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Main Instructor:

Susan Spall

Hosted By:

Susan Spall

Walk Description:

 Please join us for a walk continuing our exploration of Priories and Abbeys for 2026.

Heading onto the Wirral for a look at Norton Priory and gardens.  Followed by Halton castle and village, as you can imagine the castle is on top of a hill. 

Lots of history in the village. We will start the 10km walk off by walking along the Bridgewater canal, it is a lovely stretch.  leaving the Bridgewater to walk to the Priory and then gardens.

There is a lovely cafe at the Priory, or we can have packed lunch here.

After the priory and gardens walk into halton vilage where i will show you original buildings before heading back to the start.

Train or Drive options. For more information on the priory  www.nortonpriory.org. As there is an admission cost. 

Bridgewater canal – constructed over 250 years ago, by the Duke of Bridgewater, some argument as to whether it's the first of second canal built. 39 miles from Runcorn to Leigh where it joins the Leeds and Liverpool canal. More information www.bridgewatercanal.co.uk 

Norton priory – remains of an Abbey dating from 12th to 16th centuries and an 18th century country house which is the museum. The abbey was founded as an Augustinian foundation and was raised to abbey status in 1391. Abbey was closed in 1536 as part of the dissolution of the monasteries. The surviving structures as well as a manor house was bought by Richard Brooke who built a Tudor house incorporating part of the abbey. 

Halton castle – on top of Halton Hill a sandstone prominence overlooking the village. The original building a motte and bailey castle began in 1071 was replaced with the current sandstone castle in the 13th century. Was the seat of the Barons of Halton from the 11th century until the 14th century, then passed to the Duchy of Lancaster.   

 

 

 

Walk speed guide:

Gentle stroll - Gear 1 - Nice pace that you can do for extended periods. 2-2.5mph (these generally are our Wellness walks)   Easy walk - Gear 2 - Faster pace gained through technique. Expect Gear 2 at times throughout the walk with occasional photo stops. 2.5mph (Most of our 1-hour Explorer walks)   Moderate walk - Gear 2/3 - Faster again using technique and with less recovery. Very little stopping. 2.5mph-3mph+ (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks)   Strenuous walk - gear 3/4  (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks).

You are asked to contact your WALX Guide by phone, leaving a voicemail or sending an sms text to the number listed below, if you are likely to be delayed as we do start classes promptly.

Whilst we do understand that sometimes it is not possible to make a class, please be aware that we do operate a no refund policy if you give us less than 2 hours’ notice.

All activities are undertaken at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any injuries or accidents incurred. We undertake to deliver all classes with qualified staff and have made every effort to risk assess all WALX. On occasions it is necessary to make dynamic risk assessment decisions when there is a localised incident such as trees fallen en route, flooding, traffic changes, etc.

Please ensure your PARQ is up to date and notify us in writing if you have any change to your medical records, or physical or mental wellbeing. This should include any surgery, falls, knocks, or accidents. Thank you.

Contact details (only contact to notify if late or cancelling)

Matt 07530 813225

 

Location Notes:

railway parking W3W///extensive.energetic.pulled