BORSDANE WOOD FROM ASPULL CIVIC HALL. Jubilee Legacy Walks

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1 HEALTH & WELLBEING (DIAMOND ROUTE) BORSDANE WOOD FROM ASPULL CIVIC HALL Approximate distance:.8 miles / 7.7 km Allow. to hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

2 HEALTH & WELLBEING (DIAMOND ROUTE) BORSDANE WOOD FROM ASPULL CIVIC HALL Approximate distance:.8 miles / 7.7 km Allow. to hours WALK DESCRIPTION This circuit takes in woodland and open grasslands (arable agricultural fields), a brief encounter with local industry and reclaimed land. The east to west routes have open views back towards Wigan and across the Douglas Valley, whilst north to south routes include most of the walk s woodland. ACCESSIBILITY Paths are generally soft underfoot, some can be muddy after rain. Limited access for wheelchairs, prams & cycles. TOILETS There are no public toilets. START POINTS Northern end of Borsdane Wood Car park available at Aspull Civic Hall, Woods Road, Aspull WN PJ Off road parking at Tunnel entrance of Borsdane Woods, Danes Avenue, Hindley WN BT BUS STOPS Wigan Road at Aspull Civic Hall, Close to Mill Lane, Hindley (for Borsdane Wood) POINTS OF INTEREST Once past the rugby club the path heads east west between large agricultural fields with expansive views across the Douglas Valley over Wigan. Look out for Gidlow Hall, a th century moated house which is screened by trees. Dating from 7 it was owned by the Gidlow family. Enjoy the ancient semi natural woodland of Borsdane Wood over Borsdane Brook bridge, Borsdane Brook is an upper tributary of the River Glaze. Enjoy the manicured greens of Hindley Hall Golf Course, taking care to avoid any stray golf balls of course! OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

3 HEALTH & WELLBEING (GOLD ROUTE) STANDISH PARK FROM ASHFIELD PARK Approximate distance:. miles / 7. km Allow. to hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

4 HEALTH & WELLBEING (GOLD ROUTE) STANDISH PARK FROM ASHFIELD PARK Approximate distance:. miles / 7. km Allow. to hours WALK DESCRIPTION The walk starts and ends at Ashfield Park and is mainly on rural tracks, some of which are well defined, and all are designated rights of way. Look out for glorious views across rural fields towards Wigan and beyond. ACCESSIBILITY Paths vary between hard surfaced tarmac and some softer surfaces, which can be muddy after rain. There are a number of stiles along the route Limited access for wheelchairs, prams & cycles. TOILETS There are public toilets located at Ashfield Park. START POINT Car park available at Ashfield Park, Wigan Road Standish WN 0EQ BUS STOPS There is a bus stop outside the entrance lane to Ashfield Park on the A9, as well as numerous bus stops in Standish centre. POINTS OF INTEREST Crossing the A9 from Ashfield Park, pass through the housing estate and connect onto the public bridleway the viewpoint gives stunning views across rural fields over to Wigan and beyond Look out for information signs for Hermitage and Standish Hall, describing these historic sites. The waymarked path runs between two fencelines and passes along the edge of arable farmland, and tends to be boggy in wet weather. Take a detour to The Boar s Head pub, a well known local watering hole and directional aid. Take a detour into Standish to see St. Wilfrid s Church, the only Grade listed building in the Borough. Close to the church is the newly restored well, with information about this historic corner of the village. Standish also has pubs and cafes. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

5 HEALTH & WELLBEING (SILVER ROUTE) HAIGH FROM HAIGH COUNTRY PARK Approximate distance:. miles / 7. km Allow. to hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 7 Please Note Phytophthora ramorum, a tree disease, has been recorded in some of the rhododendrons on site. It is important that visitors take precautions not to transfer this disease to other woodlands. Please do not remove any logs or branches from site or enter areas where removal work is being undertaken. Please read the information signs on site for further instructions. 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

6 HEALTH & WELLBEING (SILVER ROUTE) HAIGH FROM HAIGH COUNTRY PARK Approximate distance:. miles / 7. km Allow. to hours WALK DESCRIPTION Haigh Hall Country Park is full of historic features and woodland habitats. This walk follows a circuit around and through the Park, with options to take a detour and discover other features. ACCESSIBILITY Most of the route is on hard surfaces, but one or two short sections are rutted (such as Sennicar Lane) or narrow. Alternative routes to avoid these sections are indicated. Limited access for wheelchairs, prams & cycles. TOILETS There are public toilets located at the Stables Block, along with an Information Centre. START POINT Car park available at Haigh Country Park, Copperas Lane, Haigh WN PE (small charge) BUS STOPS Bus services run through Haigh village to the north and stop at the Plantation Gates to the south. POINTS OF INTEREST Haigh village is small but with a couple of pubs and a food shop. In the fields just south of the village the old windpump (a windmill specifically mills oats, wheat, etc) pumped water from the adjacent reservoir to the brewery which was situated close to the Balcarres Arms pub and St Davids Church (which has a graveyard with some really interesting gravestones and well worth a visit). 7 The route crosses the road close to a hump backed bridge so be wary of traffic as it comes over the crest. The canal is the Leeds Liverpool canal and connects to Wigan via Top Locks, just south of the estate. Following the route towards the plantations, the southern part of the plantations contain ancient woodland named Bottling Wood and other historic industrial remains hidden in the vegetation. The Plantation Gates form the southern entry point to the estate. The two small lodge buildings were once inhabited. Steep steps lead out of the woods or keep to the main path and rejoin the road at the lodge. Lady Mabel s Wood is a new plantation. An alternative route for disabled users avoids the rough surfaces and steep inclines by rejoining the Main Drive back to the Hall and Stables. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

7 HERITAGE (DIAMOND ROUTE) ASTLEY STREET PARK, GIN PIT VILLAGE AND DAM HOUSE Approximate distance:. miles / 7. km Allow to. hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 7 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

8 HERITAGE (DIAMOND ROUTE) ASTLEY STREET PARK, GIN PIT VILLAGE AND DAM HOUSE Approximate distance:. miles / 7. km Allow to. hours WALK DESCRIPTION This circular route south of Tyldesley takes you to several places of varying historical interest. Gin Pit village is a community that grew around the mining industry. Colliers Wood, to the south of the village, is woodland planted to improve reclamation after the mining closed down. Elsewhere, Dam House is a fine manor house surrounded by attractive, accessible landscaped grounds. ACCESSIBILITY Paths vary between hard surfaced tarmac and some softer surfaces, which can be muddy after rain. The route is not accessible for wheelchairs, prams & cycles. TOILETS There is a cafe available at Dam House, with toilet facilities START POINTS Car park available at Astley Street Park, Tyldesley M9 8HG Car park available at Dam House, Astley Hall Drive, Astley M9 7TX BUS STOPS Bus services run along Astley Street or the A7 from Bedford to Astley. The guided bus route from Leigh to Salford also has a stop close to Astley Street. POINTS OF INTEREST The guided bus route from Leigh to Salford will have a stop close to Astley Street. Gin Pit village takes its name from the Gin pit situated to the north. Nook Colliery had a railway line transporting coal down to the Bridgewater Canal through what is now Colliers Wood. The village is 7 home to an active community with its own website Colliers Wood is planted on former industrial land with 0 hectares of woodland and meadow, 0000 trees and km of footpaths. It is managed by Forestry Commission and local community groups. South of Colliers Wood, the route can connect to the Bridgewater Canal and Bedford Moss. Dam House is a Grade II listed manor house, dating back to 9. It became an isolation hospital and a general hospital before it closed in 99. The house has been restored and it now sits in 7 acres of woodland designated a site of biological importance. Visit Look out for an old moated house, New Hall, however it is now a private residence so please respect the owner s privacy. Astley Street Park was opened to the public in 90 and extended in 9 by the acquisition of Moss Meadow cricket field. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

9 HERITAGE (GOLD ROUTE) BRIDGEWATER CANAL AND BEDFORD MOSS Approximate distance: miles /.8 km Allow. to hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

10 HERITAGE (GOLD ROUTE) BRIDGEWATER CANAL AND BEDFORD MOSS Approximate distance: miles /.8 km Allow. to hours WALK DESCRIPTION This pleasant walk takes in the agricultural landscape, with views to where the mosslands begin. ACCESSIBILITY With the exception of the towpath and road, the route is along paths and tracks. There is limited access for wheelchairs, prams & cycles along the towpath only. TOILETS There are no public toilets. START POINT The walk can start at car parks close to the canal at Marsland Green or Astley Green. If accessing the walk at Astley Green car park, cross the canal along the road to access the towpath. Off road parking at Marsland Green layby off A7 junction with Marsland Green Lane, Astley M9 7LH Off road parking at Colliery Green, off Higher Green Lane, Astley M9 7JB BUS STOPS Outside Astley Green Pit Opposite the Golf Centre at Marsland Green. POINTS OF INTEREST The Bridgewater Canal, or Dukes Cut as it was known, was opened in 7 to transport coal from the Duke of Bridgewater s mines at Worsley to Manchester. It is claimed to be the first canal in Britain because it was the first waterway to be built that didn t follow an existing river or stream. Visit Bedford Moss contains a 9 hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest. The moss forms part of an E.U. Special Area of Conservation (Manchester Mosses.) Bedford Moss is separated from Chat Moss by the railway. The fields here contain Astley Raceway, run by Leigh Moto Cross. Astley Green Colliery Museum has a 00hp winding engine and contains the last surviving headgear and engine house in Lancashire. Set in fifteen acres of land bordering the Moss, the museum contains many steam locomotives. Visit for more information. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

11 HERITAGE (SILVER ROUTE) LILFORD LANES FROM LILFORD PARK Approximate distance: miles/.8km Allow. to hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

12 HERITAGE (SILVER ROUTE) LILFORD LANES FROM LILFORD PARK Approximate distance: miles/.8km Allow. to hours WALK DESCRIPTION The lanes around Lilford Park, which link Atherton, Howe Bridge, Tyldesley and Leigh, can be found on maps dating back to the 80s, but existed long before those maps were ever produced. Lilford Park was formerly part of the Atherton Hall estate the original Atherton Hall was demolished in 8 and Lilford Park was given to the town of Leigh in 9. ACCESSIBILITY Most sections of the route are generally good. There is very limited access for wheelchairs, prams & cycles. TOILETS There is a public toilet in Lilford Park. START POINT The route begins and ends in Lilford Park. Car park available at Lilford Park, Elmridge Road, Leigh WN7 HN BUS STOPS Bus services run along The Avenue, Leigh. POINTS OF INTEREST Look out for a stone lion in the undergrowth - one of two lions that originally formed part of Lions Bridge which spanned a serpentine lake in the grounds of Atherton Hall. The lake dried up and the bridge collapsed in 90. There has been a house at the site of Atherton Hall since Elizabethan times. The last house, owned by Lord Lilford, was sold and demolished in 8. The current property is a remnant of the estate which included Lilford Park. The Flood Basin is used by the Environment Agency to hold water and, in conjunction with Bedford pumping station, prevent flooding downstream. The route along this path takes you to the next series of walks around Gin Pit village and towards Bedford Moss. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

13 COMMUNITY (DIAMOND ROUTE) AMBERSWOOD, BICKERSHAW & ABRAM Approximate distance: 7 miles /. km Allow to hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

14 COMMUNITY (DIAMOND ROUTE) AMBERSWOOD, BICKERSHAW & ABRAM Approximate distance: 7 miles /. km Allow to hours WALK DESCRIPTION Amberswood is a former open cast mining site that has now been transformed into one of the borough s best green spaces and one of the key sites within Greenheart. The route begins and ends at Amberswood and passes through sites reclaimed and transformed from old industrial activity and long established public parks. ACCESSIBILITY Routes are mainly along hard surfaced footpaths, but some areas may be softer after rain. Limited access for wheelchairs, prams & cycles. TOILETS There are no public toilets. START POINTS This route begins and ends at Amberswood. Parking available at Greenheart car park, Wigan Road, Hindley, WN BU. BUS STOPS Bus services run from Wigan & Leigh bus stations with stops on Wigan Road. POINTS OF INTEREST Over km of paths link areas of woodland, wildflower meadows, grasslands and wetlands. The Friends of Amberswood community group work with Groundwork and Wigan Council to help manage the site. Low Hall Local Nature Reserve is rich in wildlife and habitats and is a magnet for nesting birds in spring and summer. Visit for more information. 7 8 Leyland Park was named after John Leyland, a Hindley landowner who had interests in banking. After his death he left money for a public library and land for a park. It was opened in 88. Victoria Fields is a former colliery site and was once the location of Victoria Colliery. Following extensive woodland planting the area is now a secluded green space. The Greenheart Jubilee Way runs along the former Whelley Loop Line on the eastern edge of the site. The village of Bickershaw grew from the coal industry; it once had a train station located directly opposite the Queens Hotel on Bickershaw Lane, but this has long since closed. Kingsdown Flash was formed by mining subsidence and is now very popular with Anglers. Abram Park opened in 9. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

15 COMMUNITY (GOLD ROUTE) AMBERSWOOD TO LEYLAND PARK Approximate distance:. miles / 7. km Allow to. hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

16 COMMUNITY (GOLD ROUTE) AMBERSWOOD TO LEYLAND PARK Approximate distance:. miles / 7. km Allow to. hours WALK DESCRIPTION Amberswood is a former open cast mining site that has now been transformed into one of the boroughs best green spaces and one of the key sites within Greenheart. The route takes you around the common and Ince Moss before passing through Low Hall Local Nature Reserve and passing by Leyland Park. ACCESSIBILITY Routes are mainly along hard surfaced footpaths, but some areas may be softer after rain. There is limited access for wheelchairs, prams & cycles. TOILETS There are no public toilets. START POINT This route begins and ends at Amberswood. Parking available at Greenheart car park, Wigan Road, Hindley, WN BU. BUS STOPS Bus services run from Wigan & Leigh bus stations with stops on Wigan Road. POINTS OF INTEREST There are over km of paths linking areas of woodland, wildflower meadows, grasslands and wetlands. The Friends of Amberswood community group work with Groundwork and Wigan Council to help manage the site. Low Hall Local Nature Reserve is a remnant of the Borough s mining past. It is rich in wildlife and habitats and is a magnet for nesting birds in spring and summer. The Friends of Low Hall community group help to manage and improve the site on behalf of WLCT. Visit Leyland Park was named after John Leyland, a Hindley landowner who had interests in banking. After his death he left money for a public library and land for a park. It was opened in 88. The water at Low Hall is fed by Borsdane Brook which has its source north of Haigh. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

17 COMMUNITY (SILVER ROUTE) AMBERSWOOD COMMON Approximate distance: miles /. km Allow hour This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

18 COMMUNITY (SILVER ROUTE) AMBERSWOOD COMMON Approximate distance: miles /. km Allow hour WALK DESCRIPTION Amberswood is a former open cast mining site that has now been transformed into one of the borough s best green spaces and one of the key sites within Greenheart. There are over km of paths linking areas of woodland, wildflower meadows, grasslands and wetlands. The Friends of Amberswood community group work with Groundwork and Wigan Council to help manage the site. ACCESSIBILITY The routes are along hard surfaced footpaths and are accessible to wheelchair users, prams and cycles. TOILETS There are no public toilets. START POINT This route begins and ends at Amberswood. Parking available at Greenheart car park, Wigan Road, Hindley, WN BU. BUS STOPS Bus services run from Wigan & Leigh bus stations with stops on Wigan Road. POINTS OF INTEREST Early 9th century maps show the route of a Roman road between Moss Hall Farm and the main road. An excavation west of Walmesley Park proved inconclusive. The high water table at Amberswood allowed the easy creation of ponds and larger water bodies for flora and habitat. Before the industrial revolution the high water table made the land difficult to drain and allowed the mosslands to flourish. The hills and mounds are colliery spoil that has been regraded since the closure of the mines. Ince Moss forms part of a green wedge extending south to Wigan Flashes. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Supported by

19 ARTS & HERITAGE (DIAMOND ROUTE) ASHTON AND BRYN CIRCULAR Approximate distance: 9 miles /. km Allow. to hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

20 ARTS & HERITAGE (DIAMOND ROUTE) ASHTON AND BRYN CIRCULAR Approximate distance: 9 miles /. km Allow. to hours WALK DESCRIPTION This circular route passes through countryside and town, and includes the historic centre of Ashton and part of the Greenheart Regional Park. ACCESSIBILITY Paths are a mixture of hard surfaces, pavements, desire lines and lanes. The route is not fully accessible to wheelchair users, prams and cycles. TOILETS Toilet facilities are available at Three Sisters Recreation Area. START POINTS The route can begin and end at almost anywhere that s convenient, but Three Sisters Recreation Area and Viridor Wood are good places to start. Parking available at Three Sisters Recreation Area, Three Sisters Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield WN 8DD Parking available at Viridor Wood, Bolton road, Bamfurlong WN LB BUS STOPS Bus services operate from Wigan bus station to Bryn Cross stop (for Three Sisters) and Beech Tree Houses, Bamfurlong stop (for Viridor Wood). POINTS OF INTEREST Three Sisters Recreation Area is land reclaimed from the mining industry after three colliery spoil heaps, the Three Sisters, were levelled. The field to the left of Landgate Lane is the site of Old Bryn, a moated hall which was the home of the Gerard family. Skitters Wood is.8 hectares of ancient woodland and a Site of Biological Interest. Visit for more information. Garswood Hall was the last home of the Gerard family, a Roman Catholic family and Royalists during the Civil War with ancestry tracing back to 88. The family earned a fortune from mining during the industrial revolution and the name can be found all over Ashton on street names, pubs and the town centre. Ashton Heath is common land and a remnant of old heathland; visit for more information. Work to create Viridor Wood began in 00 and by 00 the millionth tree was planted. Visit for more information. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

21 ARTS & HERITAGE (GOLD ROUTE) VIRIDOR WOOD Approximate distance:. miles/.km Allow to. hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

22 ARTS & HERITAGE (GOLD ROUTE) VIRIDOR WOOD Approximate distance:. miles/.km Allow to. hours WALK DESCRIPTION Viridor Wood was created in began in 00 and by 00 the millionth tree was planted. This community woodland includes wood sculptures at it s highest point. It has three parts: the western section is between Three Sisters and the A8; the central part is between the A8 and the railway line; the eastern section is between the railway line and Abram Flashes. It is managed by the Forestry Commission ACCESSIBILITY The paths are hard surfaced and level in most places, however they are unsuitable for disabled, pram or cycle access. TOILETS Toilet facilities are available at Three Sisters Recreation Area. START POINT The route begins and ends at Three Sisters Recreation Area. Parking available at Three Sisters Recreation Area, Three Sisters Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield WN 8DD Parking available at Viridor Wood, Bolton road, Bamfurlong WN LB BUS STOPS Bus services operate from Wigan bus station to Bryn Cross stop (for Three Sisters). POINTS OF INTEREST Three Sisters Recreation Area is land reclaimed from the mining industry after the levelling of three colliery spoil heaps in the 90s. The site has a number of habitats including woodland, mossland, water and wetland. Viridor Wood Western Section is on the site of an earlier wood named Coffin Wood dating from 890. A lane that disects the wood is the original Coffin Lane. Lily Lane Colliery was located here with an adjacent reservoir. Viridor Wood Middle Section had a larger colliery called Mains Colliery. Viridor Wood Eastern Section Bryn Hall was one of the homes of the Gerard Family who had a lot of mining interests in and around the Ashton area. Take extra care when walking through the farmyard (public footpath). OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

23 ARTS & HERITAGE (SILVER ROUTE) THREE SISTERS RECREATION AREA Approximate distance:. miles /. km Allow hour This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

24 ARTS & HERITAGE (SILVER ROUTE) THREE SISTERS RECREATION AREA Approximate distance:. miles /. km Allow hour WALK DESCRIPTION The walk around Three Sisters stays within the boundary of this hectare popular country park and goes through woodland and around the lake. The site is land reclaimed from the mining industry after three colliery spoil heaps, the Three Sisters, were levelled. The spoil heaps were also known locally as the Wigan Alps. There are also opportunities to take short detours to the top of Arena Hill with expansive views across the Douglas valley. ACCESSIBILITY The paths are all hard surfaced and level and suitable for disabled access. Prams and cycles are also welcomed. TOILETS Toilet facilities are available at Three Sisters Recreation Area. START POINT The route begins and ends at Three Sisters Recreation Area. Parking available at Three Sisters Recreation Area, Three Sisters Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield WN 8DD. BUS STOPS Bus services operate from Wigan bus station to Bryn Cross stop (for Three Sisters). POINTS OF INTEREST The race track is run by Aintree Race School and provides Track Driving Experience Days and a number of race meetings. The wetland area has limited access to visitors in order to protect the habitats. Longhorn cattle were introduced in 0; their grazing helps to improve some of the habitat conditions and adds an extra level of site management! Footpaths running north from here head towards Wigan Flashes. The raft in the lake is used by birds for nesting. The wood carvings besides the path were created in 999. Look out for a bird feeding station next to the path. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Supported by

25 ENVIRONMENT (DIAMOND ROUTE) PENNINGTON FLASH & LIGHTSHAW MEADOW Approximate distance:. miles / 8. km Allow. to hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

26 ENVIRONMENT (DIAMOND ROUTE) PENNINGTON FLASH & LIGHTSHAW MEADOW Approximate distance:. miles / 8. km Allow. to hours WALK DESCRIPTION Flashes are lakes formed over time from mining subsidence; Pennington Flash, a legacy of the Borough s industrial heritage, is an excellent example of this phenomenon. Pennington Flash is one of a number of flashes and wetlands that run through Greenheart. Lightshaw Meadows and Abram Flashes continue a wetland corridor that extends as far as Wigan Flashes. ACCESSIBILITY Most parts of the walk are on hard surfaced paths and pavements, however the route is unsuitable for wheelchair, pram or cycle access. TOILETS Toilet facilities are available at Pennington Flash Country Park. START POINTS The route begins and ends at Pennington Flash Country Park. Car park available at Pennington Flash, St Helens Road, Leigh WN7 PA (small charge). BUS STOPS Bus services operate from Leigh bus station to St Helens Road stop. POINTS OF INTEREST The Leigh branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal joins up with the Bridgewater Canal in the centre of Leigh. Canals and towpaths are administered by the Canal and River Trust. Visit The marina is on the site of the former Bickershaw Colliery and Brittania Pub. The clay pit, on the opposite side of the canal, is a storage depot for materials used to repair the canal Leave the canal at this point and follow the path of the disused mineral railway line. On reaching Wigan Road, turn back almost immediately along the public footpath towards Lightshaw Hall (Private Road signs only apply to vehicles). Lightshaw Hall dates from the th century and was formally moated. It is now a private residence so please respect the owner s privacy at all times. Lightshaw Meadows, a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve is an important area of wetland look out for longhorn cattle grazing there, who help to maintain the vegetation to give maximum benefit to plants, insects and birds. A looping footpath goes off to the left which offers the chance to get closer to the nature reserve. At Critchley House, follow the public right of way straight through the farmyard or take the diversion to the left which avoids the farmyard. By 90 the Flash had formed; it is 0 feet deep in some places. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

27 ENVIRONMENT (GOLD ROUTE) PENNINGTON FLASH CIRCUIT Approximate distance: miles /.8 km Allow to. hours This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! 7 0 Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

28 ENVIRONMENT (GOLD ROUTE) PENNINGTON FLASH CIRCUIT Approximate distance: miles /.8 km Allow to. hours WALK DESCRIPTION Flashes are lakes formed over time from mining subsidence; Pennington Flash, a legacy of the Borough s industrial heritage, is an excellent example of this phenomenon. Towards the end of the 9th century, the land now under the Flash was farmland. Following reclamation and improvements, Pennington Flash Country Park was officially opened in 98. ACCESSIBILITY Most parts of the walk are on hard surfaced paths and pavements, however it is unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. TOILETS Toilet facilities are available at Pennington Flash Country Park START POINT The route begins and ends at Pennington Flash Country Park. Car park available at Pennington Flash, St Helens Road, Leigh WN7 PA (small charge). BUS STOPS Bus services operate from Leigh bus station to St Helens Road stop. POINTS OF INTEREST 7 Ramsdale s Ruck is a spoil heap created when the Flash was partially filled with colliery waste. When this part of the Leeds Liverpool Canal was constructed in 80 the canal was level with the surrounding fields. The land around it sunk because of mining subsidence. The path along here is the route of an old railway line that serviced the colliery. The southern part of the Flash was filled with domestic waste to prevent the regular flooding of St. Helens Road. The Flash is used by Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club. Visit The pit at Plank Lane closed in 99. Redevelopment of the area is part of the Greenheart Country Park project. There are a number of bird watching hides around the wetland area. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by

29 ENVIRONMENT (SILVER ROUTE) PENNINGTON FLASH WETLANDS AREA Approximate distance: mile /. km Allow hour This walk is one of a series of fifteen Jubilee Legacy Walks designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Wigan Borough s green space, and provide a lasting reminder of the Queen s Jubilee celebrations of 0. Walking is a great way to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - aim for 0 minutes per week and you ll soon notice the difference! Miles 0. Mile 0 Km Km Crown copyright and database rights 0 Ordnance Survey You are not permitted to copy, sub-license, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

30 ENVIRONMENT (SILVER ROUTE) PENNINGTON FLASH WETLANDS AREA Approximate distance: mile /. km Allow hour WALK DESCRIPTION Pennington Flash was formed over time from mining subsidence, but the pools and ponds in the wetland area were created specifically for the development of habitat. Following reclamation and improvements, Pennington Flash Country Park was officially opened in 98. There are eight bird hides at Pennington Flash, with seven of them along this circuit of the wetlands. (The eighth is on the other side of the Flash near Bradshaw Leach Common.) ACCESSIBILITY This route, and the hides along it, are fully accessible to wheelchair users. Prams and cycles are also welcomed. TOILETS Toilet facilities are available at Pennington Flash Country Park. There is also an Information Centre. START POINT The route begins and ends at Pennington Flash Country Park. Car park available at Pennington Flash, St Helens Road, Leigh WN7 PA (small charge). BUS STOPS Bus services operate from Leigh bus station to St Helens Road stop. POINTS OF INTEREST Bird Hides 7 8 Teal Scrape Pengy s Pond Kidney Pond Fox Scrape Ramsdale s Flash The Spit The path follows the route of a former railway. The canal was once at ground level before the land around it subsided. OTHER ROUTES Walk Locations Borsdane, Standish and Haigh Gin Pit, Tyldesley and Astley Amberswood, Bickershaw and Abram Ashton, Viridor and Bryn Pennington Flash and Lightshaw Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 0. Supported by