Easy hikes and walks around Thornton-Le-Moors

Strap in - this is steep!

"The NWM site occupies the former Netherpool port that was designed by Thomas Telford, under the direction of William Jessop, for the ill-fated Ellesmere Canal. The proposed waterway in England and Wales was planned to carry commercial traffic between the rivers Mersey and Severn. The NWM's historic buildings are all that remain of the inland port that transferred goods and cargo from narrowboats onto rivercraft that would then sail to the docks at Liverpool. The northern section of the Ellesmere Canal, which was built as a 10 mile contour canal, connected Netherpool port to Chester Canal in 1797." Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Waterways_Museum

You can find information about events, facilities and opening times here; https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/museums-and-attractions/national-waterways-museum-ellesmere-port

"Also known as Whitby Lighthouse, Ellesmere Port Lighthouse was built at Whitby Docks in 1880. William Jessop built a canal from the River Mersey at Netherpool to Ellesmere and Chester which opened in 1795. Originally the Ellesmere Canal, the plan was to carry boats between the River Mersey and River Severn, creating a link with the Port of Liverpool. However the Ellesmere Canal was never fully completed, but parts of it formed the Shropshire Union Canal. In 1796 Thomas Telford was responsible for the construction of Whitby Docks at the junction with the River Mersey.  This formed the terminus of the canal from Ellesmere in Shropshire.  From here, goods were transferred from trains and canal boats onto seagoing vessels.  The docks at Whitby contained docks, warehouses, a blacksmiths forge, stables and workers’ houses.  It remained in operation until the 1950s. Ellesmere Port grew up around Dock Street, which now forms part of the National Waterways Museum.  The village of Whitby merged with other local villages to form what is now Ellesmere Port. Ellesmere Port Lighthouse was built at the entrance to Whitby Docks and was completed in 1880." Source: https://lighthouseaccommodation.co.uk/listings/ellesmere-port-lighthouse/

Probably the highest spot on the walk, open and breezy with a panoramic view of the Mersey estuary. You deserve a breather here!

great cafe at Boat Museum but also Port and Anchor

Also known as Whitby Lighthouse, Ellesmere Port Lighthouse was built at Whitby Docks in 1880. William Jessop built a canal from the River Mersey at Netherpool to Ellesmere and Chester which opened in 1795. Originally the Ellesmere Canal, the plan was to carry boats between the River Mersey and River Severn, creating a link with the Port of Liverpool. However the Ellesmere Canal was never fully completed, but parts of it formed the Shropshire Union Canal. In 1796 Thomas Telford was responsible for the construction of Whitby Docks at the junction with the River Mersey. This formed the terminus of the canal from Ellesmere in Shropshire. From here, goods were transferred from trains and canal boats onto seagoing vessels. The docks at Whitby contained docks, warehouses, a blacksmiths forge, stables and workers’ houses. It remained in operation until the 1950s.

The road is closed to vehicles but is open to cyclists & pedestrians