Widnes to Speke | 10 mile run from Pickerings Pasture to Liverpool Airport

Today we’ve crossed the River Mersey at Runcorn (Toll Bridge) to Widnes on Merseyside and are starting from Pickerings Pasture at Halebank, Widnes towards Liverpool City Centre. Some great views of the Mersey, Runcorn, the Runcorn Widnes Silver Jubilee Bridge and across to Ellesmere Port and beyond to the Wirral Peninsula. Our route takes us through to the lovely village of Hale and into the park then through the woods and along the side of the Mersey Estuary towards Liverpool City Centre, not that you’d realise as its all off-road and out in the countryside. We run out as far as Liverpool John Lennon Airport and watch the planes take off before heading back. For those who would like a shorter circular route I’ve included a couple of circular options starting from Hale Park and of course while I did this as a 10 mile there and back again, you could make this a one way route heading to Speke Hall and then into Speke or on to Garston and catch the bus back to Hale or Halebank depending where you started. Some really gorgeous views and peaceful and quiet off the beaten track, this is well worth a visit to explore.

The Route

From Pickerings Pasture head down to the path on the edge of the River Mersey and turn right. Follow the path along the front and then through the woods and up the lane to Hale Gate Road / Town Lane and turn left. Follow the road into Hale Village. On the right hand bend go straight on into Hale Park. Head straight on through the middle of the park and at the far end turn right on the path into the woods. Follow the path until eventually you reach the River Mersey again. Turn right and follow the path along the side of the river. You will drop down some steps, take a minute to enjoy the view on the beach at the bottom and then head up the steps and continue along the edge of the Mersey. You will again drop down near the former Dungeon Salt Works, enjoy the view then turn right up the hill to Oglet Lane at the perimeter of Liverpool Airport and turn left. This looks to be a popular spot for plane spotters with a few pull in places. Continue down the lane and then take the path  on the left back to the edge of the Mersey. Continue following the path for a mile and watch the planes take off before turning around and retracing your steps. 

Note: If you continue a little further just beyond Liverpool Sailing Club there is a path on your right you can take this and turn right for Speke Hall and then on into Speke to catch the bus back. Or continue beyond the sailing club, this section of path ends just ahead at Garston where again you can catch a bus back to Hale or Halebank.

2.5 Mile Circular

Head straight on through the middle of the park and at the far end turn right on the path into the woods. Follow the path until eventually you reach the River Mersey again. Turn left and follow along the headland until you reach Lighthouse Road where you turn left. This becomes Church road passes the grave of John Middleton and St Mary’s Church before coming out by the Childe of Hale Pub by the entrance to the park.

3.25 Mile Circular

Head straight on through the middle of the park and at the far end turn right on the path into the woods. Follow the path until eventually you reach the River Mersey again. Turn left and follow along the headland. Continue straight on past Lighthouse road and continue until the path goes left inland away from the shore coming our on Within Way. Go straight on until you come out just after St Marys Church and turn right. Again you come out by the Childe of Hale Pub by the entrance to the park.