follows the Runcorn & Latchford Canal to cross the Old Quay Bridge again, then follows quiet lanes next to the River Mersey to go back over the Silver Jubilee Bridge back to the start.

 Please meet at 10.00am for a 10.15am start.

For those who wish to have a preview of our walk, then go to https://www.plotaroute.com/route/971528 but please do not alter the route.

Drinks are available at the Mersey Hotel pub which is about 0.5 mile from the end of the walk for those who wish to have a drink.

Directions to the start (Spike Island/Catalyst Museum car park, Mersey Road, Widnes WA8 0DF)

The distance from Marple is about 40 miles and should take about 55 minutes to drive.

• Take the M62 towards Liverpool
• At junction 7, Rainhill Stoops Interchange, take the 2^nd exit A557/A57/A570 to Widnes/Prescot/St. Helens (Watkinson Way)
• Continue to follow A557
• After 3.6 miles, use 2^nd lane from the left lane to continue on Queensway/A557
• At Widnes Loops Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Waterloo Road
• From here, just follow the signs for Catalyst Chemical Museum
• Slight left onto Upper Mersey Road
• Continue onto Mersey Road
• Destination will be on the left

Please note that the best route from Stockport is the M60/M62 then follow directions above. This shortest route from Stockport involves the Runcorn Toll Bridge (£2.40)

8 miles, moderate