1. For this survey of 'Nessho three' I walked from Neston to Shotton. These are the steps down from the northbound platform in Neston (heading for Bidston/Liverpool). A step-free path is also available (next photo). 0 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
2. This is the step-free route down from the north-bound platfom at Neston. 0 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
3. This is the underpass to reach the southbound (towards Wrexham) platform. The step-free route requires leaving this car park and following the main road around to the car park on the other side of the station. 0 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
4. These are the steps (5) down from the pedestrian path through the station car park down to the road. There is also a bus stop here. 0 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
5. The route starts on pavements along side roads, with standard dropped kerb crossings ahead. 0 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
6. When the road from the station meets the high street, the pavement becomes wider and partially paved with stones. 0.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
7. Further down the main street, there is a separated crossing paved with bricks. The kerbs are dropped and lined with faded yellow tactile pavers. 0.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
8. The path alonside the church is formed with red asphalt which is breaking up in places, exposing grey gravel underneath. There is also organic matter from the trees. 0.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
9. The organic matter is particularly noticeable as you round the final corner of the path around the graveyard. 0.4 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
10. The end of the path round the graveyard is guarded by an 'A' frame cycle gate. This one is 47cm wide at the top. 0.4 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
11. The route along the back of the churchyard is on a local minor road, with no pavement. 0.4 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
12. The route turns right along a gravel path. As both this road and the gravel path lead to cycle and walking routes, traffic can be quite busy at this point. 0.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
13. This is a better shot of the gravel path, with the gate up ahead. 0.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
14. This gate appears to be permanently open, with a gap of ~96.5 cm between it and the hedge. The main path running left to right is part of the Wirral Way hiking trail, and a major cycle route, so look both ways before crossing. We are heading for the gate just behind the litter bin in the distance. 0.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
15. This is our first kissing gate, and the entrance to our first field section. 0.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
16. This photo shows the path quality of the first field, just past the kissing gate. There are multiple footpaths criss-crossing these fields, but they all seem to be of hard-baked mud in low grass. We need to keep to the right-hand path. 0.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
17. The path sections between the fields tend to be more barren, and potentially more muddy after a rainfall. The ground is also more uneven. 0.7 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
18. The path fades a bit in places, but you can see the gap in the hedge ahead just left of centre. 0.7 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
19. This is the kissing gate at the end of the last field. Judging by the yellow arrows, the path runs in both directions, but we go left. We are now entering a horse paddock. 0.9 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
20. The path now is mostly mud with a lot of small loose gravel on top. 0.7 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
21. The path is wide and clear, although clods of dirt from the horses' shoes are common. 0.9 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
22. There are two kissing gates within the paddock, with accompanying field gates swung wide open on this occasion. It is not clear if this first field gate can be/is sometimes shut. 1 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
23. Open gate and walking direction sign on post. 1 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
24. Second kissing/field gate pair. These both had white signs on them stating the gates should not be locked as it prevents the horses from reaching their water source, but if they needed to put signs up I have to assume the gates are sometimes shut... 1.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
25. Very muddy section just beyond the gates of the last photo. No easy way around it. 1.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
26. At the end of the horse paddock the path narrows as it passes between two hedges. The path is about 35cm wide here, and a little squidgy due to the shade. The steps and kissing gate out of the paddock are just visible in the distance. 1.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
27. These stone steps are the main route out of the paddock (based on what I observed people using). A kissing gate is available just to the right. 1.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
28. Kissing gate out of the paddock, and route indicator arrows. 1.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
29. The path through the marshland is clear, but changes along the route. I believe this section is the part that may flood during spring high tide, but as you can see, no difficulties on this day. Close to the gate in the last photo the path is hard-packed dried mud, although up ahead there is a more squidgy patch. 1.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
30. Further along we find concrete with a gravelly surface. There is also the occasional brick in the mix. 1.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
31. Back to packed mud with dried organic matter on top. 1.7 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
32. And finally packed mud with loose gravel towards the exit from this section of the path. The path is wider and more uneven in height across its width. 2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
33. This is the exit from the marshland section of the route. As far as I can tell, the vehicle gate is not unlockable by the general public. Most people stepped over the large stone next to the cars (by the bin, between two concrete pillars), while I went via the 'A' frame cycle gate at the left (37cm wide at the top). I didn't measure the gap between the gate and the short fence as that's not an official exit. Note that we now enter an on-road section. It is part of the (popular) 568 cycle path between Shotton and Neston, while I met only a single (moving) car on this section. The white building straight ahead is the Harp Inn, the first refreshment option on the route. There are benches and picnic tables outside it, but as they appear to belong to the pub I did not include them in the survey. 2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
34. A bit further down the road (past a gravel car park, on right) the road becomes private access before becoming a formal public footpath/cycleway (note the blue sign ahead). Small speed humps like the one in this photo are found at regular intervals along the cycle path, but unlike this one they cannot be sidestepped. Plenty of walkers and cyclists on this stretch; it's clearly very popular with locals. 2.4 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
35. This is the entrance onto the cycleway. There are 'slalom' style gates ahead. The path is asphalt. There is an additional grass footpath off to the left (green walker sign, middle of view) which heads into Little Neston. 2.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
36. This gate appears to be missing the section that would close off access, but as the black sticker to the left (which looks fairly recent) says 'please close the gate' I have include it in the survey. 2.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
37. Bench for taking in the views across the Dee. 2.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
38. Towards the middle of the cycle path is a wider brick section for overtaking. Just beyond it is another bench (next photo). 3.1 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
39. Bench just beyond the brick section (last photo). 3.1 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
40. The last third of the cycle route is a private access road. I only met a single moving car while on this section. There is also a cafe (well used) at the 3.5km mark (about half way between the last photo and this one). 3.9 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
41. For the next few km we are back on public roads without pavements. Here is a particularly comfy bench, shortly after we join the road. 4 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
42. After a short while the road bends off to the left, which is the direction we will be travelling (sign towards Burton village). In the middle of the bend is this set of gates, which protect the cycle path down to Shotton/Deeside industrial estate. Nearly all the cyclists went this way, leaving the road much quieter. If you wish to avoid the on-road and field sections which follow, following this cycle path will shortcut them. The red flag and 'Danger' sign (which can be found at regular intervals along the cycle path) indicate Sealand Rifle Range is in use (intermittent pop-pop and thump noises could be heard). 4.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
43. We continue along the road to Burton village. Hi-vis and alternating sides of the road to maintain sight lines around tight bends is recommended. I encountered some vehicular traffic and a few cyclists. The speed limit drops to 30 just before you enter the village. 5.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
44. The road emerges on a downhill bend for traffic coming from the left, making it hard to see if it is safe to cross the road. There is no pavement either side, but for those able to go up a small step onto the verge on the right, there is a well-worn path that is clearly the most popular option for pedestrians. You then continue on the right side of the road, on and off the verge, until a pavement appears around the far bend. 5.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
45. As you enter the centre of the village a pavement of sorts appears. However, between this unhelpfully placed light pole and the cars parked on the kerb, many people chose to walk in the road for some or all of this section. The pavement also alternates sides further up the road. 5.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
46. The route out of Burton village is a tad confusing unless you have a very high magnification maps, as there are two junctions with The Rake on the left, both with what appear to be pedestrian paths to the right. The first junction (not shown) is across from a college, and is not the right option. The second junction (this one), is the right option (off to the right and next photo). Note the remains of the pavement on this side of the road. The library in a bus stop is just behind this shot, on the right (there was someone in it, so I couldn't take a photo). 5.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
47. The route continues down Puddington Ln, which again has no pavement. For some of its length it is a 20mph zone due to the school. As you can see, walkers are common on this section. 5.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
48. Outside the school is a short section of pavement with dropped kerbs. 6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
49. Just beyond the school we return to road walking. Note the 20mph sign. 6.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
50. Just past the bend in the last shot, the speed limit rises to 60mph, although no-one I saw was doing anything like that. Hi-vis still a good idea, though. Off to the right is Burton Mere RSPB, with toilets, a cafe and walking trails (entrance fee). 6.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
51. As you approach Puddington the road continues to the left, while our path follows a pedestrian route along Orchard Ln to the right. See details in the next 3 photos. 6.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
52. Pedestrian access is via a flight of 3 steps (either side), to the left of the gate. There is no handrail. 6.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
53. Wheeled access may be possible over this cattle grid. It is unclear if these gates are ever closed/locked. The pedestrian path rejoins the road just past the left-hand gate. The road is mostly packed mud with a bit of loose small gravel. 6.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
54. If neither option onto Orchard Ln is appropriate for you, you can continue on the main road (Puddington Ln) into the village, and rejoin the route at Earles Way (just past the common). 6.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
55. Following the route up Orchard Ln we reach a farmyard with two kissing gates. This is the first one, although clearly many people go around it, judging by the secondary path to the left. The next gate is straight across the yard, in the green patch top right. This farm is for arable crops (judging by the surrounding fields), so you should not encounter any animals, but there may be mud clods (middle right of photo) and/or farm equipment moving around. 7 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
56. This is the kissing gate out of the farmyard. There is no obvious alternative to this gate. 7.1 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
57. If travelling from Shotton towards Neston, the signposting gets harder to spot on this section. Note the green walker sign hiding in the tree next to the two more obvious 'private drive' signs. The route continues just behind the Mini in the distance. 7.1 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
58. The route continues along a grassy path between houses on the left and a paddock/pasture on the right. The grass grows quite high on either side, and the gap between can be as narrow as 28cm, although grass can at least move out the way. The next photo was taken just as the path disappears in the distance. 7.1 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
59. As the path winds around someone's back garden, this tree branch hangs very low over the path. Clearance is about 1.6m (just over 5' in old money), so be prepared to duck. The path has also change from grass to mud covered with organic matter. 7.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
60. As the path emerges onto a back lane, these two roots emerge from the path, potentially presenting a trip hazard. 7.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
61. The end of the mud path onto a gravel side road (we go left here). Roots in the last photo just visible at the bottom of this photo. 7.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
62. This side road (Earles Way) is a mix of asphalt (breaking up in places) and loose gravel. The middle asphalt section is mostly level, although there's a fair bit of camber on the side gravel strips. We go right at the junction. 7.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
63. Junction of Earls Way (to the right) and the main road (we continue forwards towards Shotton). We are back on pavement for the next stretch. For those travelling from Shotton, look out for the Earls Way road sign (bottom right; not pictured) and the green walker sign - it's easy to miss the turning amidst the driveways. 7.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
64. We do briefly have to leave the pavement as we pass a private drive to Puddington Hall (also leads to a B&B), but it continues on the far side. To the left is a disused bus stop with a nice bench (see next photo). 7.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
65. A very pretty bus stop. 7.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
66. When the pavement runs out, turn right onto Chapel House Ln. 7.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
67. We are back to road-walking, although as this is a dead-end road I didn't meet a single (moving) car. 7.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
68. Part way down the road are a couple of benches. They appear to belong to the care home behing (brown brick buildings), but I didn't see any signs saying they were private. The white building to the left is another cafe. 7.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
69. Past the cafe we lose any route signage. We continue straight ahead onto Chapel House Ln south. We are still on the road. 7.9 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
70. At the end of the paved road it turns into a gravel track onto a farm (off to the left of this photo). We turn right onto a horse farm, following the green walker sign to the left of this gate. There is a relatively hard-packed route for pedestrians between the gate and the walker sign, and a much muddier path with horseshoe prints between the sign and the tree. Although this is a horse farm (to the left), I did not see any actual horses. 8.1 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
71. Follow the concrete path beyond the gate in the last photo until it turns right behind a fence, and you see an obvious path in the grass to your right (this photo). We are now entering arable farmland, with a well-marked route across it. 8.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
72. At the bottom of the last field, we enter the next one, with a sign clearly pointing out our direction of travel across the field. 8.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
73. The path expands and contracts in width across the field, but is hard-baked mud for most of the way. To our left (out of view) is a private fishing lake. 8.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
74. As we reach the far side of the field we turn right. Judging by the location of the direction post relative to the path, there may be some slight relocation of the path year-to-year, depending on the farmer's plowing. We are now joining the tractor track around the edge of the field. Being in the shade, the ground is a bit moister and more uneven from the tractor tyre treads. 8.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
75. At the end of this field we turn left through the gate in the hedge. Note the tractor divets in the ground as it turns right. Also note the 'danger' sign regarding the firing range in the fields in the distance. 8.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
76. Exiting the field involves passing through 2 gates. The first is a kissing gate, with very muddy ground inside it. 8.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
77. The second, just beyond it, is a standard gate with no latch (push away from you to open). We turn right to continue around the next field, following the arrow. 8.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
78. The path between the last field and the next one has been chewed up by tractor tyres, and is holding water several days after the last rain. It is possible to tip-toe past the puddle on the left, however. Aim straight ahead, between the two trees. 9 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
79. The route markers disappear in this field, and you have to spot the grassy path out of the field between the trees, rather than follow the tractor routes into adjoining fields. Be very careful on this section - the ground was so sodden it was springy (boggy), with my feet starting to sink into the mud water collecting in channels alond either side. Probably the hardest 100m section of the entire walk. May want to consider wellies. We exit the path in front of the farm building in the distance. 9.1 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
80. The boggy path emerges onto a muddy tractor path, which leads to the farmyard. Coming from the other direction, there is a green walker sign (off left, next photo) pointing you towards the boggy section, but there are no signs to indicate the route in this direction. The gate closes to the left, but judging by the path through the grass to the right of it, it is normally left open. 9.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
81. Green walker sign above the gate in the last photo, pointing towards the boggy section. 9.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
82. These farm buildings belong to a dairy. Although all the cows appeared to be contained in a shed off to the left of this shot when I visited, it is possible you may encounter them in the yard. However, the more obvious problem is the rutted and muddy tractor track out of the yard, which we will be following (note the green walker sign attached to the barn ahead). 9.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
83. The tractor road isn't too bad where it's sunny, but large mud patches have developed in low-lying areas such as this bend. The mud is full of large stones, brick fragments, etc., using which you can pick your way through the mud with caution. Note the green walker sign on the power pole straight ahead. 9.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
84. The muddy bend of the last shot is at the back of this one. The tractor path emerges onto an asphalt road that is not well maintained (see next photo). For those travelling from Shotton, note the lack of any signage suggesting this is a public right of way. The first indication is the green walker sign on the power pole straight ahead, in the bend (last photo). These gates appear to be permanently open, but there does appear to be a smaller one for foot traffic (left) as well as a larger one for vehicles (right), should they be closed when you visit. 9.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
85. The road from the farm down to the village of Shotwick is technically paved, but has definitely seen better days. Muddy, rutted on both sides and some very nasty potholes filled with water. The middle of the road is passable for most, however. 9.4 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
86. The road through the village is in better condition, though there is no pavement. I didn't meet a single moving vehicle in the village, however. 9.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
87. At the end of the village by the church we return to farm tracks. There is a green 'restricted byway' sign just out of shot to the right of this photo, pointing towards the track. The metal gate looked like it was normally open, but there is a pedestrian swing gate to the right as well. The path is mostly hard mud with varying amounts of loose gravel. 9.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
88. The route from the church to Deeside industrial estate is entirely on a tractor route around fields. It is mostly hard-packed mud and gravel with varying amounts of grass in the middle, but shady areas are prone to trapping water in the tractor ruts. This patch was by far the worst section of this path, and required tip-toeing along the hedge to the right (which was still slippy) to get past. 9.7 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
89. We are back on pavement now for the rest of the route. Ahead of us on the left is a green arrow sign with a horse rider on it, pointing towards the way we just came from (indicates a bridleway). Running across this view against the trees is the cycle path towards Woodbank. 10.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
90. The route heads under Shotwick Rd via an underpass. The pavement continues the whole way. The road is particularly steep on the exit from the underpass travelling in this direction (it is slightly less steep travelling uphill towards us). To the right (red pavement) is a one-way cycle path leading off Shotwick Rd. 10.7 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
91. The road from the farm emerges onto the Deeside industrial estate at Drom Rd. The pavement on the right is a shared pedestrian/cycle path, although all the cyclists I saw used the road (it was a weekend, however; the estate has lots of traffic including lorries during the week). Staying on this side of the road is recommended as the pavement on the left ends at the next junction (no dropped kerb at that point either). 10.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
92. Continuing down Drome Rd we reach a roundabout. I only noticed when writing up this survey that the indicated route is to go straight ahead at this junction and then turn left up a side road. However, the walking/cycle path continues around to the left, which is the route I took and suggest you do as well (see next photo). 11.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
93. This is the view just beyond the roundabout in the last photo. The cycleway/footpath crosses the road via dropped kerbs and continues round to the left. The official route indicates we should continue along this road and turn left at the junction in front of the red building (ahead). However, there is no pavement if we take that route, which means walking on a road that is normally full of lorries and works vehicles. 11.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
94. Following the main road around the estate (Welsh Rd) we find what I thought was another disused bus shelter with a bench that may be useful as a resting point. Checking online, it turns out there are hourly bus services on weekdays to Garden City and Ellesmere Port. I believe this is the only active bus stop on the route outside the two end towns. 11.5 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
95. The route turns off the Welsh Rd and onto the Millennium Greenway cycle/walking path for the rest of the journey. 11.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
96. To the left is the path back towards Chester via Blacon. We continue forwards towards Shotton. The path is mostly flat along this stretch. 11.9 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
97. There are benches at regular intervals along the entire Greenway. 12.8 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
98. As we approach Hawarden Bridge the route indicates we should follow a public access path around a field, then rejoin the Greenway. This view is of the entrance to that path, via a dismantled stile (there is a complete stile opposite it). You are welcome to travel this way (I've attempted to document it from a distance in the following photos), but I chose to stay on the Greenway instead. 13.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
99. Here (from left to right) are the path into the field, the Greenway towards Shotton, and the Greenway towards Neston. 13.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
100. Another bench on the Greenway, just after the last photo. The offical path runs around the back side of the field in the distance. 13.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
101. As we reach the end of the field we can see the gate at the end of the public access path. 14.1 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
102. The public access path rejoins the Greenway through the car park of an auction house. Looking through the fence next to the Greenway, the public access path follows the driveway from the left, then takes the footpath ahead. If you have stayed on the Greenway, it takes a sharp uphill leg from here towards Hawarden Bridge station (photo 105). 14.3 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
103. The footpath rejoins the Greenway via a steep flight of steps and a kissing gate. Ahead to the right in this view is the Wales Coastal Path along the Dee River (see the Shoche route). To the left is the route up to the Greenway. 14.4 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
104. The ramp up from the steps in the last photo is on the left in this view. If you have stayed on the Greenway, we have climbed up to this point from behind the camera. Either way, we continue ahead across the bridge on a path made from wood slats. Hawarden Bridge station is on the right. 14.4 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
105. The route down from the bridge is via a metal ramp with an anti-slip surface. 14.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
106. At the bottom of the ramp is an 'A' frame cycle gate, which is only 28cm wide at the top. The gap between the wooden fence post and the wire fence is 79cm, however, and this is the path most people took while I was there. The path off the right is the cycle path towards Connah's Quay and Flint. We continue ahead and to the right, towards the red fence and blue sign. 14.6 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
107. The route to Shotton station passes through another 'A' frame cycle gate, which is also only 28cm wide at the top. It is the only way to access the path to the station. There is another a footpath to the left of this gate, but based on Streetview images the exit from the path onto Rowley's Dr also has the same gate, so it is not a suitable alternative. 14.7 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
108. The path to Shotton station is slightly uphill and partially covered in organic debris. 14.9 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
109. The path emerges onto Platform 1 at Shotton (low level) station. Platforms 1 and 2 are on the North Wales Coast line between Holyhead and Chester/Manchester. The only way out of the station is via this set of stairs towards the high level station (the gate to the left of these stairs leads into Dee Park, whose only access to town is also via a footbridge with stairs). 14.9 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
110. The bridge and path towards Shotton (high level) station (platforms 3 and 4 are for the Borderlands line between Wrexham and Bidston/Liverpool). 15.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
111. There is a step-free route down from both platforms at the high level station (this is the view from platform 3/towards Bidston). Both have cycle gates at street level. The only way to change between platforms 3 & 4 is at street level. 15.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024
112. These are the cycle gates at the bottom of the ramp down from Platform 3 (Shotton high level station). The ramp off to the right leads to a public car park. At the foot of the ramp you can see tables outside the pub where the route officially ends. There is a bus stop towards Chester about 70m to the right along the road in front of you (this side of the road). The nearest bus stop towards Connah's Quay and Holywell is on the far side of the road, about 230m to the left. 15.2 km from start — 28 Apr 2024