Why not come and enjoy some of the best walks and countryside in Lancashire

You can finish or start your walk at our great country pub, which dates back in parts to the 1700s and is one of the oldest in the locality. We have outside seating, and are dog friendly in the beer garden, as well as inside the pub, so there is no need to leave your best friend at home.

Take a walk and enjoy the olde worlde charm of Parbold and its surrounding areas. From churches, streams and canals to rolling hills and far fetching views across the Lancashire countryside, you are guaranteed to journey through some of the most beautiful vistas in the Northwest of England.

Call in today, for that well deserved stop, we look forward to welcoming you!

Parbold Walk 1 - Circular walk from The Wayfarer via Chapel House and Our Lady & All Saints Church

This is a varied walk with 2 ascents (one gentle the other fairly steep). The beginning of the route takes you to the site of ‘Douglas Chapel’, built in 1240, before crossing the canal and railway line and ascending part way up Parbold Hill. Looking back provides some stunning views across the valley floor towards the village of Dalton, and across the Leeds - Liverpool Canal and River Douglas.

The descent takes you along the scenic, yet quiet Miry Lane towards Our Lady’s & All Saints’ Church (built in 1884) before passing through the grounds of the church and along a narrow path emerging on the A5209 near the railway bridge, a short distance from The Wayfarer.

 The route


Starting from The Wayfarer car park, turn right out of the car park and follow the path until the first road on the right (Bradshaw Lane). Follow Bradshaw Lane past the riding school on the right hand side until you come to a stile. Cross the stile and follow the path, keeping to the right hand side of the field. Cross the next stile and pass through a small wood, before crossing a short footbridge and a stile. Take a left after the stile and follow the path up the grass, passing the site of the old Douglas Chapel on the right (now marked with a cross) and between some houses to the canal bridge. Cross over the canal bridge and follow the track (be alert for cars) and you will come to a railway crossing. Cross when it is safe and carry on following the path up the first hill, when you reach the top of the road, turn right and after 5m head left to see a stile set back from the road. Head over the stile and keeping the fence to your left, walk up the second hill to the next stile at the A5209 part way up Parbold Hill. Cross over the road onto the footpath and turn left, after about 100m you will come to some bollards. Pass through these and follow the path onto Miry Lane and continuing downhill till you emerge on Lancaster Lane. Cross the road and head left and enter the entrance to ‘Our Lady and All Saints Church’. Following the road past the church, bear left after the gravestones and follow the narrow path through the small wooded area, passing over a bridge and through a metal gate before emerging back onto the A5209. Head right and follow the A5209 back to The Wayfarer.

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Parbold Walk 2 - CIRCULAR WALK FROM THE WAYFARER VIA HUNTERS HILL QUARRY

This is a circular route with a gentle ascent up-to Hunters Hill Quarry allowing for some breathtaking views across Lancashire (as far north as Blackpool) & Merseyside (towards Southport and Formby) on clear days. The route takes you through the farmland neighbouring Parbold before descending steeply & maintaining a constant height before the gradual slope back down into Parbold & returning to The Wayfarer.

The Route
Starting from The Wayfarer car park, turn right out of the car park, cross the road and take the first left into Parbold. Cross the canal and the railway line and when you reach the village shops, take a right up Tan House Lane. At the top of the road, cross over and to the left of the Primary School is a public footpath. Take this and follow the edge of the farmers field (keeping the hedge on the left) until you reach a footbridge over a small stream. Walk diagonally right across this field following the path, then carry on into the next field walking up hill until you come to a stile and gate. Climb over the stile and turn right. Walk along Stony Lane for approximately 250m ignoring the first public footpath on the left. When you pass a house named 'Swallows Nest', on the left there will be a stile and gate. Cross the stile and follow the path in the grass across the field until you come to a stone wall with steps. Here you can either head clockwise or anti-clockwise around the quarry, however for this route we shall head clockwise. Walk up the stone steps and turn left, following the narrow path around the boundary of the quarry until you come to the road ‘Hillside Avenue’ and turn right to walk up the road past the houses (do not enter the quarry itself as this is private land). After approximately 300m there is a gate across the track with a stile very well hidden on the other side in the left hand hedge (we will be taking this path later), carry on past here up-to the top until you reach a rest point marked by some boulders for seating. Here you will see some stunning views across West Lancashire as far north as Blackpool on a clear day. Return back to the stile and cross into the next field, turning left and following the edge of the field down hill (caution should be taken as the path is steep in places). Remembering to keep to the left of the fields, you should cross 3 stiles before emerging in the bottom field where you will find a wooden palette acting as a gate. Open the gate (remember to lock it behind you) and walk around the next gate. When you reach the main road (Chorley Road) take a left and follow the road for approximately 100m. Cross the road and take the stone stile next to the wooden gate (the public footpath sign is buried under the hedge), follow the path and cross the next stile onto ‘Grimshaw Green Lane’, turn left and follow this road to the end and then turn left again. After approximately 25m cross the road and take the public footpath behind the cottages. At the end of the path, cross over the stone stile and follow the path roughly to the left of the overhead wires. Cross over the stile and head diagonally left to a white metal gate in the corner of the field. Turn right out of the gate and you will enter back into Parbold, take the first right down ‘The Common’ and follow this road backthrough Parbold, passing the shops, railway and canal. When you reach the end of the road, turn right and cross over the road at any available opportunity to return back to The Wayfarer car park.

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Parbold Walk 3 - Circular walk from The Wayfarer Parbold along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal via Newburgh

A short walk along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towards Burscough takes you along the outskirts of Parbold before leaving the canal at Newburgh and returning to The Wayfarer via a public right of way.

The Route
Starting from The Wayfarer car park, turn right and cross the road, taking the first left onto Mill Lane. Walking for approximately 100m, cross over the canal bridge and take the entrance onto the canal. Walk around the metal gate and follow the towpath until you come to the first bridge (number 36b), take the steps to the side of the bridge and cross under the canal, following the road until you reach the road named ‘Back Lane’ and turn left. Follow this road past the school and church on the right. Upon reaching the main road through Newburgh, turn left and carry on walking until you reach a pub called ‘The Red Lion’. Opposite the bus stop is a public footpath, cross the road and follow the path passing through a gate and the stables towards a narrow wooden gate. Keeping the hedge on your right, pass through the gate taking care of the live electric fence on the left and cross the stile and foot bridge to emerge in an open field. Walk straight across this field to the hedgerow opposite and locate the way mark post (it is only a thin circular post with the ‘way arrow’ nailed to it). Upon locating the post, pass through the hedge by crossing the stile to emerge in another field. Follow this path diagonally left and at the end of the hedge on the left, take the stile to emerge on ‘Higher Lane’ (please note that at the time of writing this stile was quite overgrown with nettles, you may find it easier to carry on walking along the edge of the field until you find a suitable point in which to leave the field). Once back on the road, head left and follow the road. Caution is required along this route as the pavement gets extremely narrow in parts. When you reach the mini roundabout at the bottom, turn right and return the short distance to The Wayfarer.

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Parbold Walk 4 - Circular walk from the Wayfarer to Appley Bridge

A short stroll along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal takes you to the neighbouring village of Appley Bridge. Here you can either catch the train back to Parbold, or alternatively continue walking back into Parbold along Parbold Hill using the public footpaths. Be sure to check the train times before you set off with National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or www.nationalrail.co.uk.

The Route
Starting at The Wayfarer, turn right out of the car park and follow the path. Cross the road and continue up-to the traffic lights at the canal bridge. Right before the bridge, cross over when safe and join the canal, turning right when you join the towpath (do not pass under the bridge). Carry on walking for approximately 45 minutes, passing Appley Bridge locks until you reach bridge no. 42. Cross over the bridge and follow the path. Should you wish to catch the train back to Parbold, then a couple of minutes up the road you will reach Appley Bridge train station on the right. You need to be on the platform for ‘Trains to Southport’.

Those who wish to carry on with the walk, continue on up the hill past the station (the pavement narrows so take care if you step into the road) for approximately 10 minutes, until you reach the junction of ‘Skull House Lane’ on the right. On the left is a public path, take the path and carry on past the garages, following the narrow path and keeping the hedge on your left. At the end of the path, turn right and after 10m take the path on the left, keeping off the grass. Cross the stile and continue to follow the path. When you reach the end of the path, cross the road and follow the path left, around the edge of the field and cross the stile leading onto the small road. Turn right and head into the woodland, and take the left into Fairy Glen. If you plan on exploring the woodland, after a period of significant rainfall Fairy Glen offers some spectacular views of waterfalls, or makes for a quiet scenic walk.

To reach the waterfalls, follow the path and after a short while you’ll reach a raised bridge which offers some stunning views of the falls. Don’t forget to head back to the entrance gate of Fairy Glen. Pass through the entrance and take a left, down the stone steps and cross the wooden foot bridge, taking the first left at the end of the bridge and following the path until you reach a set of wooden steps with a stile at the top. Cross the stile and head straight across the field towards the gate and stile, cross this stile and keeping the trees on your left, carry on following the path along the edge of the field and cross the next stile that leads onto a small narrow path. Cross the stile at the end to join the dirt track and turn left. Follow this path for approximately 300m and you will come to a kissing gate. Pass through this and the next 2 gates and carry on along the track for 800m, then join the road 'Miry Lane'. Continue along the road for 400m and when you reach the A5209, head left and cross the road when safe. Follow the road for 700m over the canal bridge, past 'The Stocks' Pub and cross the road junction to continue walking the final 150m back to The Wayfarer.

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Parbold Walk 5 - Circular walk from the Wayfarer to Ashurst Beacon

A challenging yet well worthwhile route from The Wayfarer up-to Ashurst Beacon providing amazing views across the entire West Lancashire plane towards the coast and as far south as the Welsh Mountains. The route begins with an easy walk along the canal towpath before turning into an ascent up-to the Beacon. Some of the climbs are fairly steep in places. The descent involves passing through a couple of muddy spots and at one point a stream passes over the path so suitable footwear is highly recommended. For those using their own maps/local walk books please be aware that as of 2005, the public footpath around 'Prior's Wood Farm' has been diverted & now takes a slightly different route as indicated by the map. Shortly before rejoining the canal, you will pass the site of 'Old Douglas Chapel', the old church before 'Christ Church Douglas In Parbold' was built on Parbold Hill.

The Route
Starting from the Wayfarer, turn right out of the car park and follow the path. Cross the road and continue up-to the traffic lights at the canal bridge. Right before the bridge, cross over when safe and join the canal, turning right when you join the towpath (do not pass under the bridge). Follow the towpath for approximately 1.45km (0.9mi) and you will come to bridge #40. To the right of the canal bridge is a path leading to a bridge across the River Douglas, follow the path along the dirt track and cross the stile at the end. Bear left and cross the next stile (if it is overgrown with nettles, you can remove the rope from the gate and pass through (remember to close the gate behind you!)). Continue along the track for approximately 550m, passing the house on the right and you will emerge onto a road called 'Lee's Lane'. Take a left and walk for 150m to the next public footpath on the right. Cross the stile and follow the path uphill for approximately 750m.

As you reach the top, turn left and follow the narrow path between the fields for a further 400m. At the end of the path turn right onto the narrow road and follow the road uphill for 300m, past 'Ashleigh Farm' and a short distance further, set back in the embankment are some stone steps on the right leading up onto the next public path. Follow the path as it winds around the edge of the field and cross the wooden bridge at the end to emerge in a field. Continue along the path heading uphill and cross the stile to emerge at the foot of the final climb. Once over the stile, head diagonally right to take a winding path up-to the beacon and explore the area, taking in the stunning views.Return back down the path, cross the stile and continue down to the foot bridge. Cross the bridge, follow the narrow path and emerge back onto the road. Turn left and follow the road down hill, past Ashliegh Farm and after 300m take a left back onto the public path. Follow this for 420m, however instead of taking the path which bends to the right, continue straight on into the small wooded area and follow the path down hill. Cross the wooden bridge over the small stream and the stile at the end to emerge in a new field. Follow this path through the grass towards a big oak tree in the distance and you will come to a bridge allowing you to cross the the ditch and the stile into the next field. Immediately after the stile take a left along the dirt track and follow the path for 30m and cross the small bridge and pass through the kissing gates. Keeping the trees to the left, continue along the path through the grass field. When you reach a small fenced off section of field, the path bends left.

Head into the trees and take a right, keeping the fence on your left and continue along the edge of the trees, through the old gate with the way marker. When you will come to a line of trees, cross the stile and take a right onto the dirt road that leads downhill. As you walk down the slope, the road turns to brick sourced from only a few metres away at Dalton Quarry. Follow the path for another 300m and you will emerge onto 'Hillock Lane', turn right and follow the road for 350m. Turn right at the junction and after 120m, take the next left along the public footpath leading to 'Priors Wood Farm'. Bear right when the path splits and after approximately 100m, the footpath has been diverted through a gate. Cross through the field, turn right to walk up the slope and take a left at the top to follow the new public path (the new route avoids the busy dairy farm). Continue along the track for 175m and when you reach the two gates, take the stile to the right. Follow the right hand perimeter of the field for 375m till you come to a bridge across the river. Take the bridge, cross the stile at the end and walk straight across the field to the gate. Cross the stile at the side and continue up the grass path, past the site of the 'Old Douglas Chapel' and merge onto the canal. Take a left and pass under the bridge. Follow the towpath for 500m and leave the canal at the next bridge. Cross the road with caution and head left for 400m, crossing the road at The Stocks and returning to The Wayfarer car park.

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Parbold is a large commuter village in West Lancashire, situated at the foot of Parbold Hill, in the valley of the River Douglas. Parbold is easy to reach from the M6 (about three miles west of junction 27 on the M6 motorway, following the A5209). The village can also be reached by rail on the Manchester to Southport line, with 2 trains per hour Monday - Saturday and a single train per hour on Sundays.

It is highly recommended that you wear suitable clothing & footwear as the paths maybe overgrown, uneven & muddy in places, especially after periods of rainfall. Please remember to follow the Countryside Code and keep to the designated footpaths & take any litter home with you. Dogs should be kept on leads when farm animals are in the fields.

Created by Chris McMullin - mullin16@hotmail.co.uk. All details and routes are correct at the time of creation (May 2009).

YOUR OWN PROBLEM CHILD..

to take home with you!

After that long walk in the most beautiful Lancashire countryside why not take a Scallywag, a Good Spankin' or a Scoundrel home with you today. Our passion, love and attention to detail for a good hand crafted, cask conditioned ale or beer is just the ticket for putting your feet up and relaxing in front of the fire at home, or outside in the garden. Orders can be a mixed selection of 12, 6 or 3 bottles. Please ask at the bar for more details...

£9.00 PER GIFT BOX OF 3

£17.00 PER BOX OF 6

£26.00 PER WHOLESALE CASE OF 12

Above all, we take pride in doing things well...

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Opening Hours

PUB OPENING HOURS
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Saturday: 10am – Late
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From Saturday 16th December, Open All Day

BREAKFAST SERVED

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Sunday: 10am – 11:30am
(No Breakfast Christmas Eve)

FOOD SERVED
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Saturday: 10am – 9:45pm
Sunday: 10am – 8:30pm

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    Where to find us

1-3 Alder Lane
Parbold, Wigan
Lancashire WN8 7NL

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