A ferry nice walk across the Mersey (From Lancashire Telegraph)

A ferry nice walk across the Mersey

3:23pm Tuesday 17th August 2010

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I have long been interested in discovering the locations of the old ferries across Lancashire rivers in the days before bridges were built.

And one of my favourite strolls is around the old Thelwall ferry situated not far from the busy M6 with its now famous viaduct.

1. At the gate of Paddington Bank find an obvious track leading to the Mersey and turn upstream along the Mersey Way. The path loops around a sweeping meander.

2. Look here for the old channel of the now closed Black Bear Canal which was named after the pub of the same name. The eight-mile line of the old canal passes through the delightful Black Bear Country Park, set up by Warrington Council in 1981.

3. Leaving behind the old workings it is possible to see that this was once rich agricultural land but the effects of industry are also in evidence.

The Grey Mist pond for example was once a vital supply for several factories and is now a popular haunt of anglers and naturalists.

4. After Grey Mist turn right to pass the two Woolston wiers which have for many years controlled the flow of the River Mersey.

5. Follow the obvious route towards the village of Thelwall and look out to see the viaduct on the M6 which passes over the Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal.

6. When the ship canal was evacuated in the 1890’s huge masses of earth were piled up and the flattened tops of these have now grassed over and overlook the marshy area known as Thelwall Eyes which are very popular with bird watchers.

Near the largest of the Eyes cross the river via a sturdy little bridge and descend to the ship canal.

Turn right and make sure you do not miss the Thelwall Ferry. In ancient times the ferry crossed the Mersey but it now provides a link between the ship canal and Thelwall village.

7. The ferry was used in Anglo-Saxon times when Thelwall was an important little town.

The name Thelwall means pool by a plank bridge and derives from the old English.

The ferry is a rowing boat and operates daily except on Sundays. It is worth taking the extra time by enjoying a return trip.

8. Return from the ferry and follow the track alongside the ship canal on the left.

Continue onwards to Latchford Locks. Just beyond the locals go up to the busy A50 road a complete contrast to the peace of Thelwall.

9. Approach a bridge and look for the Black Bear Country Park to the left. 10. Cross Black Bear bridge to reach the starting point.

Getting there: My walk begins at Paddington Bank and is reached along the A57 and close to the junction of the A50 where there is street parking.

Distance: 4 ½ miles.

Time: Allow around 3 hours