Burpar two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

This was an enjoyable route. Mike Nolan’s review gives excellent accessibility information – note that completely step-free access at the Burscough end is only possible during the daytime. There are one or two very low curbs to negotiate along the towpath too.
Also note that there is a pavement route from the Burscough Junction Station heading south east on Junction Lane, then east along the busy A5209. This is nearly a mile shorter, but less pleasant! The plotted route passes the old flour mill and its owner’s mansion, both now converted to apartments.
Other history along the route includes several wartime pill boxes on the other side of the canal, as well as several aqueducts over rivers and lanes. Parbold Cabin signal box, at the end point, is also interesting. According to Community Rail Lancashire “The adjacent cabin is a Type 9 Saxby & Farmer box from 1877 and is grade 2 listed. The Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway uniquely referred to their signal boxes as cabins and Parbold
Cabin is the only one still to carry such a name board.”
As well as stations, shops and pubs at both ends of the route, there is the Ring o Bells pub towards the middle, and a bench a bit further along.

Burpar Two is an excellent SlowWay for cyclists*

This is a predominantly flat route following the Leeds & Liverpool canal, and is made up of a variety of surfaces - tarmac, loose stone, cobble and unmade (often becoming muddy after rainfall). There are also a number of "anti-vehicle" access gates which need to be navigated, which unfortunately means it is likely to be inaccessible to wheelchair users.

With train stations at either end, it's possible for the weary walker/cyclist to return to their starting location by train (cycles carried free of charge.)

* possibly excluding those on road bikes.

Route is very common route for locals in this area wanting to walk between Burscough and Parbold. Limited on road walking and all of that on quiet roads. Canal predominantly good route though some patches that can get narrow or muddy.

Starting from Burscough Junction railway station, pass through the modal filter into Ainscough Drive and Mill Lane. As you cross the canal there are steps down to the towpath but stair free access is available through the Wharf (note that the gates are usually shut at night). Alternative access to the canal is via a kissing gate on Victoria Street or a few steps up from the car park on Stanley Court.

A short section of cobbles leads to a well maintained gravel path which is popular with walkers and cyclists. At Top Locks (the start of the Rufford branch of the Leeds-Liverpool) you'll find the Ship Inn with the Ring O Bells (currently undergoing renovation) a little further along.

After this point the towpath is grass and prone to rutting and muddy puddles following rain. It's much quieter along this section until reaching Parbold.

At the Windmill, turn left into the road and continue to the level crossing at the railway station.

There are shops close to the Wharf in Burscough Bridge and a short distance past the station in Parbold. Both villages have a variety of pubs, cafes and takeaways.

The whole route is suitable for cycles and reasonably wheelchair accessible if you're okay with cobbles and slightly rutted paths.

Route is a great canalside wander through a peaceful countryside stretch. Amenities at both ends of this just over hour-long jaunt.

Towpath can be muddy at times, but the route throughout is suitable for foot, bicycles and most wheelchairs.

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