Progress towards triple-checked route options for Kirkby’s seven Slow Ways: 36%
Help connect Kirkby
Many Slow Ways have several route options. Some will be better than others, or good for different reasons.
Our goal is for each Slow Way to have at least one route that is verified and surveyed. To be verified – and get its snail badge – a route needs at least three positive reviews.
Give a hike and help get a for every one of Kirkby’s Slow Ways.
Walk to Kirkby from further afield
Slow Way | Route | To do | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bootle—Kirkby
|
Bookir one |
|
U U |
|
Pioneer me | Distance 10km/6mi | Ascent 67m | Descent 57m | ||
Kirkby—Eccleston
|
Kirecc one |
|
|
U U |
|
Double check | Distance 10km/6mi | Ascent 53m | Descent 38m | |
Kirkby—Prescot
|
Kirkpre one |
|
U U |
|
Pioneer me | Distance 11km/7mi | Ascent 92m | Descent 36m | ||
Kirkby—Rainford
|
Kirkrai one |
|
U U |
|
Pioneer me | Distance 12km/7mi | Ascent 63m | Descent 45m | ||
Litherland—Kirkby
|
Litkir one |
|
U U |
|
Pioneer me | Distance 13km/8mi | Ascent 64m | Descent 48m | ||
Litherland—Kirkby
|
Litkir two |
|
U U |
|
Pioneer me | Distance 12km/8mi | Ascent 55m | Descent 39m | ||
Maghull—Kirkby
|
Magkir one |
|
|
U U |
|
Double check | Distance 7km/4mi | Ascent 29m | Descent 28m | |
Maghull—Kirkby
|
Magkir two |
|
U U |
|
Review me | Distance 7km/4mi | Ascent 40m | Descent 37m | ||
Walton—Kirkby
|
Walkir one |
|
|
U U |
|
Double check | Distance 11km/7mi | Ascent 64m | Descent 49m | |
Walton—Kirkby
|
Walkir two |
|
U U |
|
Pioneer me | Distance 10km/6mi | Ascent 57m | Descent 73m | ||
Walton—Kirkby
|
Walkir three |
|
U U |
|
Pioneer me | Distance 9km/5mi | Ascent 53m | Descent 69m | ||
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Walton—Kirkby
|
Walkir four |
|
2 X |
|
Verify me | Distance 11km/7mi | Ascent - | Descent - |
Collective progress
38% of Kirkby’s routes are drawn, reviewed, surveyed and/or verified
12/12
5/12
1/12
0/12
2 people have contributed to Kirkby’s Slow Ways
0 people have pledged to walk and review a route
1 people have surveyed a route in Kirkby
45km out of 122km have been walked and reviewed
55km of reviews have been shared in Kirkby
Latest Updates
First, the route through Walton Hall Park has a massive diversion around the bowling greens and along the path that runs adjacent to the housing estate; this is unnecessary, and I recommend just going straight along the main path through the park. Secondly, the exit from the canal onto the bridge at Spencer's Lane isn't as straightforward as the map claims. These small quibbles have been corrected on WALKIR Four; route Two offers a slightly amended ending....
Hiking Historian
The left right next to Aintree racecourse is a dead end, the right hand (and better path) takes you to Aintree Lane south of a swing bridge, which you may like to do. Crossing the road at the swing bridge the path continues along the Liverpool to Leeds canal until a left turn before a bridge (the steepest part at 12%) the right onto the road, suburban road to Kirkby station (cat + coffee!), then a wide pavement to Kirkby Bus Station and shopping precinct....
Strider
A good walk but...several small mapping errors, any one of which would not warrant a new route, but all together make navigation difficult. More accurate Walkir2 coming soon....
Strider
This route is not feasible: the entire Patten's Walk section is on private farm roads on the Knowsley Estate. I'll submit a better route in the future....
Hiking Historian
A good route along the canal and well-paved roads between two towns with ample parking, public transport and shopping. Access from Westway in Maghull to the canal, however, is not straightforward, nor good for access. Therefore I have suggested an alternative route for ease and for all users: MAGKIR Two....
Hiking Historian
An enjoyable walk, mostly along tarmac towpaths and well-paved roads. This route is fully accessible to all users, with no steps and ramps on kerbs. Good shops and bus transport links at either end (rail stations are nearby)....
Hiking Historian

Kirkby’s Slow Ways starting point
Grid ref
SJ4103798727
Lat / Lon
53.48196° / -2.88997°
Easting / Northing
341,037E / 398,727N
what3words
Facilities
Users have reported that the following facilities can be found within 1km of Kirkby's meeting point
Public toilet
Wheelchair accessible toilet
Supermarket
Restaurant
Accommodation
Accommodation < £50
Campsite
Bothy
Free wifi
Mobility scooter hire
Off-road wheelchair hire
Disabled Parking
Train station
Bus stop
Ferry
"Walkers are Welcome" town
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