Walton, Appleton & Bellefields Brew Circular Walk 

This lovely 3-mile circular walk starts at Walton Hall & Gardens before heading out into the countryside around Appleton Reservoir and on towards Bellefields Brew.

You’ll get a really nice mixture of parkland, countryside, quiet country lanes, reservoir views and woodland paths, making this a walk with plenty of variety.

Halfway around the route there is a coffee stop at Bellefields Brew (Weekends and Bank Holidays only) for a well-earned coffee, cake, lunch or simply a chance to sit down.

The route is pram friendly, although there are a few hills and some sections of country lane without pavements, so it’s important to keep children close and be aware of traffic.

One of our favourite parts of the route is the section through Fox Covert Cemetery, which gives you a much quieter and more pleasant alternative to walking along the road. On a clear day, you’ll also get some lovely views across Warrington from the cemetery.

It’s a great walk if you want a little bit more than a park loop, but don’t fancy a full-on hike.

Route Description

Start near the entrance to Walton Hall & Gardens on Walton Lea Road.

Continue along Walton Lea Road towards Hough’s Lane. If you’re facing the Gardens from the car park, Hough’s Lane is to your left.

Turn right onto Hough’s Lane, crossing over the humpback bridge.

Continue straight along Hough’s Lane, following the road uphill through the countryside towards Appleton Reservoir.

⚠️ This is a quiet country road with sections without a pavement, so please keep together and be vigilant for passing vehicles.

At Appleton Reservoir, turn left onto Park Lane.

Follow Park Lane where the route leads onto Firs Lane.

Continue along Firs Lane until you reach Bellefields Brew.

Café stop! Take some time to enjoy a coffee, cake, lunch or a well-earned rest before continuing the walk.

Leave Bellefields Brew and continue along Firs Lane, heading towards Fox Covert Cemetery.

Enter the cemetery through the arch and look out for the path on your left.

Take this path and walk through Fox Covert Cemetery, rather than continuing along the road.

Follow the path through the cemetery, continuing through the grounds until you reach the exit gate onto Red Lane.

Very occasionally the main gate may be closed. If this happens, don’t worry — there is an additional exit if you follow the path around the front of the Church Building.

Take a moment to enjoy the views from Fox Covert, particularly on a clear day.

Exit the cemetery onto Red Lane and turn left.

At the end of Red Lane, turn left onto Whitefield Road.

Follow Whitefield Road as it becomes Walton Lea Road.

Continue along Walton Lea Road, passing the canal as you make your way back towards Walton Hall & Gardens.

And that’s the loop complete!

Potential Risks

• Country lanes: Hough’s Lane, Park Lane and Firs Lane have sections without pavements. Please keep together, stay alert and keep children close.
• Traffic: Although these are generally quieter country roads, vehicles can still pass at speed. Take extra care and follow the group’s guidance.
• Road crossings: There are several points where the route joins or crosses roads.
• Uneven ground: Some sections are gravelly, uneven or bumpy.
• Hills: There are a few uphill and downhill sections which can be more challenging with a pram.
• Prams: Although the route is pram friendly, a pram with decent wheels is recommended for the gravelly and uneven sections.
• Cemetery: Please be respectful when walking through Fox Covert Cemetery.
• Dogs: Dogs should be kept under control and on leads where appropriate, particularly when walking through the cemetery.
• Mud: Some paths may become muddy and slippery following wet weather.
• Canal: The final section of the route passes close to the canal, so children should be supervised carefully.
• Weather: Conditions can change quickly, so suitable clothing and footwear are recommended.
• Please supervise children at all times

Please note: Walking Mums regularly reviews and updates our walk guides, but conditions can change. If you spot an error or something that needs updating, please email hello@walkingmums.com. Please also consider any specific risks for your family and the conditions on the day.