Pennington Flash Walk
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Pennington Flash has something for everyone. It’s easy to walk, incredibly scenic and offers lots to see along the way, helping keep little ones entertained. The excellent café, fantastic play area and plentiful facilities make it ideal for catching up with other mums before or after the walk. It’s one of those places you can happily spend several hours exploring rather than just going for a walk.
Why We Love This Walk
“Our Pennington Flash walk has something for everyone, it is visually gorgeous with lots of birdlife, scenic canals and the Flash itself. There’s FREE PARKING 💪 and the walk is mostly flat and easy (with the exception of one incline).
The best bit is the incredible playground, complete with coffee and ice cream stop halfway, making it a walk that can grow with your family as children just love the playground!”
Walking Mum ‘ Rachael
Location
Pennington Flash Country Park, Leigh, Greater Manchester. This beautiful nature reserve is one of the largest country parks in the area, offering peaceful lakeside paths, woodland trails and fantastic wildlife.
Parking
WN7 4EZ takes you to the Marina itself the carparks are the other side of the crossing – there are 2 car parks, Plank Lane car park & The Marina car park one on either side of the road. Both are free!
Toilets
Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available next to The Hide Coffee House near the main car park. Please note toilets are at the midway point of the walk.
Café Nearby
The Hide Coffee House is located next to the visitor centre and serves hot and cold drinks, breakfasts, light lunches, cakes and ice cream. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to relax after the walk.
Pram Friendliness
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of our most pram-friendly walks. The main circular route follows wide, well-maintained paths that are suitable for all standard pushchairs, although a few short sections may become muddy after prolonged wet weather.
Accessibility
Most of the main paths are flat, wide with accessible facilities available on site.
Scenery
Expect stunning lake views, woodland, wildflower meadows and one of the best places in the region for spotting birds and wildlife. Keep an eye out for swans, ducks, geese, herons and, if you’re lucky, kingfishers.
Play Area
A large, modern adventure playground is located next to the café, making this a perfect walk if little ones still have plenty of energy afterwards.
Picnic Spot
There are plenty of picnic tables and benches overlooking the lake, as well as large grassy areas ideal for bringing a picnic on warmer days.
Distance
Approximately 3–4 miles depending on the route taken, usually taking around 60–90 minutes at Walking Mums pace.
Terrain
Mainly wide tarmac and compacted gravel paths with some optional woodland sections. The route is mostly flat with only gentle inclines.
Best Age Group
Suitable for all ages, from newborns in prams to toddlers and preschoolers. A fantastic choice for first-time Walking Mums members.
Route Description
Start at the Marina Car Park.
Join the canal path and follow it towards Pennington Flash.
Leave the canal path just before the lock gates monument and enter Pennington Flash Country Park.
Follow the main path through the park towards The Hide Coffee House.
Stop at the café for drinks, snacks and toilets.
Leave the café and follow the path back through Pennington Flash.
Rejoin the canal path. Follow the canal back to the Marina Car Park.
Potential Risks
While this is an easy, mostly flat walk, please be aware of the following:
- The canal and lake are open water, so children should be supervised at all times.
- Some paths may become muddy or slippery after wet weather.
- Cyclists and other path users may be using sections of the canal towpath.
- Uneven ground, tree roots and loose gravel may be present in places.
- Wildlife, including ducks, geese and swans, may be close to the paths.
- Weather conditions can change quickly, so please dress appropriately and wear suitable footwear.
- Please take extra care when crossing any roads or car parks during the walk.
- Steep section depending on route.
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