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Co Durham welcomes new walking project!

mpatterson — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:21:09 +0000

The Ramblers have just received funding from Durham County Council to deliver Walk Durham in 2012, an Olympics inspired routes project. During 2012 we will produce 100 walking routes in Do Durham, all with a sporting theme.

Come along to our launch event on Saturday 4th February in Willington.

There will be a four mile walk along the riverside and old railway lines of Willington and every walker will receive a free goodie bag and the inaugural 1,500m sporting themed route card. Meet at 11am at Willington Resource Centre, High Street, DL15 0PF.

Why not also enter our Sporting Themed Routes Competition?

We are looking for interesting, historical and little known sporting facts about towns and villages across Co Durham. Our judging panel will choose five winners whose entry will be the inspiration for a sporting themed walks on the Get Walking for the Games festival weekend at the end of May. The walks will also be designed and published online for people to download and walk themselves. All you have to do is submit a great sporting fact about where you live, using no more than 300 words, and you could win one of our fantastic prizes! 1st prize is £100 of sports vouchers.

Submit your entry by Wednesday 29th February to filomena.solan@ramblers.org.uk or to Filomena Solan, Ramblers, Northumbria House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5UU. All entries must include the town, the sporting fact and your contact details.

Visit www.getwalking.org/walk-durham-in-2012 for more information or ring Filomena on 07920 050713

A Short Walk exploring Coate Water Country Park

rachel.jenkins — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:46:10 +0000

Starts at Coate Water café, SN3 6AA

54 minutes | 1.8miles 2.9km | Easy Access

ID: 180.1 | Developed by: Brian Hall | Checked by: Alan Cox | www.getwalking.org/swindon

A short circular route, on easily accessible paths.Situated at the Northen side of Coate Water Country Park, this path takes you past a number of local land marks including Coate Water Tree Collection and the birthplace of Richard Jefferies.

Starts at

Coate Water café, SN3 6AA (Note this postcode is not exact for the cafe). There is a good choice of buses to Coate Water from the town centre.

Route instructions

Starting from: The Coate Water Country Park car park, SN3 6AA

If you are starting the walk from the Coate Water disabled car park, then please follow the directions from waypoint 2 below.
[1] In the centre of the car park there is a notice board with a map of the park and to the right of this is the Rangers Centre. Make your way to the front of the Rangers Centre and, facing the entrance, turn left and follow the path up to the shop and Coate Water Paddling Pool. You are now at the side of Coate Water Lake (caution, this is open water and there is a sharp drop from the path). To the rear of the shop there are toilets and the disabled parking bays.

(A) Coate Water Lake covers an area of 56 acres and was built in 1822 by diverting the River Cole. Its prime purpose was to provide water for the Wilts and Berks Canal. In 1914 with the canal abandoned Coate became a Pleasure Park, the 10 metre concrete diving board was added in 1935 but is now, sadly, disused due to safety considerations. Most of the site has now been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

[2] From the shop, looking toward the Lake you will have a perfect view of the old diving board. From here follow the footpath to the right along the edge of the ‘Lake until you reach the Pitch ’n Putt and Crazy Golf area. This will be on you right and on your left is a picnic site and a small harbour facility, this is used by local schools to launch boats for sail training. After passing the small harbour you will find yourself following a path under a canopy of Lime trees, this is known, appropriately, as Lime Avenue. Follow this path until you reach a path junction clearly marked by a large wooden barrier.

[3] Turn right at the barrier and follow the narrow enclosed path that takes you past the Broome Manor Golf Course, the path bears round to the right near the end bringing you to a large open playing field. Follow the path around the right hand edge of the field to the opposite corner. Exiting the field, take a right turn and follow the path until you reach the junction with the access road where you turn left.

(B) Broome Manor Golf Course offers a championship standard, par 71, 18 hole course set in beautiful parklands and is open to all comers.

[4] As you follow this road, on your right you will pass a barbeque and picnic site and almost immediately afterwards on your left can be seen a small bridge that leads you to the Coate Water Tree Collection. Remain on the access road and follow it around until you reach the gate, you are now back at the main and disabled car parks. From the gate turn left and follow the path down the hill.

(C) Coate Water Tree Collection features a beautiful collection of trees from around the world. A leisurely stroll of approximately 1.5 miles around this hidden treasure is worthy of another visit. (Caution. There is an open stream and the paths will be slippery after rain.)

[5] Moving down the slope you will pass a small hill on your right with a large Sarsen Stone at the summit; on the stone there is a memorial plaque to Mrs Frances J. Gay who was a long term supporter of the Richard Jefferies Museum. The path levels out now as you pass over a little stream leading to a small lake over to your left, at the end of the path you will come to the original iron entrance gate to the park. Follow the path that bends around to the right and on to Marlborough Road, passing over the subway footpath.

[6] The footpath will now take you past the entrance road to Coate Water car park (caution: fast moving traffic, cross this road with care) and on to the Sun Inn public house. Immediately after the Sun Inn you will pass a 19th century red brick farmhouse on your right, this was the birthplace and home of local writer Richard Jefferies and is now home to the Richard Jefferies Museum. Continue on the path a short way until you reach a road junction, this is Day House Lane, turn right here (caution: it is a narrow road and there is no pavement here so keep to the right).

(D) Richard Jefferies Museum.Richard Jefferies (1848 – 1887) was a Victorian writer with a passion for the countryside. The museum has an extensive collection of items relating to Jefferies including many first editions of his writing. Formerly known as The Old House, Jefferies was born and grew up here and based much of his writing on Coate Water Park.

[7] Follow Day House Lane passing the horse paddocks on your left until you reach a broad track on your right just before a small farm house. Turn right along this track, with the farm house on your left, back in to the Country Park. Situated in the woods on your right is a large scale model railway, if you are doing this walk on a Sunday listen out for the steam trains! Walk past the service entrance for the model railway and on through a gate to the footpath junction at the corner of the fence. From here go right past the front entrance to the Coate Water Miniature Railway and, where another footpath cuts across, turn left and walk the short distance to join the path that runs along the edge of the Lake. From here turn right and you will see the diving board and shop, make your way along the path, through the large shelter and retrace your steps back to the shop where you started. (Caution. There is a long drop from this path down to the lake edge.)

(E) Coate Water Miniature Railway. The original rail track for this facinating attraction was laid in the mid 1960s and is now approximately a kilometer in length and runs through beautiful natural woodland. Operated by volunteers from the North Wilts Model Engineering Society, the Coate Water Miniature Railway is open for rides on Sundays throughout the year.

Acknowledgements

Developed by: Brian Hall
Checked by: Alan Cox

A Riverside Walk

route.editor — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:56:06 +0000

Starts at Artesian Health Centre, Grange Road, SE1 4QX

46 minutes | 2.3miles 3.8km | Easy

ID: 196.18 | Developed by: Holding Account | Checked by: Graeme Wales | www.walkingroutes.org

A walk from the Artesian Health Centre in Grange Road, Bermondsey, to the riverside
walk and on to the Design Museum.

Starts at: Artesian Health Centre, Grange Road, Bermondsey, SE1 4QX

Ends at: Artesian Health Centre, Grange Road, Bermondsey, SE1 4QX

Getting there: Nearest tube stations are: Borough and Bermondsey.

Route instructions:

[1] From the Artesian Health Centre turn right, then right again through a paved area. Walk ahead across
Bermondsey Spa Gardens. Exit the gardens and turn right along Spa Road in front of Bermondsey Town
Hall. Turn left along Neckinger. Turn right along Abbey Street, crossing at the zebra crossing.

[2] Turn left once across Abbey Street then quickly turn right into Gedling Place, walking underneath the
railway. Continue ahead, crossing Druid Street, along Sweeney Crescent. Turn left along Jamaica Road,
crossing at the pedestrian crossing. Turn left once across then right along Shad Thames. Pass under the
Design Museum (A).

[3] Turn right at Maguire Street, and then left along the Riverfront. Walk along past Butlers Wharf as far as
you can. There is a grand view of Tower Bridge ahead. Turn left through a passage, and then right along
Shad Thames. Walk under Tower Bridge Road, and then turn right. Turn left along The Queen’s Walk. You
can see the Tower of London across the river. Go on just past City Hall (B).

(B) The City Hall building was opened in 2002 and designed by famous architect Sir Norman Foster.
There is a walkway that runs the whole height of the building, where visitors can see all the interior
spaces – aiming to promote ‘transparency’ at the home of the Greater London Authority.

[4] Turn left round the Hall, walking around to the right to pass two tall office blocks. Turn left after the far
corner of 4 LG block. Cross Tooley Street at the pedestrian crossing. Once across turn left and then right
along Shand Street. Go ahead under a railway. Turn right at Crucifix Lane. Turn left along Bermondsey
Street. Go past Tanner Street Gardens on the left.

[5] Soon you will pass St Mary Magdalene Church on the left. Turn left into the churchyard gardens. Go
half left at a path crossing, and then turn right at a path junction. Leave the churchyard through gates.
Turn half right and cross Abbey Street. Turn left and cross Tower Bridge Road at the pedestrian crossing.
Turn right. Turn left at the second turning along Grange Walk. Turn right at crossroads along The Grange.
Turn left along Grange Road, and walk along it until you return to the health centre.

Acknowledgements:

Developed by: Holding Account

Checked by: Graeme Wales

Route originally developed by: Charles Merkel

Lambeth Palace

route.editor — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:49:48 +0000

Starts at London Ambulance Service NHS Trust HQ

1 hours 4 minutes | 2.2miles 3.5km | Easy

ID: 196.4 | Developed by: Andrew Hussey | Checked by: Graeme Wales | www.walkingroutes.org

A sort circular walk exploring the area around Lambeth Palace.

Starts at: London Ambulance Service NHS Trust Headquarters, 220 Waterloo Road London SE1 8SD

Ends at: London Ambulance Service NHS Trust Headquarters, 220 Waterloo Road London SE1 8SD

Getting there:

Waterloo Road is near the mainline Waterloo Railway Station.

Route instructions:

Starting Point: London Ambulance Service NHS Trust Headquarters, 220 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8SD

[1] From the Headquarters building, turn right and walk down Waterloo Road a short way, before again turning right into Morley Street. Walk the length of Morley Street and cross Westminster Bridge Road and St. George’s Road. Outside Morley Gallery, turn left and walk down St. George’s Road, crossing Lambeth Road at the lights, and passing Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park –where the Imperial War Museum is-and Charlotte Sharman School. Turn right into West Square, then cross the north end of West Square and enter the small garden (with its ancient mulberry trees).

[2] Cross the garden and exit at the far end. Enter Austral Street and cross Brook Drive. Go along Sullivan Road and turn right into Walcot Square (A) by Walcott Stores, which is no longer a shop!

(A) Walcot Square was donated to the poor of St Mary’s Lambeth in 1667. In Charles Dickens’ Bleak House, Mr. Guppy the solicitor’s clerk, intends to set himself up professionally in the square. The green is now privately owned.

Continue along the left hand side of the square until you reach Kennington Road (B). Turn left into Kennington Road and make for the lights.

(B) Kennington Road was formerly open land, in 1751, a year after Westminster Bridge was opened, it was constructed by the Turnpike Trustees to improve communication from the bridge to routes south of the River Thames. With the growing popularity of Brighton as a resort in the later eighteenth century, it became part of the route there, used by George IV on his excursions to the sea.

[3] Cross the road at the lights, turn left and walk a little way down the road. Turn right into Fitzalan Street and cross the road to enter Lambeth Walk Doorstep Green. Head for the blue chimney at the far end of the park. Exit the park through a green gate and fence, then turn right into Lollard Street and cross a small crossroads, looking out for passing traffic, then continue straight ahead as Lollard Street becomes Old Paradise Street. [4] Walk under the railway arch and pass the headquarters building for Costa Coffee on your left, shortly followed by Lambeth High Street Recreational Ground (C).

(C) The park was originally a burial ground. The gravestones are still there, but have been moved to the edges of the park.

Turn right into Lambeth High Street and soon join the busy Lambeth Road with the Church of St Mary-at- Lambeth (D) opposite you.

(D) This is now the Museum of Garden History, open daily 10:30 to 17:00 cost £6 ,concessions £5. A café here, sells excellent cakes.

Cross the road to the church using the zebra crossing and turn left. Either walk through the small garden or the Church garden to gain views of the impressive gatehouse of Lambeth Palace, the River Thames, The Houses of Parliament and, of course, Lambeth Bridge. The churchyard contains the tomb of a man of science who contested that some lambs grew on plants.

[5] Re-trace your steps and walk up Lambeth Road. Go under the railway arch, cross Hercules Road and Kennington Road by the traffic lights, and turn left into King Edward Walk. Cross Westminster Bridge Road via the island and traffic lights, and return to the London Ambulance Headquarters via Pearman Street. (Pearman Street is to the left of the island, and left of Morley Street.)

Acknowledgements:

Developed by: Andrew Hussey

Checked by: Graeme Wales

Route originally developed by: Graham Benbow

Millwall and Thames Path

route.editor — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:35:36 +0000

Starts at Barkantine Health Centre, Westferry Road, E14 8JH

54 minutes | 2.7miles 4.4km | Easy

ID: 141.3 | Developed by: Maria Quesada | Checked by: Sara Coy | www.walkingroutes.org

A walk along the Thames Path and the Millwall Outer Dock

Starts at: Barkantine Health Centre, 121 Westferry Road, London E14 8JH

Route instructions:

[1] Turn left out of the centre and walk along Westferry Road. Head under the footbridge and then when you are next to the tall Bowsprit Point tower cross using the zebra crossing. Sir John McDougall Gardens are just here on your right. Continue along Westferry Road, crossing several side streets. There are several newsagents along the road if you wish to buy drinks or snacks for the walk.

(A) After a short distance you will come to Westferry print works on the left where several newspapers including the Daily Express are printed. Past the print works is the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre (www.dswc.org) which offers sailing courses. Opposite is the former entrance to the Millwall Dock, which has now been filled in but there is a still a slipway to the River Thames.

[2] Continue along Westferry Road. Dockers Tanner Road opposite is named after the dock worker’s fight to be paid sixpence (a “tanner”) an hour. A little further along is The Space arts centre (www.space.org.uk) and Hubbub Café and Bar, housed in a former chapel built in 1859 to serve the large number of Scottish dock workers employed in the area.

[3] When you reach Masthouse Terrace turn right, then left at the T-junction and right into Ferguson Close. Go through the building in front of you to reach the riverside walkway and turn left. There are plenty of benches along the walkway so you can pause for a moment to admire the view. The Gherkin is to your right and straight across the river is Convoys Wharf, first developed in 1513 by Henry VIII to build vessels for the Royal Navy and now the site of a proposed housing development. You may see river traffic such as one of the few remainng Thames sailing barges characterised by their reddish-brown sails.

The River walkway forms part of the Thames Path that runs from the source in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier nearby. The Thames is home to a multitude of wildlife and although the suspended sediment makes it appear dirty, it is one of the cleanest rivers in Europe and home to over 100 species of fish, including salmon. Along this stretch of the path you can see the remains of the slipway that launched the SS Great Eastern, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It was the largest ship in the world when it was launched in 1858 and could carry 4,000 passengers around the world without refuelling.

[4] Pass Burrell’s Wharf, with a tall chimney in the middle of the complex, walking between the black bollards on your left and the river railings on your right to avoid the traffic. Take the next left at the end of the Burrell’s Wharf into Rainbow Avenue – note there is no sign. At the T-junction, turn right then immediately left into Maconochie Road then left on to Westferry Road Cross Westferry Road when you reach the zebra crossing, retrace your steps to head next left into Harbinger Road.

[5] Turn first right into Hesperus Crescent and then head right down the second cul-de-sac. This area consists of housing built in the 1920-30s for returning World War One veterans. Bear left to follow the pathway by house number 83 at the end of the cul-de-sac Turn left into Chapelhouse Street. Follow the pavement left into Thermopylae Gate and keep around this as the road bends right.

[6] When you reach Spindrift Avenue cross using the zebra crossing. Once across head left, cross Undine Road and turn immediately right through staggered railings (signed to South Quay DLR). When you reach the water turn right .to walk alongside the wharf. Swans nest on the tern raft in the dock and you may see herons. Straight ahead are the buildings of Canary Wharf. When you reach the main Millwall Outer Dock, head to the right walking with the water on your left. Moored in the dock are several Dutch barges now converted to houseboats.

[7] Go left around El Faro restaurant; turn left into Pepper Street and cross the dock at Glengall Bridge West. Carry on straight ahead along Pepper Street.
Carefully cross Millharbour and then go through the brick arch to head along the right hand pavement of Tiller Road. Turn right into Alpha Grove and then shortly afterwards left into Mellish Street.

[8] Follow Mellish Street to the junction with Westferry Road, where there is a small railed garden. Turn right along Westferry Road to return to the centre.

Original Route Developer: RH

Original Route Checker: DT

The River Lea and Bow Ecology Park

route.editor — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:28:05 +0000

Starts at Anchorage House, Clove Crescent, E14 1BY

34 minutes | 1.7miles 2.7km | Easy

ID: 96.1 | Developed by: Elizabeth Mansbridge | Checked by: Brian Hunt | www.walkingroutes.org

A peaceful walk along the River Lea and into the Bow Ecology Park. This walk goes out and comes back along the same route so you can turn around to cut it short at any point. There are plenty of benches to sit on and enjoy the view and eat lunch.

Starts at: Mulberry Place (Anchorage House), 5 Clove Crescent, London E14 1BY

Route instructions:

[1] Turn left out of Anchorage House main exit, opposite Capstan House. At the end of the colonnade, continue across the road into Saffron Avenue past the 277 bus stops, following the pedestrian sign to Royal Docks. When convenient cross to left hand side. Cross Rosemary Drive, turn left into Oregano Drive, then immediately right into Sorrel Lane. At the main road, cross by the controlled crossing, pass under the brick arch and across the next road using the controlled crossing. Continue straight ahead, going between the concrete pillars, following pedestrian signs to the River Lea walkway. Follow this path until you emerge at a quiet road with the River Lea opposite.

If you need refreshments, instead of going ahead between the pillars, turn right into the Esso garage where hot and cold snacks, sandwiches and drinks are available.

Continue on to the river and and turn left at the black railings, following the pedestrian sign to Bow Creek Ecology Park. When the path meets the main road, turn sharp right past an electricity pylon and continue to follow the signs to Bow Creek Ecology Park. This leads to a blue pedestrian bridge across the River Lea.

[2] Once across the bridge, turn right to reach the Bow Creek Ecology Park (open daylight hours).

(A) Bow Creek Ecology Park is a small open space in Newham in London, run by Lee Valley Park. It features small streams and ponds, an external classroom, footpaths, observation points and seating. it was created by the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) in 1994 after a survey identified rare and unusual plant species in the area, presumed to be carried in by shipping, such as Hairy Buttercup, Walthamstow Cress and Unreel’s Wormwood.

Follow the gravel path, pausing to read the plentiful information signs. After passing under the DLR bridge, continue straight ahead along the wooden walkway down to the large pond. At the bottom, turn left up the concrete steps to rejoin the main path. The path continues for a short stretch (shown as an alternative route on the map), to the railway bridge, where as of August 2011 it currently finishes. Future regeneration plans for the area include its extension.

[3] To return, you need to retrace your steps through the park. After leaving the park, turn left on to the blue bridge. Keep left at the main road to follow the path by the river. Pass between the large concrete blocks on the path, and before you reach the Esso garage, turn right across the road into a private car park. Cross the main roads at the controlled crossings, following signs to East India Dock. Walk back along Sorrel Lane, Oregano Drive and Saffron Avenue to reach the centre.

Notes: Originally developed by DT

Accessibility:

The route is largely flat with no steep gradients. The route to Bow Ecology Park is along pavements and tarmaced paths. The main path in the Ecology Park is firm gravel, but there are a few steps if you wish to see the small ponds.

Limehouse Basin Walk

route.editor — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:27:53 +0000

Starts at Limehouse DLR Station, E14 7JT

30 minutes | 0.8miles 1.2km | Easy Access

ID: 10.1 | Developed by: | www.walkingroutes.org

A walk from Limehouse DLR station around Limehouse Basin with an optional extension to St Anne’s Church (designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor).

Starts at: Limehouse DLR Station, Branch Road, Limehouse, London, E14 7JT

Route instructions:

Note: Limehouse DLR station has been extended and there is an additional entrance to the east of Branch Road which is not shown on this map but which is referred to in the walk description. Also the Limehouse Link is completely underground and not visible at any point during this walk.

[1] From the DLR entrance in Branch Road, walk along Branch Road with the DLR behind you and Ratcliffe Lane across the road to your right . Cross the side road with care as this is uncontrolled. Once on the other side turn immediately left towards the dock, walking between the bollards on your left and blue pillars on the right.

To the left is a brick viaduct, now used by the DLR but first opened in 1840 as part of the London and Blackwall Railway running from Fenchurch Street to Blackwall. This was one of London’s earliest railways which was unusual in that it was originally powered by eight stationary steam engines which pulled trains using up to 14 miles of hemp rope, rather than locomotives.

[2] On reaching the water, turn right.

(A) This is Limehouse Basin which was opened in 1820 as the principal entrance from the Thames to the national canal network. It was important in the supply of coal to the numerous gasworks and electricity generating stations along Regent’s Canal. There are more details on information boards around the Basin. Look out for various birds on the water.

Continue to follow the path around the Basin past the white pillars and then keeping the timber fencing on your right. Pass some modern blocks of flats with glass fronted balconies and greenery. At the end of the timber fencing, bear right and then immediately left up a gentle slope towards a glass-fronted estate agent on a prominent corner. There is a ramp which can be used to turn the next left hand corner and continue by the water.

[3] At the large metal gates on the left, fronting the water (these form the entrance to Limehouse Marina), turn right to avoid a set of steps at the next corner. Turn right alongside a channel which leads to the River Thames, just beyond the road bridge ahead. Before the road bridge, there are two pedestrian bridges across a lock. (The maximum width of these pedestrian bridges is 102cm.) Use either of these bridges to cross the water unless the lock is in use, in which case only one bridge will be open. In the unlikely event that both bridges are shut, there is no alternative route across the lock and you will need to retrace your steps to return to the school.

[4] Turn left after the bridge to continue the walk around the Basin. (No barriers between the broad path and the water). At the signpost, pass underneath a pedestrian bridge (marked 9) which is only accessible by the steps on the right. Canary Wharf and the pyramid on the top of 1 Canada Square are visible directly ahead. Immediately before the next pedestrian bridge, turn right away from the water following sign to Thames Path and up a gentle slope into a small park called Ropemakers Field.

[5] From the cross roads in the paths where a sign to the left indicates Commercial Road, there is a short (1/4 mile) optional extension to St Anne’s Church with some short cobbled stretches.

To take the extension to St Anne’s Church: carry straight on at the cross roads in the paths and take the next path on the right which leads to a gate out of Ropemakers Field. Turn immediately left towards a children’s play area to follow the path as it runs alongside the Limehouse Cut. The path (slightly uneven surface) takes you under the DLR viaduct onto a paved path which bends right to reach Newell Street. Directly opposite is St Anne’s Passage, a narrow cobbled street which ends at the west gates to St Anne’s Church. To cross Newell Street, turn left to find the drop curb and then cross diagonally to the opposite drop curb and follow the pavement around to the left and the church. The gates may look closed but are usually unlocked.

(B) St Anne’s Church was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and consecrated in 1730. A pyramid originally planned to be put atop the tower now stands in the graveyard.

You may walk in the churchyard to the left but you will need to retrace your steps (as a bollard to the right may make wheelchair passage difficult, however the other gates are not always open so you will need to return to the west gate to exit. To return to the main route, recross Newell Street and follow the path as it curves left, under the DLR viaduct turning into Ropemakers Field via the gate and continuing to the crossroads in the path.

[6] To continue on the main route, turn left (or right if you have taken the extension) following the sign to Commercial Road. This leads across the pedestrian bridge over one of the maritime exits from Limehouse Basin called Limehouse Cut.

(C) Limehouse Cut was built in 1766 to create a short cut between the River Thames and the River Lee (or Lea) and avoid having to navigate around the Isle of Dogs.

After the bridge, head towards the blue DLR viaduct, taking care as this section is partly used as a car park. Do not go under the DLR. Instead turn left towards the Limehouse Gallery.

[7 ]After passing the Gallery, a strange tower comes into view on the other side of the viaduct. This is an accumulator tower. It was built in 1869 and used to store water which provided the hydraulic power for the cranes and locks in Limehouse Basin. A board on the left provides more information.

Continue straight ahead parallel to the viaduct ignoring the broad ramp on the right but continuing to follow this road (Basin Approach) taking care as there may be occasional vehicular traffic. When the road turns right (to pass under the viaduct), our route carries straight ahead instead. Shortly, there is a ramp to the left of some steps leading down to the water. Take the ramp and turn right at the bottom to reach a pedestrian bridge. Beware the steel girders embedded in the cobbles at the beginning of the bridge.

[8] Cross the bridge (beware of cyclists). The first lock of Regent’s Canal, another waterway exit from Limehouse Basin; can be seen on the right. The path continues directly ahead after the bridge across a broad piazza. Move to the left at the far end to keep a row of bollards on the right and avoid walking in the roadway. Turn right when you reach Branch Road to Limehouse DLR station.

Route Developer: David Thompson

Route Checker: Kate Harding & Mary Pearson

Queen’s Park and River Irk Walk

route.editor — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:02:28 +0000

Starts at Sandown Hotel, Rochdale Road, Manchester.

1 hours 4 minutes | 3.0miles 4.8km | Easy

ID: 174.21 | Developed by: Holding Account | Checked by: Sara Coy | www.walkingroutes.org

A walk incorporating the green open space of Queen’s Park and part of the River Irk.

Starts at: Sandown Hotel, 745 Rochdale Road, Manchester, M9 5SB

Getting there: Start point served by bus routes 17,18,52,53,64,115, 116, 131,163

Route instructions:

[1] Leave hotel by Harpurhey entrance, turn left and walk down Harpurhey Road as it winds downhill.

[2] When you see a blue direction sign to Irk Vally Community School, Blackley and Heaton Park turn right
down a ramp/steps and at the end of the railings follow the path straight ahead beside a fishing pond. After
about 100yds turn left downhill towards the River Irk.

[3] Turn right and almost immediately left over a footbridge across the river. Turn left and follow the path
round the playing field and along the side of the community school to reach Waterloo Street.

[4] Turn left then cross Waterloo Street at the pedestrian crossing. Turn left and continue down Waterloo
Street to reach Crescent Road. Turn right and where safe and convenient, cross this road and walk uphill.

[5] When you reach a pedestrian entrance on the left, walk up the path through the wooded bank. At the
top you emerge onto a large flat grassland. Walk along a rough path directly across this space. At the far
side the track becomes stoned and wide enough for vehicles. Continue along this track keeping to the left.
Just before you reach Woodlands Road, turn left on a concrete path that follows a small valley with a
stream.

[6] At the end of the valley you emerge at Hazelbottom Road by the entrance to extensive allotments and
you turn right. Walk across this road and continue to Smedley Lane and turn left. Along Smedley Lane,
cross over when safe and turn right at the low blue gate just before the River Irk. Take the rough grass
path and follow this path keeping the river on your left.

[7] Pass under the large Queen’s Road Bridge. On the left you will find a wooden pedestrian bridge over
the Irk. Cross over and follow the path upwards and you will join Hendham Vale.

[8] Turn right as you continue along this road, then turn left and you will reach the Queen’s Road entrance
to Queen’s Park (A).

(A) Queen’s Park is a large gently steeped green space located on one of North Manchester’s main
access routes. It is a formal park with rose gardens and used mainly for walking, hosting community
festivals and events, children’s play and school ‘Nature Hunts’ which are held on a regular basis.
The park holds a very significant place in the history of Manchester’s Parks as one of the city’s two first
parks opened on the same day in 1846 (along with Philips Park).

[9] Before you exit the park via the left entrance onto Rochdale Road look at the empty plinth to your left
and turn left walking away from Manchester. You soon reach Harpurhey Road and the Sundown Hotel.

(B) After the renowned Lancastrian dialect poet, Ben Brierley, died in 1896, a memorial statue was
erected in Queen’s Park, but it has now disappeared leaving an empty plinth but a very interesting
inscription about schools/ladders.

Notes: This route is not suitable for buggies and can be wet, muddy and slippery in winter.

Acknowledgements:

Developed by: Holding Account

Checked by: Sara Coy

Original Route Developer: Dave Lees

Adapted by: Chris Wakefield

Checked by: Anne Broadbent

Rochdale Canal to Bridgewater Hall

route.editor — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:51:36 +0000

Starts at Wu Kau Tang Chinese Association, 2 Waterloo Street

25 minutes | 1.1miles 1.8km | Easy Access

ID: 174.20 | Developed by: Holding Account | Checked by: Nicky Johnson | www.walkingroutes.org

A short circular city walk, incorporating the Rochdale canal.

Starts at:
Wu Kau Tang Overseas Chinese Association, 2 Waterloo Street, Manchester M1 6HX

Route instructions:

[1] Turn left out of building towards Princess Street. Turn right onto Princess Street and follow it down to
the traffic lights.

[2] Cross Princess Street at the traffic lights and proceed back up the opposite side of the road.

[3] At Canal Street follow the path on your right down onto the canal tow path for the Rochdale Canal.
Take the path under the bridge, taking care down the steep slope and MIND YOUR HEAD! Follow the
canal path to another slope and tunnel with coloured lights. Mind your head! You are now beneath Oxford
Street right next to the Palace Theatre.

(A) The Rochdale Canal runs for 33 miles between Manchester and Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire,
UK. In Sowerby Bridge it connects with the Calder and Hebble Navigation. In Manchester it connects
with the Ashton and Bridgewater Canals. The canal was re-opened to navigation along its entire length
in July 2002 and forms part of the South Pennine Ring.

[4] Continue along the canal tow path until you reach Rain Bar on your right. At lock 89 take the foot
bridge across the canal, continue towards Rain Bar and take the 19 steps up to Great Bridgewater Street.
Look ahead and slightly left is Bridgewater Hall and Manchester Central (formally GMEX).

[5] Turn right passing Rain Bar and continue up Great Bridgewater Street, passing a green tiled pub –
Peveril of the Peak. Follow the path as is curves left. Cross the road at a wide junction and walk up
Chepstow Street. A large grey/glass building on your left.

[6] When you reach McDonalds on your right at the top of the road, turn left and cross Chepstow Street.
Follow Oxford Street up towards the Library and Theatre (large round building).

[7] Cross Oxford Street using the crossing outside “The Laundry Shop” into St. Peters Square. The Town
Hall Extension is on your left. Continue a short distance until you reach Dickenson Street and Elizabeth
House (on the corner). Turn right down Dickenson Street.

[8] With the Novotel Hotel on your left, turn left onto Portland Street. Continue until you reach the Yang
Sing Hotel and turn right, crossing over Portland Street. At the lights to walk down Princess Street. Cross
Harter Street. Turn right into Waterloo Street to return to the Wu Kau Tong Overseas Chinese Association.

Acknowledgements:

Developed by: Holding Account

Checked by: Nicky Johnson

Route Developer: JG

Philips Park Cemetery – Velodrome

route.editor — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:35:04 +0000

Starts at Grange Community Centre, Pilgrim Drive, Beswick

1 hours 31 minutes | 3.0miles 4.9km | Easy

ID: 174.19 | Developed by: Nicky Johnson | Checked by: Sara Coy | www.walkingroutes.org

A walk to the cemetery and park via the Sport City collection of venues: the athletics stadium, the tennis centre, the squash centre and the ‘City’ football stadium. The cemetery includes areas for several different denominations.

Starts at: The Grange Community Resource Centre Pilgrim Drive, Beswick Manchester, M11 3TQ

Route instructions:

Route Developer: David Lees

[1] Turn left out of the centre onto Pilgrim Drive and follow the passage to Ashton New Road. Cross at the
traffic lights, turn left and walk along until you reach Rowsley Street. Turn right and walk around the edge
of the Sport City complex, past the ‘Main Road’ pub, to turn left at a bridge just before the entrance to the
Metrolink site.

[2] Just across the bridge, turn right and walk along New Viaduct Street. At the end, turn left into Broxton
Street and then right onto Bradford Road. Continue until you reach the junction with Hulme Hall Lane.
Turn left past the large gas holder, then cross Alan Turing Way at the lights and walk towards the
cemetery.

[3] Enter Philips Park Cemetery by the main entrance.

(A) Philips Park was Manchester’s first municipal public cemetery, built in 1866. It was badly damaged
in 1872 by flooding from the River Medlock and 40-50 bodies were washed away. The site was divided
into separate areas for different denominations.

[4] The tarmac paths meander but stay to the central path, passing a second smaller entrance to the cemetery, until you reach gate posts that are inscribed “Roman Catholic entrance.” Turn right and follow the path to leave the cemetery area.

[5] Heading downhill, you will see a large sign welcoming you to ‘Bank Bridge Meadow’. Continue along
and you will soon cross a channelled river. Then walk up the hill across the meadow, veering to the right,
to reach the community allotments/orchard where you turn left into (B) Philips Park. Turn right when you
reach a series of arches and right again at the end of the arches, to exit the park on your left into
Fairclough Street.

Alternatively a walk straight across the grass from the allotments will bring you to the same place.

[6] Opposite, you can see the Velodrome (C), the National Cycling Centre. Turn right and walk down
Fairclough Street bearing left at the end into Archer Street. Walk along this short street to turn right into
Stuart Street. Turn left if you have time to look at the Velodrome.

[7] Follow Stuart Street and at the end, you will see the entrance to Philips Park on your right, by the
Ashton Canal. Turn right onto Alan Turing Way and walk downhill to cross, using the pedestrian controlled
traffic lights, and enter Sportcity Way. Walk ahead and then turn left, over the bridge, past the Manchester
Tennis Centre (D) and walk towards the City of Manchester football stadium (E), bearing left at the City
Store. Can you work out where the strange phrase ‘Pride in Battle’ comes from? For answer, see Notes
section.

[8] Walk around the stadium and exit at the far end onto Ashton New Road. Cross at the pedestrian lights
in front of Gate 8a and walk down the tarmac path, past the School of the Resurrection, to return to the
centre.

Notes:

Manchester City’s Latin motto is “Superbia in Proelio” which means “Pride in Battle”. The club motto was
adopted in 1997 to coincide with the adoption of the new club badge.

Acknowledgements:

Developed by: Nicky Johnson

Checked by: Sara Coy

Route Developer: David Lees