This is a fairly long flat walk from Irlam to Worsley suitable for walkers but due to some sections not so for cyclists Starting at Irlam railway station which is a sight in itself! Like a step back in time to a bygone era of stations and locomotives. The walk takes you towards Irlam town centre before turning left at St Teresa Church onto Astley road. The road continues on over the M62 motorway onwards to farm land for quite a distance. Passing a farm that grows turf onwards along a very straight road which looks maintained privately. At four lane ends there is an interesting farm with various memorabilia and architectural salvage before turning right. The lane continues a long way between farm land until you pass over the M62 towards Manchester City Airport formerly known as Barton airport. The route turns left off the lane onto a path which is overgrown in places near the airport before joining a footpath. Towards Patricroft and alongside the canal before reaching the looplines walk from Monton. This section of the looplines is very pleasant and frequently used by people of all ages. Turning towards Worsley Woods and through past the dam to Mill Brow with its postcard like cottages. You will pass the Delph with it’s interesting history of the Bridgewater canal before ending at St Marks church...

Anthony Aldred

From Irlam station, we have a choice: following the pavement down to the main road; or along a stone and earth footpath through Station Park and its history and art installations, although this does involve steps. After a couple of turns, we join another footpath: an unpaved track running to a farm; a turning onto a earth (and mud) path; then, once through a gate, across a field and onto a long footpath running alongside the railway embankment. A few turns, and down a back alley, we cross the road and join an earth footpath running past Flixton station....

Hiking Historian

Unfortunately not possible in its current state; the former track that runs alongside the Manchester Ship Canal and the railway is no longer accessible from Irlam Lock, and apparently hasn't for a year or two. There's a fence and a locked gate next to a new generator building, so it may never open again....

Hiking Historian

Unfortunately not possible in its current state; the former track that runs alongside the Manchester Ship Canal and the railway is no longer accessible from Irlam Lock, and apparently hasn't for a year or two. There's a fence and a locked gate next to a new generator building, so it may never open again....

Hiking Historian

Once over the fields, another unpaved road into Glazebrook, before we take another footpath and footbridge into Cadishead. A good mix of road and rural footpaths, and utilising the one good crossing of the Manchester Ship Canal; but, due to terrain and the odd stile, very much foot-only....

Hiking Historian

Once over the fields, another unpaved road into Glazebrook, before we take another footpath and footbridge into Cadishead. A good mix of road and rural footpaths, and utilising the one good crossing of the Manchester Ship Canal; but, due to terrain and the odd stile, very much foot-only....

Hiking Historian

I'll go into more detail about the route when I post an alternative, but this one fails at the last hurdle: the last section, along or alongside an old railway embankment, is impossible, as it is sealed at the end on the main road into Irlam....

Hiking Historian