Martin Mere Wetland Centre – Burscough Wharf loop from Burscough Bridge

Bike touring routes & trails

Martin Mere Wetland Centre – Burscough Wharf loop from Burscough Bridge

Easy

4.0

(1)

riders

Martin Mere Wetland Centre – Burscough Wharf loop from Burscough Bridge

00:52

15.1km

30m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 21, 2026

Tips

Includes a movable bridge

Check opening times.

After 12.0 km for 18 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

2.60 km

Curlew Lane

Highlight • Trail

Beautiful surroundings with good tarmac. Nice to sprint on

Tip by

4.61 km

Mere Lane

Highlight • Trail

Not far from Martin Mere wetlands this path take you near Sandy Lane very quiet and pieceful.

Tip by

10.0 km

Martin Mere was formed at the end of the last ice age, when water filled a depression in the glacial drift. Since then its size has varied as water levels have risen and fallen. The original giant lake can be seen on Christopher Saxton's map from 1579 and stretched from Rufford in the east, to Churchtown (then known as North Meols) in the west. To the north of the lake were the villages of Mere Brow and Holmeswood, the site of Holmeswood Hall, built by the Heskeths as a hunting lodge. South of the lake was the Scarisbrick Hall estate, Martin Hall and Tarlefarwood, now known as Tarlscough

Tip by

14.6 km

The Old Packet House, Burscough

Highlight • Pub

"The Old Packet House in Burscough, also known as the Waterfront, is a historic canalside pub built in the 18th century, originally named the Bridge Hotel, and served as a staging post for packet boats traveling between Liverpool and Wigan.
The Packet House Hotel (now The Old Packet House) was built in the 18th century, around the same time as the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Originally named the Bridge Hotel, it served as a staging post for the packet boats that traveled daily between Liverpool and Wigan, carrying passengers and small parcels."

Source: AI Summary; Various sources.

Tip by

14.7 km

Burscough Bridge Over Leeds–Liverpool Canal

Highlight • Bridge

Burscough has two bridges. One over the railway line adjacent to the station. The other bridge is this one over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Burscough is a vibrant and colourful town and is well catered for in terms of pubs, bars, cafe's and restaurants.

Tip by

14.7 km

Burscough Wharf

Highlight • Settlement

"Burscough wharf was at the center of trade on the canal, with the Wharf Buildings purpose-built for the horses that pulled barges along the canal. The canal was crucial to Burscough's economy, with much of its employment dependent on the canal and industries along its banks. Burscough Wharf is now a retail and leisure development that has become a focal point for the local community."

Source: AI Summary; Various sources

Tip by

14.9 km

Jack Parker Cycles

Highlight • Cycleway

Jack Parkers has now moved, Barry is situated over the road on the corner of the old Carpet shop.. Barry and the team have now added a huge sit down cycling cafe with the bike shop upstairs. They are selling coffee, cake and sandwiches. They also have a indoor bike rack for your bikes to prevent your bikes being stolen outside.

The opening hours have also changed.
Closed on Monday but now open Tuesday - Sunday.

Tip by

15.0 km

St John the Baptist Church, Burscough

Highlight • Religious Site

"The church was built between 1829 and 1832 to a design by Daniel Stewart. A grant of £3,040 (equivalent to £340,000 in 2023)was given towards its construction by the Church Building Commission.

The total cost of its construction of the church was £3,440. Galleries were inserted on three sides in 1857. In 1887–89 the chancel was added by William Waddington and Sons, and in about 1932 the south vestry was built." Source: Wikipedia.

Tip by

15.1 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types