Orrell Winstanley Circular

Starting from Orrell Waterpark then follows lower slopes of Billinge Hill before ascending to Winstanley College and back to the waterpark. Good views over Mersey, Winter Hill and Cheshire hills.

Technical sheet

n°9422676
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.57 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 124 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 117 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 137 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 73 m
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Photos

Orrell Waterpark Lake

Description of the walk

(S/E) Leave Orrell Waterpark car park turning briefly South (left) onto Lodge Lane then West (right) along Sandy Lane. Turn south (left) down Gantley Road. Turn West (right) down Upholland Road.

(1) Take footpath West (left) beside the house and initially behind houses then over farmland. Good views behind you over Winter Hill.

(2) Take footpath South (left) on track initially beside Higher Pimbo Farm and then beside quarry. Follow footpath South (right) along the field boundary.

(3) Take track South via Promised Land Farm onto tarmac track.

(4) Turn West (right) briefly along Crank Road before taking footpath South (left). Upon reaching farm buildings cross farmyard onto Red Barn Road.

(5) Leave Red Barn Lane taking footpath East (left) upslope. Good excuse to rest and check the view behind you over Liverpool and Wales. Turn south (right) along the tarmac track, with good views over to Cheshire hills.

(6) Leave road taking footpath South East (left) beside Crookhouse Farm down the hillside. Turn briefly East (left) along Roby Well Lane. Leave Roby Well Lane taking footpath North (left) running alongside the stream. Take footbridge East (right) over the stream and follow the path upslope. Turn North (left) in front of Ash Grove Farm and follow the footpath.

(7) Turn West (left) briefly along Beacon Road. Carefully cross Beacon Road and turn North (right) into Oakley Avenue and follow footpath North originating beside garages. Turn North (left) along Upholland Road. Carefully cross Upholland Road to take footpath East initially beside the house and then behind properties. Turn South (right) at the field corner and follow this path along the edge of Chair Wood. Turn North-West (left) to follow a path through Chair Wood to exit onto Park Road.

(8) Carefully cross Park Road to continue North on the footpath. Turn West (left) along the path between fields. Take footpath initially North (right) and then follow it North East.

(9) Follow path North (left) over Winstanley College playing field then North West away from college besides the stream. Take path North (right) beside stream then beside Orrell Waterpark lakes. Take path South around the lake back to the car park.(S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 94 m - Orrel Waterpark
  2. 1 : km 0.73 - alt. 100 m - Oxhouuse Turn
  3. 2 : km 1.96 - alt. 118 m - Higher Pimbo
  4. 3 : km 3.66 - alt. 107 m - Promised Land Farm
  5. 4 : km 4.52 - alt. 81 m - Crank Road
  6. 5 : km 5.8 - alt. 82 m - Houghwood
  7. 6 : km 6.71 - alt. 103 m - Crookhouse Farm
  8. 7 : km 7.88 - alt. 122 m - Beacon Rd
  9. 8 : km 10.37 - alt. 122 m - Park Road
  10. 9 : km 11.46 - alt. 110 m - Winstanley College
  11. S/E : km 12.57 - alt. 95 m - Waterpark Car Park

Practical information

In the nearby area

Views over Mersey Estuary, North Wales, Cheshire hills and Winter Hill.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
Delphinium
Delphinium ★

Hi Rambler Sam,
Thank you for this feedback. I am going to contact the author and see how to amend the description. Thanks also for offering an alternative.
Enjoy your walks!
Rambler Sam
Rambler Sam

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

There is a problem with the route between 7 and 8. Partway along the footpath parallel to Chair Wood there are signs stating this is private land and there is no right of way. These signs are repeated at the other end of the path on Park Road and the gate giving access to Park Road is locked.
Thus the route needs to be amended to turn right at the field corner, not left, and follow this path along the edge of Chair Wood. Then turn left to follow a path north through Chair Wood to exit onto Park Road at the same place as the previous route. This path however is on the other side of the hedgerow and has clear access to Park Road.

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