The best walks and hikes around Halton

If you ride along to Ditton Brook and head over the bridge there are a good amount of stairs to reach the top. But we'll worth the views.

"Located in Widnes, nestled next to the River Mersey, Pickering’s Pasture is a local nature reserve with acres of wildflower meadows and stunning views of the river Mersey. Many different butterflies and birds can be found in the meadows. Until the 1950s the area now covered by wild flowers and trees was a salt marsh, grazed by cattle and home to wading birds and estuary plants. For the next 30 years however, the site was used as an industrial and household waste tip and a mountain of refuse built up on the salt marsh. The land was reclaimed in the 80’s by Halton Borough Council. Where they undertook to restore the land and in the process, created a wildflower meadow as can be seen today, the site was opened to the public in 1986 and declared as a local nature reserve in 1991. Today the site is part of the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) which is a  popular walking, wheeling and cycling destination for Halton residents, people from afar and many dogs of course.  It’s a great place to rediscover your love of nature whether you’re having a quiet stroll with family and friends or a leisurely Sunday cycle ride. The reserve has also won the prestigious Green Flag Award thanks to the successful conservation and educational work that goes on in the reserve.  This recognition highlights the site’s commitment to maintaining high environmental standards and providing a welcoming space for all visitors." It is also a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). Source; https://www.transpenninetrail.org.uk/pickerings-pasture-a-nature-reserve-with-a-rich-history-and-stunning-wildlife/

A striking way to leave Pickering's Pasture and continue upwards via the 'zig zag' path for great views of the estuary and surrounding areas.

Well worth the trip even if only for the view

Crossing a river flowing into the Mersey - a real adventure.

Victoria park was opened in 1900 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It is built on the former Appleton House estate and was created by the local council with funds collected via a public subscription. The park contains a Grade II listed war memorial pillar incorporating detailed carvings and standing more than 16m high, the memorial is a striking and prominent architectural building. The pillar was designed by Harold E Davies and unveiled by the 17th Earl of Derby in a ceremony on 28 September 1921 after a civic parade from Widnes Town Hall. The memorial cost £6,000 and was paid for by public subscription. The sculptural additions were undertaken by the national artist Herbert Tyson Smith. There is a memorial fountain in honour of William Ewart Gladstone. A milestone marker, with plaque, commemorates the last effective Zeppelin air raid of World War I in England. Five Zeppelins dropped bombs in Widnes, Ince and Wigan. There is a statue of Sgt. Thomas Mottershead V.C., DCM (1892–1917) who was born in Widnes and was awarded a Victoria Cross and Distinguished Conduct Medal in World War I. There is also a combined memorial headstone for Mottershead and two other recipients of the V.C. from Halton namely Thomas Wilkinson and Thomas Alfred Jones. Thomas Mottershead was born in Widnes, Lancashire on 17 January 1892. He was the son of Thomas and Lucy Mottershead. He studied engineering at Widnes Technical School and was apprenticed as a fitter and turner after leaving school. In February 1914, he married Lilian Medlicott Bree and the couple had a son, Sydney, the following year. Mottershead was living at 31 Lilac Avenue in Widnes and working as a garage mechanic when World War I broke out. He enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps on 10 August 1914 as a mechanic, and was posted to the Central Flying school at Upavon and was promoted to Sergeant on 1 April 1916. In May 1916 he began pilot training and on 9 June he obtained his Flying Certificate. He was posted to No.25 Squadron at St Omer, flying the FE 2, on 6 July 1916 and saw action in the Battle of the Somme. Wikipedia

The Ferry Tavern (formerly The Ferry Inn) is one of Warrington’s oldest pubs. It has arguably the best setting in the town nestling on its own island between the River Mersey and the Sankey to St Helen’s canal. It is in a unique position situated on the Trans Pennine Trail attracting hikers, ramblers, cyclists, and horse riders as they make their way along the trail. A charming olde worlde inn, The Ferry is light and airy in the summer where customers can take advantage of the views over the river from our large beer garden and welcoming in the winter with a roaring stove fire. Andy and Jade have been licensees here since May 2005 after taking over the business from Jade’s parents Pat and Terry who took over the pub in 1992 after it had been derelict for 2 years following fire damage.

Nice place to rest