FANCY a walk?
Today is National Take A Walk In The Park Day aimed at celebrated small excursions and the differences they can make to our mental, physical and emotional health.
It was created by people wanting to reconnect with the wilder spaces in towns and cities and wanted to encourage local residents to explore the beauty of parks and open places.
According to a recent survey conducted by BetPack.com, Warrington has the second highest park space per 10 inhabitants in the country with 6.1m².
Milton Keynes came top with 15m² proving it is the best place to escape the urban jungle and enjoy some greenery.
If you want to take a walk today, where should you go?
Which parks and open spaces in Warrington would be good to enjoy some fresh air?
Here are 10 of the best parks to visit in Warrington:
Sankey Valley Park by Loren Tylar Dakin
Sankey Valley Park
Sankey Valley Park was a popular choice with one happy hiker suggesting starting near Dallam and walking towards Bewsey to take in the “beautiful meadows, ancient woods and picnic spots”.
Risley Moss by Sean Ansel Nolan
Risley Moss, near Birchwood
Risley Moss near Birchwood features in our top five with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the beauty of nature.
You can explore the pathways through woodlands and meadows with most footpaths accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
Walton Gardens by Sean Clemo
Walton Hall and Gardens, Walton
Walton Gardens is steeped in local history as the former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury.
Walk around the many footpaths and visit the children’s zoo or meander through the woodlands and orchards.
Lymm Dam by Frances Nesarajah
Lymm Dam
Lymm Dam is “a great place to go for a walk in any season” although it can get boggy during the winter months so wellies are a must.
According to one review on Tripadvisor, “Lymm Dam has tranquil scenery that make it a wonderful walk without too much gradient for the older person.
“It’s a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours.”
Moore Nature Reserve by Craig Webster
Moore Nature Reserve
Moore Nature Reserve is almost 200 acres of woodland, meadows, lakes and ponds and is home to diverse species of plants, animals, birds and other wildlife making it a popular destination in Warrington for a walk whatever the weather.
Centre Park, Warrington by Sean Ansel Nolan
Centre Park
This beautiful space looks good in any season with its mature trees and expanse of water.
It’s a hidden gem in the town centre that’s full of wildlife. See whether you can spot the koi carp, geese and herons.
Whitley Nature Reserve by Darren Brown
Whitley Nature Reserve
A quiet and peaceful walk which has a one-mile trail through woodlands around the lake.
Start and finish at Raddel Lane in Higher Whitley and keep an eye out for the wildlife and feathered friends.
Paddington Meadows by Karen Waldron
Paddington Meadows
This circular trail is an easy route – around 2.7km – which takes approximately half an hour.
It’s popular with runners and hikers as well as those hoping to spot some wildlife along the River Mersey.
Lapwings, sparrow hawks and kestrels have been spotted here recently and you might even see a seal in the water.
Orford Park by Tony Crawford
Orford Park
This is popular with families and people of all ages and there’s a two-mile route around the park that takes around half an hour.
Grappenhall Heys Walled Gardens by Tom McMillen
Grappenhall Heys Walled Gardens
The beautiful garden is divided into two sections – the pleasure garden and the kitchen garden.
Visitors can see the fish swimming in the pond and feed the ducks as well as take a stroll round the fruit trees and well-maintained flower beds.
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