Mersey Basin and Bridgewater Canal

Today we were both lucky with the weather and the choice of 'local' walk. Because the forecast wasn't that good this weekend, I looked for a fairly local walk and we chose one near Warrington.
A pleasant walk starting through the not so leafy glades, Autumn has had its effect, of outer Warrington. Past a reservoir we joined a bridleway to eventually climb up to what could have been a stunning vista of the Mersey Basin; if only it had been a clear day! We could just about see Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, 14 miles to the west, the Pennines and Winter Hill twenty miles to the east.
After taking in the view, we descended to a picturesque stretch of the Bridgewater Canal.

We took the opportunity to visit Walton Hall, Chris thought she had been before for a meeting, especially as the guide mentioned a cafe. Coffee, and for Chris Hot Chocolate, plus muffins were consumed beside the canal, before heading past the lake and waterfalls...

...up to Walton Hall.

It was where Chris had been for her meeting, well remembered! Perhaps this could be a venue for one of the RSC's meetings?
The entrance, as can be seen, was very impressive.

Returning to the Bridgewater Canal, we were sidetracked into the small Children's Zoo. A number of comments were made about the residents especially the rabbits...

"Mandy would want to hold him under her chin!"...and the peacock, who was particularly cooperative when I took his photograph...

The colours of his feathers were wonderful!.
The pleasant woodland stroll and the Bridgewater canal were easily appreciated; it provided us with a more balanced view of the local heritage of the area, together with the modern-day amenities available at Walton Hall & Gardens. This plus the final stretch through farmland completed another pleasant walk and all within walking distance of one of the fastest growing towns in the Northwest. A walk to revisit in the spring perhaps.
For those of you who don't know the area, Walton Hall and gardens were originally purchaced in 1812 by the Greenall Family, a famous name in the brewing industry. In 1941 the estate was bought by Warrington Borough Council, becoming parkland in 1945. The woodlands, as we found out, are home to squirrels, and many small birds including the 'Spot of the day' a Goldcrest! Well done Chris!

Blogged with Flock