Burscough Walk
Main Walk = 11miles/17.5km. Short Walk = 4.3miles/7km
This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Lancashire County Council 100023320 2004
Directions
A. At Platts Lane Lakes follow the pathway around the site passing a small pond on your left, continue over a small bridge and walk around a large fishing lake to the south east corner. Follow the waymarkers out of the site and follow the Public Footpath across Chapel Lane. Follow footpath 73 to Flax Lane.
B. Turn left off Briars Lane onto Wheat Lane. Walk across the wooden swingbridge and take an immediate left following the canal to Top Locks.
1. For the Long Route (Total distance 17.5 km-11miles).
At Top Locks fork right passing the Ship Inn on your right-hand side. Walk straight on.
2. For the Shorter Route (Total distance 7km-4.3miles).
Do not fork right. Walk straight along the side of the Canal reaching the Lathom Slipway Pub after approximately 2.2km (1.4miles).
Turn left at the public house. Walk straight on, taking the second public footpath on the left. Continue directions at I.
C. After walking on the canal for approximately 3.2km (2miles), turn left over a swingbridge and carefully cross the A59. Walk on the right, taking the public footpath to the left at the base of Dam Brook Bridge.
D. Cross over Brick Kiln Lane and take the public footpath to the left of the bridge.
E. After carefully following the footpath across the cricket ground enter Mere Sands Wood through the Kissing Gate. (Please ensure that dogs are on leads). Follow the public footpath to the right. Carefully cross the Car Park and follow the public footpath that exits the site at its North West Corner.
NOTE. Toilet facilities are available at the Visitor Centre. Please leave a donation in the collection box, in return for use.
F. carefully cross Holmeswood Road and walk to the left. After 600 metres (650 yards) turn left down Sandy Way. Walk straight on and where the road turns to the left, walk straight on across a bridge over a ditch. Walk right across another bridge. Turn Left. Walk straight on to a stile and follow the line of the public footpath to a farm track. Turn right following Public footpath 133 to the road.
G. Walk down Marsh Moss Lane taking the second public footpath on the left. Walk straight on towards Monks Farm and approximately 20 metres (22 yards) before the barn turn right. Follow the public footpath across the railway line and eventually reach the canal.
H. Turn left at the canal and walk to the next bridge. Leave the canal via the bridge. Turn right, following the path past the Lathom Slipway Pub, on your left. Walk straight on and take the second public footpath on your left.
I. On reaching Higgins Lane, turn left and take the first public footpath on the right. Walk straight on following the public footpath towards the A5209.
J. Turn left, walk straight on for 400 metres (440 yards). Carefully cross the road and walk up Platts Lane for a distance of 400m (440 yards). Platts Lane Lakes are on your left.
MERE SANDS WOOD NATURE RESERVE
Mere Sands wood Nature Reserve is owned and managed by the lancashire Wildlife Trust and is a wildlife rich haven in the heart of agricultural West Lancashire. The reserve covers 42 hectares (105 acres) and is made up of lakes, heaths mature broadleaf and conifer woodland, the latter supporting a population of Red Squirrels, the most notable of over 17 species of mammals that use the site. The management of the reserve is designed not only to encourage wildlife but to provide facilities for people to visit and enjoy seeing the plants and animals. For further information telephone (01704 821809).
THE LEEDS LIVERPOOL CANAL
John Longbottom surveyed the line of the Burscough Branch of the leeds-Liverpool Canal in 1767. This section, traditionally known as the "Longbottom Line" began construction in 1770 and the canal was completed in its entirety by 1816. The annual transportation of over 250,000 tonnes of coal by 1820 emphasizes the importance of canals as transport and communications networks in a period of rapid industrial development. The modern day canal is much quieter, a place of peace and tranquility, appreciated as a recreational facility and a wildlife haven.
MARTIN MERE
Martin Mere, once the largest lake in Lancashire, is nowadays, one of the 8 National Centres managed by the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust. Sir Peter Scott, artist and son of the illustrious "Scott of the Antarctic" saw the chance of developing this site into a marvelous sanctuary for wildlife, nowadays supporting over 132 different kinds of wildfowl. Since its opening to the public in 1975, Martin mere as a marshland reserve continues to be a popular educational site and a great day out. For further details including admission prices, telephone (01704) 895181.
PLATTS LANE LAKES
Fishing for all the family is one of the attractions of Platts Lane Lakes, either by rod and line in the well stocked main lake, or with net in the nearby pond. The reeds and flowers around the pond often hide frogs, water beetles and dragonflies. Kestrels can regularly be seen hovering over the long meadow grasses in search of prey. A small picnic area helps to make a pleasant day out for everyone.
BASKET MAKERS OR OSIERS
Basket making in Burscough was a forerunner to the textile industries. Basketry as an art form in itself, ha been traditionally handed down through families and although only a small domestic industry it held a great deal of importance within the Burscough Community. Schoolboys were often employed by the Osiers to pick willows. The industry steadily progressed through time and by the late 19th century 10 family industries dominated the Burscough market. Basketry still continues to this day in Burscough, however, on a somewhat smaller scale, a result of the development of the plastics industry.
PLEASE FOLLOW THE COUNTRY CODE. THANK YOU.