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Starting from Leighton Road supertram stop

[1] From the Leighton Road tram stop walk to the traffic lights on Norton Avenue.

This crossing involves a traffic island so a large group may need to split into two smaller groups to cross.

After crossing Norton Avenue dual carriageway turn right and within a short distance you have Bowman Drive on your left. Turn left into Bowman Drive and cross over to the right hand pavement.

You are now entering Charnock Hall estate. It was started in 1937 but building stopped during the war years. The estate was completed in the 1940s and 50s. Its southern edge borders onto open fields and woods whilst to the west lies the now derelict Norton airfield, an important wartime base.

[2] Continue along Bowman Drive ignoring roads to the left or right.

As the road curves you have the opportunity for a short detour that may appeal to children. There is a narrow lane on your right between houses 84 and 86 marked by a ‘No Overnight Parking’ sign, follow this lane for a very short distance up to the gates.

This lane is used by local football teams to reach the pitches behind the houses. Once through the gates follow the firm but stony path for a short distance as it curves to the right. You will come across a small skateboard park and an open grassy area. However please note that if the vehicular gate is closed, the pedestrian gate may be a tight squeeze for pushchairs. Walk back the short distance to Bowman Drive, turning right upon reaching the road.

Continue along Bowman Drive until it runs into Charnock Dale Road, carry on down for some distance ignoring all left and right side streets.

 [3] Eventually you reach a small parade of shops on your left. Continue round the bend past the school sign and shortly just before Charnock Hall Primary School turn right down Carter Hall Lane and almost immediately you will see to your right a children’s playground and a large open public space. This playground is well maintained and also has seats and picnic tables, from there, there are excellent views of open countryside.

Retrace your steps back to Charnock Dale Road. Turn right and a short distance further on turn right down the road leading past the main entrance to Charnock Hall Primary School on Carterhall Road.

Once past the school cross the road and then continue along it for a short distance before turning left along Charnock Drive. Continue to the end of the road and then cross over Charnock Hall Road, ahead. Turn right and continue the short distance to the end of the road where it meets White Lane.

[4] Turn left to walk along White Lane, shortly reaching a busy shopping area. This area can be busy as it is the junction of major roads and tram routes. It is best to keep to the left hand pavement. If you wish to visit the shops or the 100 year old Red Lion pub, with its outdoor seating area, you will need to use the various traffic light controlled crossings.

Continue past the St Luke Hospice shop and turn left at the post office along Briarfield Road. Although the pavement is wide unfortunately, there may be vehicles parked illegally on the pavement as drivers visit the Post Office and other shops.
Continue straight up the slightly raised Briarfield Road. At the top of the walk along the short passageway and upon reaching a road, cross it and then turn right towards the dual carriageway.

[5] Upon reaching the Norton Avenue dual carriageway turn left, heading for the second set of pedestrian controlled traffic lights. Using the second set of lights means you avoid crossing the busy side road by the Cutler pub. Also this second set of lights is the one used at the beginning of the walk.
Cross the dual carriageway, taking care and return to the Leighton Road tram stop.